Published on May 5th, 2018
If you are looking for a wedding photographer, chances are you are well on your way into planning your wedding. Budgets should already be established, however sometimes it is hard to decide what kind of budget you may need for a wedding photographer.
If you live in a large, metropolitan city such as Houston or New York City, you may have to budget more than someone who lives in a rural or suburban setting. Sometimes, it can even be worthwhile to find a photographer from out of town who may have lower prices than the ones in your area.
Packages can be a complicated thing, too. But don’t worry, this article is designed to help you with what kind of packages photographers will offer and what a good starting rate may be. Keep in mind that these prices are not applicable to all areas and may be higher or lower depending on where you live.
Basic Packages – Usually Start Around $1500
Basic photography packages will usually get you a photographer for four to six hours and will cover the ceremony and some of the reception. This allows you to have photos of your reception, some wedding party in between your time between the ceremony and reception, and then some photos of people and events at the reception.
Depending on when your cake cutting, bouquet and garter tosses are, you may have to pay additional to have your photographer stay later. These packages usually come with an online gallery of photos or USB sticks filled with photos that are given to you for yourself and both parents.
Some photographers may include some photo printing with this as well, and it may be your choice of a framed photo for you to hang on the wall, or a photo album. A basic package is usually the best choice for budget-conscious couples.
Intermediate Packages – Usually Start Around $2500 to $3000
These packages will usually give you a photographer for about eight hours. According to Pixel Studio Productions, the leading wedding photographer from Houston TX, this generally covers the bride getting ready with her bridesmaids at their home or hotel, the ceremony, wedding portraits and some of the reception.
Some couples opt to have first look photos instead of photos of the bride and bridesmaids getting ready. First look photos are taken when the bride and groom see one another for the first time before the wedding.
This trend is becoming increasingly popular and many photographers also offer this as an add on to any package as well. Packages like this usually include an online gallery or USB drives, as well as several print options.
The print option may include a framed 11×20 or larger photo of the bride and groom, as well as photo albums for both parents. This package is perfect for the couple that wants to have their day well documented but still want to stay within a comfortable price range.
You May Also Like 3 Reasons Why You Should Hire A Professional Wedding Photographer
Premium Packages – Usually $3000+
Premium packages are always the best that wedding photographers offer. Their coverage of your wedding day can range from eight to twelve hours and will capture everything including the bride and groom getting ready, first look (if applicable), the ceremony, wedding portraits and the entire reception.
Having the entire reception covered is important for some couples as they may have planned a send off that they would like the photographer to cover. These types of packages almost always include a second photographer in order to have photos of both the bride and groom getting ready at their respective locations.
This also provides a unique ‘second perspective’ on all photos as well, as both photographers do not always capture the exact same thing. As reported by Top10weddingvendors.com, with this type of package you are likely to receive an online gallery or USB keys, framed photos for you and both sets of parents, as well as albums or other printed materials.
Your photographer may also design thank you cards for you to send to everyone who attended; this just depends on the photographer. This kind of package is perfect for the couple who want every aspect of their wedding covered and have the budget to allow it.
