The cost of a wedding photographer in Los Angeles can vary a lot because many things affect the price. It depends on the photographer, the location of your wedding, their experience, the equipment they use, how long they’ll be there, and what’s included in the package. Some photographers also offer a second photographer, which can provide extra coverage and capture more moments from different angles, but this may increase the cost.
Every couple is different, and some choose to customize their packages by adding or removing services, which can change the price. But don’t worry! Here, I’ll go over the basic costs, what’s usually included, and the price range so you can easily understand what matters most and find the perfect photographer for your big day!
Fine Art Wedding Photographer \ NZ WEDDING STUDIO
Average Cost of Wedding Photographers
in Los Angeles
Low-end: $1,000 – $2,500
Mid-range: $2,500 – $5,000
High-end: $5,000 – $10,000+
Luxury (Celebrity/High-profile photographers): $10,000 – $20,000+
Factors That Affect Wedding Photography Prices
In my opinion, this is the most important factor when choosing your wedding photographer, and it has a big impact on the price of your wedding photography package.
A photographer’s experience is directly connected to the quality of their work and the final product. An experienced photographer doesn’t just take beautiful wedding photos—they know how to anticipate key moments, work efficiently with a fast-paced wedding timeline, and find the best angles without disrupting the flow of the day. Most importantly, they remain invisible, capturing every moment without interfering or adding stress to the couple.
When you invest in an experienced photographer, you’re not just paying for pictures—you’re paying for peace of mind, knowing your wedding memories are in expert hands.
2. Hourly Wedding Coverage
The length of your wedding day plays a big role in determining your photography coverage and, ultimately, the overall cost of your wedding photography package. The average wedding typically lasts around 8 hours, but every couple has a unique vision for their day. That’s why it’s essential to communicate with your photographer—so they can understand your plans and help you make the right decision for your coverage needs.
HOW MANY HOURS SHOULD YOU BOOK?
The number of hours you book depends on your wedding traditions, priorities, and how much of the day you want to be captured. For example, Indian weddings are known for their multi-day celebrations, often requiring 20+ hours of coverage spread over three days.
On the other hand, some couples prefer to book only for the reception. If you’re skipping a formal ceremony, getting-ready photos, and portraits, you may only need coverage for the dinner and dancing. In this case, consider the number of guests attending—larger weddings may require more time to ensure all key moments are captured.
To avoid any confusion, a consultation with your wedding photographer is the best way to determine the right amount of coverage based on your wedding timeline and vision.
3. Number of Photographers
When booking a wedding photographer, one important decision is how many photographers you need. Some weddings can be covered by one photographer, while others benefit from having a second photographer for more angles and moments. The right choice depends on your wedding size, schedule, and how much coverage you want.
SINGLE PHOTOGRAPHER: A BUDGET - FRIENDLY CHOICE
For most weddings, hiring one photographer is the standard and most affordable option. If you’re looking to save money while still getting beautiful photos, this is a great choice.
A single photographer can cover all the key moments, including the ceremony, portraits, and reception highlights. This works best for smaller weddings with fewer guests, a single location, and shorter coverage.
However, if you have a large wedding, multiple locations, or want more candid moments, you might consider adding a second photographer.
The cost of a single photographer usually ranges from $1,500 to $4,500, depending on experience and location. To stay within budget, you can book fewer hours, prioritize key moments, or ask about part-time second photographer options.
For many couples, one photographer is enough, but if you want extra coverage, a second photographer may be worth considering!
SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER: HIGHER COST, BETTER COVERAGE, MORE MEMORIES
Hiring a second photographer is one of the smartest ways to get more coverage on your wedding day. While it does increase the cost, it helps capture more moments, making sure no important memories are missed.
How Much Does a Second Photographer Cost?
The cost of adding a second photographer varies based on the wedding studio, location, and number of hours they will be there. Typically, you can expect to pay between $500 to $1,500 for a second photographer.
Some wedding photography packages already include a second photographer, while others let you add one as an option. When checking your wedding photography package, make sure to ask:
- Is a second photographer included?
- How many hours will they be there?
- Can you add one if needed?
Why a Second Photographer is Important?
A lot happens at a wedding, and often at the same time. For example, during the ceremony, the main photographer is focused on the bride walking down the aisle. But what about the groom’s reaction? The happy tears from family members? The emotions of the bridal party?
With a second photographer, you can get:
• More angles and different perspectives
• Candid moments that might otherwise be missed
• Better coverage for large weddings
• Photos of both the bride and groom getting ready if they are in separate locations
Having a second photographer ensures that all those little, emotional moments are captured so you can look back on them forever.
When Should You Consider a Second Photographer?
A second photographer is especially useful if:
• Your wedding is longer than 8 hours
• You have more than 100 guests
• Your ceremony and reception are at different locations
• You want as many moments as possible captured
A second photographer gives you peace of mind, knowing more moments and emotions will be captured. If you’re unsure whether you need one, we would be more than happy to help you to decide if it’s the right choice for your wedding size and schedule.
4. Editing & Delivery
Every photographer has their own editing style, so before you hire one, it’s important to check their portfolio. This way, you can make sure their style matches what you like.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN EDITING?
Editing is always included in wedding photography packages. This means that every photo you receive will have basic adjustments to improve its overall look. These adjustments include brightness, contrast, white balance, sharpness, and clarity to make sure your photos look polished and natural.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN EDITING?
