Congrats, you’re engaged! Now comes the fun (and slightly stressful) part of planning the wedding. And one of the biggest parts of planning is budgeting for and hiring a wedding photographer to capture every beautiful and chaotic moment of the day.
As a wedding photographer based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, going on 16 years in the industry, I hear one question over and over again: How much is the average cost of a photographer for our wedding? In this blog, I’m going to lay it all out for you: the cost of wedding photos, what’s included in that price, and answer a few FAQs to clear up any confusion at the end. Keep reading if you’re planning a wedding and want to know how much to set aside for a wedding photographer!
How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost in Chattanooga?
In Chattanooga, TN, and nationwide, the average cost of a wedding photographer is $3,000 to $13,000+, depending on experience level, equipment, and depth of service. For a wedding photographer with less than 2 years of experience, the price will likely be on the lower end of that range. But for a photographer who has shot hundreds of weddings and has over a decade of experience, you will most likely pay at least $6,000 and beyond for the full experience.
As a Chattanooga-based wedding photographer, my pricing ranges from $6,000 to $13,000+ for weddings and $3,000 to $4,000+ for elopements. With over 15 years of experience and 300+ weddings shot in my career, this price reflects my expertise and premium experience with storytelling at the heart of every photo.
Read my wedding photography investment guide for more information on pricing.
What’s Included in the Final Wedding Photographer Cost
Even though you receive a gallery of photos after your wedding, there’s so much more that goes into it from a wedding photographer’s perspective. Here are the often hidden elements you’re paying for when you hire a wedding photographer:
Travel or location
Whether you’re eloping to a mountain town in Tennessee or having a micro wedding in your parents’ backyard, it requires the wedding photographer to pay for flights or gas to get there and accommodation. Depending on the photographer, they may or may not have set travel fees. For my clients, I don’t charge a travel fee and only require you to pay for the bare minimum (flight, transportation, and stay); I cover the rest. I’m even open to staying with your family or sharing an Airbnb to save you money.
Coverage hours
Wedding photography often requires photographers to be hands-on for at least 6 hours, but more likely it’s 8–11 hours. They’re running around getting photos of the moments you don’t see, but you’ll want captured for the rest of your life. Some photographers, like myself, even offer night-before coverage, full-weekend wedding coverage, and engagement photos, helping you relive every moment of the most special time of your life.
Number of photographers
One photographer can’t be in a million places at once (trust me, I’ve tried). But, they can hire someone to come along with them who will get the angles and moments they can’t during the wedding. Paying for a second photographer ensures your wedding photos include both candid and curated moments and will affect the final cost.
Experience level
A photographer who’s been in the game for 10+ years is going to charge a different rate than someone who’s brand new, and you can tell the difference when the photos are delivered. Wedding photographers with experience know the angles to shoot at, how to find where the light hits right, and feel comfortable helping you and your wedding party pose for photos you won’t cringe at. The final cost of wedding photos reflects the years of experience the photographer carries, and it’s felt in how easy it is to work with them.
Editing
The behind-the-scenes work of a wedding photographer is time-consuming and 100% worth it. Each wedding photographer has their own style, and it’s often reflected in how they edit their photos. Some photographers are more natural and cinematic, while others value dramatic, high-contrast photos. When hiring a wedding photographer, you’ll find one whose style you love and pay for access to their unique type of photo editing.
Extras
Wedding photographers often offer fun add-ons like film photography, rehearsal dinner coverage, engagement photo shoots, and more, which increase the price and make the investment 10x more special for the couple.
So, you see, it’s so much more than taking the photos and sending them your way. Paying for a wedding photographer is investing in the entire experience itself. And for many couples, the price is more than worth it for the memories forever captured in the images they receive.
What You’re Really Getting for the Cost of Wedding Photos: 5 Things You Can’t Put a Price Tag On
Beyond the technicalities of what goes into the price of hiring a wedding photographer, it’s also about what you receive during the big day and after it’s passed.
Curated, Naturally Edited Photos
You know, when you get dressed up, go out for drinks with the girls, take really cute photos, and ask them to send them to you afterward—only to get back a camera roll where your eyes are closed in 8 out of the 10 photos and the other 2 have you posing awkwardly?
