How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost? (2026 Price Guide)
Wedding photographers are one of those suppliers you’ll think about long after the confetti’s cleared. They’re the people who’ll capture the magic of your day, from your smiles to the little moments you might not even notice. So it’s natural to wonder: how much should you actually budget for a wedding photographer in the UK?
Wedding photography prices in the UK typically range from £500 to £2,500, depending on location, experience and package inclusions. According to Bridebook’s 2026 Wedding Report, the average wedding photographer cost in the UK is £1,484, with London and the South East usually costing £200-£500 more.
There’s no “right” amount to spend. What matters is finding the level of photography that fits your day, your style and your budget.
In this post, we’ll take a look at the average cost of a wedding photographer, what their rates include and what to be aware of before your big day to avoid any last-minute surprises.
What’s the average cost of a wedding photographer in the UK?
The price of a wedding photographer can vary wildly, but here is a snapshot of what couples actually pay:
- Typical UK range: £500-£2,500
- UK average: £1,484
- London & South East: usually higher by £200-£500
This may sound like a lot, but it’s important to remember that you’re not just paying for the photographer’s time on the big day. You’re also paying for their knowledge, skill and experience, as well as the work that goes into preparing for your wedding and the post-production afterwards.
This should be a realistic starting point for budgeting, so you can plan the rest of your wedding costs with confidence. Check out our ultimate wedding budget breakdown so you can see how to allocate the rest of your wedding funds!
What’s included in a wedding photography package?
What’s included in the price will depend on the package you choose. A basic package may include coverage on the day and your photographs uploaded to a private online viewing gallery, while a premium package adds more extras.
When making your decision, be prepared with the right questions to ask a wedding photographer. This way, you’ll know exactly what your chosen package includes, make the most of your budget and capture your wedding memories just as you want.
Depending on your choice, wedding photography packages may include many of the following:
- Coverage on the day (hours depend on package)
- Edited photographs delivered via an online gallery
- A second supporting photographer
- A pre-wedding photography session
- Prints of your photos
- A physical wedding album
- Printed canvases
Wedding photography price ranges explained:
Below are typical UK wedding photography cost brackets, from budget to premium packages, including what each price tier usually includes.
| Budget | Hours of Coverage | What You Get | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| £3,000+ | 10+ hours / full day | 1–2 highly experienced photographers, premium album, engagement shoot, personalised touches | Full-day venue weddings, luxury weddings |
| £1,500–£3,000 | ~8 hours | 1 photographer (second optional), online gallery, album or keepsake | Standard full-day weddings, small-to-medium venues |
| £1,000–£1,500 | 6–8 hours | 1 photographer, online gallery, some optional extras (album, USB) | Half-day coverage, registry office + reception |
| Under £1,000 | 4–6 hours | 1 photographer, basic online gallery | Short coverage, registry office or intimate ceremonies |
Packages vary widely. Always check what’s included and ask about additional costs for albums, second shooters or travel.
What affects the cost of a wedding photographer?
While these are general, average UK wedding costs, there are plenty of other factors that can influence the cost of a wedding photographer. These include:
- Your venue: How far does the photographer have to travel? Will they need to take public transport? Are you based in a major city or out in the country? All of these will affect how much a photographer costs.
- Location: Where you are in the UK will impact costs. For example, photographers in London will be more expensive than those outside.
- Multiple photographers: Having multiple photographers means you have full coverage of the day both from your perspective and the perspective of your guests. The more photographers there are the better the coverage will be, but the pricier it will be as well.
- The date: During peak times, such as during the summer and at weekends, you can expect to pay more due to the higher demand. Many photographers are booked months (or even years) in advance during busier times of the year.
- Their experience: Full-time professionals with hundreds of weddings under their belt charge more than newcomers
- How long they’re needed: Are you only looking for photos of the ceremony itself, or the entire day, including the wedding breakfast and evening reception?
- Equipment: Will they need additional lighting, multiple lenses, or even drones?
- The level of post-production: After they shoot a wedding, the photographer will spend time editing your photos, such as adjusting lighting, cropping, or tweaking your Great Aunt’s eyes because she blinked.
- The type of album: Many photographers will offer you options to customise your album, such as leather-bound covers.
Are there hidden costs in wedding photography you should know about?
As part of your package and one of the questions you should ask your photographer before hiring them for your wedding, is what type of release they offer (complete copyright, vs a personal use/printing release) and how it aligns with your budget and needs.
By default, your photographer will own the copyright to your wedding photos. To buy the copyright for your photos later could end up being rather pricey. It’s rare, but something to be aware of before making your decision. And in all likelihood, you won’t need the copyright anyway.
In the vast majority of cases, a personal use license or printing release is more than enough to meet your wedding photo needs. It allows you to enjoy your photos (for example, print them at home, or share them on your own social media) without the added expense of purchasing complete copyright.
Whichever you go for, be sure to communicate with your photographer to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting. And in all cases, it’s always good practice to credit your photographer when sharing photos on social media – especially if the images aren’t watermarked – as a sign of appreciation for their work.
On the day itself, don’t forget that your photographer will be with you for hours, so they’ll need feeding too! Supplier meals are usually cheaper than a guest meal, making it an easy extra to budget for that’s sometimes overlooked.
How does photographer experience differ depending on your budget?
As we’ve already covered, pricing structures vary between photographers. At Bridebook, we’ve got a huge directory of photographers that includes photographers to fit all budgets.
A more inexperienced photographer will likely be much cheaper than one who has photographed hundreds of weddings, which means there’s also more risk. Full-time wedding photographers – who rely on events like yours as their sole income – may also charge more than those who use it as a side hustle. But again, if they’re full-time then they’re likely to have more experience, too.
Check out the table below to get a rough idea of what to expect from your budget.
Budget | £3,000+ | £1,500-£3,000 | £1,000-£1,500 | Under £1,000 |
Level of experience | You’ll get a luxury or master photographer, who is admired in the industry. They may also have a second photographer working with them who also has plenty of experience. | You’ll get a very experienced photographer with a unique style. | You’ll get a photographer with a developing style and an increasing level of experience. | You’ll get an enthusiastic but less experienced photographer, who should still be able to produce fantastic photographs. |
Wedding Photography FAQs
How much does a wedding photographer cost in the UK?
Most couples spend between £500-£2,500 on a wedding photographer in the UK. However this can be more or less depending on hours, location and extras.
What is the average wedding photographer cost in the UK?
Couples in the UK spend an average of £1,484 on a wedding photographer.
Why are wedding photographers so expensive in the UK?
Costs reflect hours on the day, post-production work, experience, equipment and additional services like albums or second shooters.
Is it worth paying more for a wedding photographer?
Higher-cost photographers often bring more experience, creative style and full-day coverage. But a well-chosen photographer at any tier can produce beautiful memories.
Do wedding photographers charge extra for albums or travel?
Often yes. Albums, prints, travel and engagement shoots are sometimes optional extras. Always check your package details.
Are London wedding photographers more expensive?
Generally, yes. Expect a £200–£500 premium for London or South East weddings compared to similar packages elsewhere.
Ready to start planning your wedding?
Planning your big day but not sure where to start? Join Bridebook and take all the stress out of planning your wedding.
And if you’re curious about how to choose the perfect wedding photographer or want tips to save money, we’ve got you covered!
You Might Also Like…
- The Ultimate Wedding Budget Breakdown
- The Average Cost of a UK Wedding in 2026 is £20,604
- How to Save Money on Wedding Photography
- How Much Does a Wedding Videographer Cost? The 2026 Average Revealed
Happy Planning!
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