I recently saw a post that described photography as an act of fear. The more I pondered it, the more I realised how right it was.
We take photographs to help us remember, because we know all good things change with time, including our memories. Photographs give us something tangible to return to, bringing back the people, feelings and little details that might otherwise become a blur.
So yes, wedding photography can be a big-ticket item when planning a wedding. But let me ask you this: what price can you put on preserving those memories? That's what I'm hoping to help you work out today.
First, it's important to recognise that wedding photography is a service. You're paying for the person behind the camera, including their time, knowledge, experience and expertise, both in photography and in managing a wedding day.
All of these things vary from photographer to photographer, which is why prices can differ so dramatically. I've seen established photographers charge several thousand pounds, while those just starting out may charge a few hundred. Neither end of the spectrum is automatically better, but there can be differences in experience, service and what's included.
So, how do you choose?
Start by finding photographs you love, images that speak to you and reflect the atmosphere you're hoping to create. Then, get to know the photographer and their approach. This is so important! You'll spend a significant part of your wedding day with your photographer, so finding someone you connect with can make all the difference.
What affects the price of wedding photography?
Hours of coverage
There's a reason photographers offer different coverage options: no two weddings are the same.
Some couples want their entire day documented, from getting ready through to the dance floor, creating a complete collection of memories to revisit. Others are more interested in the ceremony and a few photographs afterwards.
Shorter coverage can work beautifully for intimate weddings, registry office ceremonies and smaller celebrations. It's about choosing the coverage that suits your plans, rather than paying for hours you don't need.
Experience and consistency
Experience isn't just about how long someone has owned a camera. It's about knowing how to work in difficult lighting, anticipating moments before they happen, managing timings and adapting when plans change.
Look beyond a photographer's favourite Instagram images and ask to see a full wedding gallery. This gives you a much better idea of how consistently they photograph an entire day, from bright outdoor portraits to darker ceremony rooms and evening receptions.
Editing and your final gallery
Your photographs aren't finished when the coverage ends. A lot of work goes into selecting and editing the images that make up your final gallery, ensuring it tells the story of your day.
As a rough guide, you might see photographers offering around 30–50 images per hour, although this varies considerably. Some deliver more, depending on their approach and what they choose to include.
For example, a gallery might contain several similar images or versions of the same photograph in both colour and black and white. Neither approach is necessarily wrong, but it's worth looking at the overall quality and variety rather than judging a package by the image count alone.
Additional extras
Your package price might not stop at the coverage itself. Some photographers offer extras to personalise your experience or preserve your memories in different ways.
This could include film photography for a nostalgic feel, a second photographer for those extra angles, or a printed album to enjoy for years to come.
These extras aren't essential for everyone, so think about which ones genuinely matter to you.
How much wedding photography coverage do you need?
Two hours can work beautifully for an intimate ceremony, registry office wedding or small celebration, allowing time for the ceremony, group photographs and portraits afterwards.
Four hours gives you more flexibility to capture the ceremony, portraits and part of your reception, or some of the getting-ready preparations.
Full-day coverage allows you to tell a more complete story, from the excitement of getting ready to the speeches, first dance and celebrations on the dance floor.
Think about which moments matter most to you and plan your coverage around them. If you're unsure, my guide: what to expect from your wedding photography, walks you through how a typical wedding day unfolds.
What's included in a wedding photography package?
When comparing photographers, look at what's included rather than focusing on the price alone.
Consider the hours of coverage, how your edited images will be delivered, whether planning support is included, and whether travel or additional services cost extra.
It's also worth checking the contract, payment terms and how long you'll have access to your gallery. Knowing exactly what you're getting makes it much easier to compare packages fairly.
Should you choose the cheapest wedding photographer?
There's nothing wrong with working to a budget, but I'd encourage you to look beyond the price.
Ask to see complete wedding galleries rather than just Instagram highlights. Consider how the photographer handles different lighting, captures natural interactions and photographs the quieter moments alongside the big ones.
Personality matters, too. Your photographer will be around for some of the most personal moments of your day, so you want someone whose approach makes you feel comfortable.
Ultimately, the aim is to find someone whose work you love, whose style suits your plans and whose photographs you'll be excited to look back on for years to come.
My Yorkshire wedding photography prices
My packages offer different levels of coverage depending on the kind of wedding you're planning.
- 2 hours — £400
- 4 hours — £700
- Full day, up to 10 hours — £1,100
My approach combines natural moments with an editorial eye for those more considered portraits, creating timeless photographs without turning your wedding day into one long photoshoot.
Whether you're planning an intimate ceremony or a full day of celebrations, my aim is to capture the people, moments and atmosphere that make your wedding unmistakably yours.
If you're unsure which package would suit your plans, I'm always happy to chat through your timings and help you decide.
Final thoughts
There's no single right amount to spend on wedding photography. The best choice is one that works for your budget while giving you confidence in the person capturing your day.
Take your time, look through full galleries and choose a photographer whose work makes you feel something.
The right suppliers won't just help your day run smoothly; they'll help you feel relaxed enough to enjoy it, too.
If you're planning a wedding in Yorkshire and looking for relaxed, timeless photography with a modern editorial feel, I'd love to hear about your plans