Well, fortunately, photographers are trained to a) tell you how to pose so you get your best angles and natural-looking photos, and b) only send you the photos where you look your best. So when you get back a gallery of over 500+ images from your day, there isn’t a single one where you’re thinking, “Oh god, why did they send me that?” Instead, you’re scrolling through the gallery thinking, Damn, I look good! How am I supposed to choose my favorite? Yeah, you can’t put a price on that.
Full-Day Shooting
The average cost of a photographer for your wedding includes paying them to capture moments that might otherwise go unnoticed during the day. Nieces and nephews running down the hallway while you and your partner get ready. The wedding guests bonding over a game of cornhole during cocktail hour. The bride or groom having their moment with their dad, who’s been imagining this day for years. Those are the priceless memories you’re paying for to be captured on the big day.
Photos That Catch the Emotional & Relational Moments During the Day
Wedding photos aren’t just meant to look pretty—you’re meant to feel something when you see them. You’re meant to remember the magical connection between you and your partner when you see the two of you say “I do.” You’re meant to feel the overwhelming love from your guests in the photos of them crying during reception speeches. Every photo is like a time capsule of emotion that can be opened years down the road and bring you back in an instant to how it felt.
A Photographer Who Keeps Lighting, Composition, and Color in Mind
You know the saying, “You get what you pay for”? Well, it especially rings true for the cost of a wedding photographer. Experienced photographers often require a larger investment, but every photo shows off their talent and expertise. They know exactly how to work with the light, find the best angles, make you feel comfortable in front of the camera, and capture all the little moments you didn’t even realize were happening.
And while there’s nothing wrong with finding a photographer who fits your budget, there’s a reason experienced photographers come with a higher price. It’s not just about owning a nice camera—it’s about knowing exactly what to do with it when the lighting changes, the timeline gets chaotic, or your partner suddenly forgets how to pose.
A Shoulder to Lean On Throughout the Biggest Day of Your Life
The best wedding photographers aren’t just there to take photos—they are there to be your cheerleader on one of the biggest days of your life. I’ve had the honor of being in the beautiful mix of hundreds of wedding days, and it’s been a joy every time. I love the mess, the nerves, the deep belly laughs, the tears, and the nostalgic toasts. I even love being a resource to you as a couple and helping make your wedding day schedule run smoothly. It’s all a part of my job, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Paying for a wedding photographer means paying for a steady, calm presence on a day that can be both chaotic and heartfelt.
Wedding Photographer Cost: FAQs
How long does it take to get wedding photos back from the photographer?
It usually takes 6–12 weeks to receive a fully edited wedding photo gallery. This can be longer if you’re getting more images or add-ons like film, night-before coverage, and engagement photos. Wedding photographers often send a “sneak peek” of about 10–30 images from the wedding within a few days to a week.
How many photos do you normally get for a wedding?
For a standard 8-hour wedding, you can usually expect to receive 400–800 images. However, it depends on the photographer and how long you paid them to be there. For my wedding photography packages, I usually provide couples with a gallery of 700–1,000+ images, ensuring every moment and angle from the day is captured. For elopements, the number of images I give clients ranges from 200 to 400+, since they’re on a much smaller scale.
How many hours do you need a photographer at your wedding?
I would recommend at the very least 7 hours for a normal wedding. For an elopement, I’d recommend 2–4 hours of wedding coverage. My typical wedding photography packages range from 7–11 hours of coverage with options of night-before photos, full weekends, and more. Paying for at least 7 hours of coverage lets you avoid rushing during the day and ensures the photographer is there to capture every moment of the wedding, from getting ready to the after-party.
Hire a Wedding Photographer That Makes You Forget About the Cost Entirely
So, if you’ve learned anything from this blog, it’s that wedding photography is an investment—but it’s well worth the cost for photos that capture your love story and let you relive the feeling of the day over and over again. It’s especially worth the price if you hire a wedding photographer who’s experienced and delivers photos that make your jaw drop.
And I’ve got good news: I’m that photographer for you! Based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, I’m a queer wedding photographer who started my career in 2010 and haven’t looked back since. I have a knack for storytelling and taking gorgeous photos of people who don’t know what to do with their hands. If that sounds like you, inquire with me for wedding photos that reflect your love story.
