Not too long ago, a friend asked me why wedding photography is so expensive. It’s a valid question — especially if you’ve never hired a photographer before or if you’re used to seeing prices in the $1,500 to $2,000 range.
So let’s talk about it — honestly, transparently, and without the fluff.
First, what even is expensive?
In my world — and I work within the luxury wedding space —wedding photographers start $10,000. In high-end markets, that number can quickly rise. A “standard” luxury photographer might charge $15,000 to $25,000. And yes, I’ve personally worked with clients who have invested $30,000, even $60,000+ on their wedding photography team.
Sound shocking? It shouldn’t. Because once you understand what you’re paying for, it starts to make a whole lot of sense.
Here’s what that number actually covers:
📸 Professional Equipment
You’re not just paying for someone with a camera — you’re paying for someone with the best camera gear. The latest camera bodies, professional-grade lenses, film gear if they’re a hybrid or film-only photographer, lighting equipment, backup gear — it all adds up. And trust me, you want your photographer to be fully prepared, no matter the lighting, venue, or timeline chaos.
🎞️ If They Shoot Film, That’s an Investment Too
Film photography is stunning, timeless, and expensive. Each roll costs money to purchase, process, and scan. Many film photographers have an assistant solely to help with film handling — switching rolls, loading gear, managing light meters. It’s an art and a science, and it doesn’t come cheap.
👯♀️ Second Shooters & Assistants
You know those dreamy, cinematic angles you love? The groom’s tear as he sees the bride, the parents’ reactions, the overhead drone shot, the perfect moment of you walking down the aisle and your partner’s face? That requires a team. Most top photographers bring a second shooter or an assistant to cover multiple vantage points and ensure nothing is missed.
🧠 Years of Experience
When you hire a true professional, you’re not just paying for the hours they’re with you on your wedding day — you’re paying for years of experience. A refined eye. A honed style. A deep understanding of lighting, composition, pressure, timelines, and problem-solving.
You’re hiring someone who can think three steps ahead, adapt in real-time, and deliver work that doesn’t just document your wedding — it elevates it.
🛡️ Insurance & Business Overhead
Want to get married at a luxury venue? Great — they’ll likely require all vendors to carry liability insurance. Your photographer’s got that (or should). There’s also taxes, GST, multiple types of software to cull, edit, deliver your photos, organise your prints and albums through suppliers etc etc, client management tools, editing gear, travel costs, emergency associate shooters, and multiple backup systems to keep your memories safe. And that’s not even everything…
🖥️ Post-Production Time
You might receive 600–1,000+ images in your wedding gallery. Every single one is hand-edited, colour corrected, and reviewed. That culling and editing process can take 25+ hours and over 8-12 weeks of work per wedding after shooting the day, after the months or years of prep before the wedding. It’s not a simple shoot the day and drag-and-drop filter — it’s a thoughtful, intentional process that ensures consistency and beauty throughout your entire collection.
🧠 Backup & Safeguarding Your Memories
We’ve all heard horror stories. Lost memory cards. Corrupted files. It doesn’t happen when you hire a pro who backs up images in multiple locations, handles files with extreme care, and uses reliable workflows that prioritise your peace of mind.
So… Is It Worth It?
If you value having your memories preserved with care, if you want timeless imagery that reflects the energy and emotion of your wedding weekend, and if you want to work with someone who knows how to handle the gravity of that responsibility — then yes, it’s worth it.
Photography is one of the few wedding investments that lasts. The cake gets eaten. The flowers wilt. But your images? They only grow more valuable with time.
So the next time someone asks, “Why is wedding photography so expensive?” — share this with them.
Because ultimately, you’re not just paying for photos. You’re investing in legacy. And if you’re paying $1,500-$2,000 for a wedding photographer – then you are risking your memories. “The poor man pays twice.” is said for a reason. People are cheap for a reason, theres a red flag there and its only you that suffers because of it. Invest wisely. You only get this one day to ensure your memories are captured and protected perfectly.
If you’re ready to invest in a photography experience that honours your story, I’d love to hear from you. Enquire here