Editing does not include advanced retouching like skin smoothing, body reshaping, or removing objects from photos. Let’s call it “fashion retouching”—this type of detailed editing is an extra service and is not included in standard wedding packages.
If you want advanced retouching, it comes at an additional cost, which depends on the amount of work needed. It’s best to discuss your expectations with your photographer before they deliver your photos to avoid extra editing requests later and extra additional price.
HOW LONG DOES EDITING TAKE?
The delivery time for wedding photos is usually between 8 to 12 weeks, depending on how busy the photographer is during the season. If you need your photos sooner, most photographers offer a rush delivery option for an additional fee.
If you have any special requests, it’s always a good idea to talk to your photographer early so everything is clear before they start editing your images, especially during the busy season!
5. Engagement Shoots
When checking wedding photography prices in Los Angeles, one important thing to look at is whether an engagement session is included in the package.
Some photographers offer a one-hour engagement session as part of their package, while others charge separately for it.
If it’s not included, expect to pay between $300 to $700 for an engagement session, which can increase your overall photography cost.
Having an engagement session before your wedding is a great idea! It gives you a chance to work with your photographer, see how they shoot, and make sure you feel comfortable before your big day. Plus, engagement photos are perfect for save-the-date cards, wedding invitations, or even decorations at your reception.
Before booking your photographer, make sure to ask whether an engagement session is included or if it’s something you’ll need to add separately!
6. Albums & Prints
Albums and prints are usually sold separately from wedding photography packages. Most wedding photographers outsource printing to a third-party company, which means you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
Albums can be expensive, and their price depends on the quality, materials, and size. The type of cover you choose affects the cost—options include leather with patterns, hardcover with linen, or even acrylic covers. The paper quality for both albums and prints also impacts the price, with higher-end materials costing more.
Additionally, the size of the album or print can make a big difference—larger albums and prints cost more due to the extra materials and printing quality required.
Most photographers offer different album options and will explain the pros and cons of each. Understanding these differences is important because the quality of materials can affect how long your album lasts over time. If you’re considering an album, be sure to discuss the options with your photographer to find the best fit for your budget and style!
At NZ WEDDING STUDIO, we take pride in handling our own printing. We have a professional fine art printer EPSON SureColro P9000 (44 inches wide), which means we print and produce all of our products in-house. This allows us to ensure the highest quality for every print, so you receive the best possible final product.
7. Destination Wedding
One important detail that can increase the price of wedding photography is having a destination wedding. If you’re hiring a photographer who is not local, the cost of flights, accommodation, and travel expenses can significantly raise the price of your wedding package.
The total cost depends on the distance, travel fees, and other expenses, so prices are determined case by case. If you’re planning a destination wedding, it’s best to contact your chosen photographer directly. Share as much information as possible about your location, wedding schedule, and any travel arrangements so they can give you a clear idea of the costs.
WAYS TO SAVE ON WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
If you’re looking to save money on wedding photography, here are some simple ways to keep costs down while still getting great photos:
Book During Off-Season (January – March) – Wedding photographers are often less busy during these months, so you may find better rates or special offers.
Avoid Last-Minute Bookings – Photographers charge more for late bookings, especially during peak wedding season. Booking early ensures better pricing and availability.
Consider More Hours in a Package – Sometimes, booking a longer package can lead to price negotiations, as photographers may offer better deals for full-day coverage.
Decide Between One or Two Photographers – If you’re on a budget, choosing one photographer instead of two can save money, especially for smaller weddings.
Planning ahead and discussing your needs with your photographer can help you find the best price without sacrificing quality!
Conclusion: Why is Wedding Photography So Expensive?
Many people think that a wedding photographer just shows up on the wedding day, takes pictures, and that’s it. But the reality is very different. What most clients don’t see is everything that happens behind the scenes. To help you understand why wedding photography costs what it does, let’s go through some key parts of the process.
WHAT MAKES PHOTOGRAPHY EXPENSIVE?
1. Skills and Experience
A photographer doesn’t just take photos—they need to master many skills to attract and book clients. They must be good at marketing, editing, client communication, planning, and adapting to different locations. This takes years of experience and constant learning.
2. Investment in Equipment and Software
Photographers invest heavily in:
- Cameras, lenses, lighting, and backups to ensure the best quality and reliability.
- Software subscriptions like Photoshop, Lightroom, and online gallery hosting.
- Website maintenance, SEO, and social media ads to stay visible online and reach potential clients.
3. Time Spent on Editing and Planning
The time spent editing after a wedding is often much longer than the time spent taking photos. Editing each image for quality, color balance, and consistency is a time-consuming process.
Photographers also spend hours planning the wedding day, scouting locations, and discussing details with the couple to ensure everything runs smoothly.
4. Marketing is a Huge Part of the Job
Believe it or not, wedding photography is 90% marketing and 10% photography. Finding new clients requires months (or even years) of work before a photographer becomes fully booked. The time spent building a reputation, advertising, and maintaining an online presence is much greater than the time actually spent photographing weddings.
Final Thoughts
Wedding photography is not just about showing up and taking pictures—it involves years of skill-building, constant investment, and countless hours of behind-the-scenes work. From marketing and planning to editing and communication, every step is focused on delivering the best experience and capturing your most precious moments.
This is why professional wedding photography comes at a higher price, but also why it’s one of the most valuable investments for your big day.
