Ah yes. The question that gets Googled at 1am while you’re half-watching Netflix and wondering how on earth flowers cost that much.

“How much does a wedding photographer cost?”

Short answer?

In the UK, anywhere from £500 to £5,000+.

Helpful? Not really. So let’s break it down properly… without the fluff, without the guilt, and without pretending all photographers are offering the same thing (spoiler: they really, really aren’t).

The Average Cost of a Wedding Photographer in the UK

Most couples spend between £1,500–£2,500 on their wedding photography.

That’s not a random number. That’s the sweet spot where you’re paying for:

Experience
Consistency
A photographer who knows what they’re doing when things don’t go to plan
And photos you’ll still love in 30 years, not just on Instagram next week

For reference (because transparency matters): My full-day coverage is £2,000, which includes:

Full wedding day coverage
Around 600–800 carefully edited images
All travel included
No surprise add-ons or “oops that’s extra” later

But let’s talk about why those numbers look the way they do.

Why Is Wedding Photography So Expensive?

This is where people often think:

“But it’s just one day, right?”

Not quite.

You’re not paying for hours. You’re paying for:

Years of experience
The ability to anticipate moments before they happen
Someone who can handle terrible light, rain, tight schedules, drunk uncles and emotional mums
And someone who won’t miss the moment your partner’s voice cracks during vows

Behind the scenes, your wedding photography includes:

Pre-wedding planning and timeline help
The actual wedding day (often 8–10+ hours)
Backups on backups on backups (because your photos matter)
20–30+ hours of culling and editing
Professional equipment (and spares of everything)
Insurance, software, training, and running a business properly

What you’re really paying for is peace of mind.

Why Some Photographers Cost Less

You will find photographers charging £500–£1,000. And sometimes that works for people.

Lower pricing often means:

Newer photographers building experience
Shorter coverage
Fewer edited images
Less backup equipment
Or photography that’s more “here’s what it looked like” than “here’s how it felt”

That’s not a judgement… It’s just about matching expectations.

Why Some Photographers Cost More

At the higher end (£3,000–£5,000+), you’re often paying for:

Very established photographers
A distinct, recognisable style
Fewer weddings per year
Heirloom albums and bespoke experiences
Or destination / editorial-level work

Again… Not better or worse. Just different priorities.

What Matters More Than Price

Here’s the bit I care about most.

The right photographer is the one who:

Makes you feel comfortable being yourselves
Doesn’t turn your wedding into a photoshoot
Captures the messy, emotional, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments
And gives you photos that feel like your memories, not a styled shoot you were awkwardly placed into

Future you won’t remember the spreadsheet.

Future you will care about how it felt.

So… Is £2,000 “Worth It”?

If you value:

Full-day storytelling
Natural, documentary-style photography
Photos that prioritise people over poses
And a photographer who blends in, keeps things relaxed, and lets the day unfold

Then yes. For the right couple, it absolutely is.

And if it’s not the right fit? That’s okay too. Choosing a wedding photographer isn’t about ticking a box… It’s about choosing someone you trust with your memories.

If you’re currently deep in budget spreadsheets and late-night Googling, just remember this:

You only get one chance at your wedding photos.

Everything else gets packed away. These are the bits that last.

If you want to chat, ask questions, or see if we’re a good fit… I’m always happy to talk it through. No pressure. No awkward sales chat. Just honest answers.