Planning a wedding for the first time? You’re not alone! Many couples are surprised when they start researching wedding suppliers—especially wedding photography costs. Why does it vary so much? Why is wedding photography so expensive compared to other types of photography? And is it really worth the investment?
As a professional wedding photographer at Slate Cottage Studio, I’ve spent years capturing beautiful, personality-packed weddings across Yorkshire, Manchester, and beyond. So, let’s dive into the real cost of wedding photography in the UK, why it’s priced the way it is, and why choosing the right photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your big day.
What Is the Average Cost of Wedding Photography in the UK
One of the biggest questions couples ask is: “How much should we budget for wedding photography?”
Recent studies show that the average cost of wedding photography in the UK is around £1,500 for a full-day package. This price has remained fairly stable over the past few years, though there are variations depending on location, photographer experience, and what’s included in the package.
For example:
- Some new or part-time photographers may offer wedding photography for as little as £500-£1,000.
- Mid-range professional photographers (like myself at Slate Cottage Studio) typically charge between £1,500-£2,500, depending on coverage and extras.
- Luxury photographers with extensive experience and high-end branding may charge upwards of £3,500+.
At Slate Cottage Studio, my pricing reflects quality, creativity, and experience—without being over-the-top expensive. I offer flexible wedding photography packages that focus on real, unscripted moments while ensuring couples get stunning photos that last a lifetime.
How Much Should You Budget for Wedding Photography?
One of the biggest questions couples ask is: “Is wedding photography really worth the investment?” After all, on the wedding day itself, there’s nothing physically to show for it—no décor to admire, no cake to cut, no flowers to hold. But once the day is over, your wedding photos become one of the only lasting memories you’ll have.
Only you can decide how much photography matters to you, but understanding where your money is going and what a top photographer will deliver after your wedding day can help you budget wisely.
Budget vs. Price: What Should You Spend?
You’ve probably heard it before, but with wedding photography, you truly get what you pay for. If photography is one of your top priorities, a good rule of thumb is to allocate 10-15% of your total wedding budget to it.
Most photographers offer tiered packages based on coverage and extras, such as:
📷 A basic package – Typically includes one photographer for a set number of hours, covering key moments.
📸 A comprehensive package – Often includes two photographers capturing your day from morning prep to the first dance (or later), plus extras like albums or engagement sessions.
More coverage and extras don’t always mean better. It’s far more important to choose a photographer whose style you love than to opt for a bigger package with someone whose work doesn’t excite you. A beautifully captured collection of moments will mean more than hundreds of images that don’t feel like ‘you’.
If you’re unsure where to start, ask yourself:
✅ How much of the day do I want captured? From getting ready to the first dance, or just the ceremony?
✅ What style of photography do I love? Light and airy, bold and dramatic, candid and documentary-style?
✅ Who fits my vision? Shortlist photographers whose work truly resonates with you.
At Slate Cottage Studio, I offer flexible packages designed to suit different budgets while ensuring every couple gets stunning, personality-filled wedding photography they’ll cherish forever.
Still unsure? Check out my portfolio and packages here, or get in touch—I’d love to help you decide what works best for you! 💍📷✨
Why Is There Such a Wide Range of Wedding Photography Prices?
It’s a fair question! If the average cost of wedding photography in the UK is £1,500, why do some photographers charge £500 while others charge £3,000+?
The truth is, photography is like any other service—you’ll find options across a range of budgets, just like you would when shopping for cars, handbags, or even wedding cakes. Some of the key factors that influence pricing include:
1. Experience & Reputation
Wedding photography is about more than just taking pretty pictures. An experienced photographer knows how to:
✅ Handle tricky lighting and unexpected weather.
✅ Capture real, candid moments without making you feel awkward.
✅ Work under pressure and manage a fast-paced wedding timeline.
✅ Offer a seamless, stress-free experience from start to finish.
A newer photographer may charge less while they build their portfolio, but with experience comes consistency, reliability, and confidence in delivering amazing results—which is why seasoned professionals charge more.
2. Time Investment (It’s More Than Just One Day!)
It’s easy to think, “Why is wedding photography so expensive if it’s just one day of work?” The reality? A wedding photographer invests 40+ hours into every wedding. Here’s a breakdown of the time involved:
- Pre-wedding planning & communication – 2-3 hours
- Engagement shoot (if included) – 2-3 hours
- Location scouting – 2-3 hours
- Wedding day coverage – 10-12+ hours
- Travel time – 2-4 hours
- Editing & post-production – 15-20+ hours
- Delivering photos, albums, and client communication – 2-3 hours
When you break it down, a £1,500 wedding package works out to around £33 per hour before business expenses—hardly an extravagant wage!
3. Equipment & Running a Business
A wedding photographer’s costs go way beyond just owning a camera. We invest in:
📸 Professional cameras & lenses – A full setup costs £10,000+
💻 Editing software & backup storage – £1000+ per year
📢 Marketing, websites & business expenses – £3,000+ per year
🛡️ Insurance & liability coverage – Essential for any pro photographer
Unlike portrait sessions, weddings require backup gear, extra memory cards, and meticulous preparation to ensure nothing is left to chance.
4. Number of Weddings Taken Per Year
Some photographers offering budget wedding photography at £500-£700 do so by taking on 3+ weddings per week. That’s a huge workload, and often means:
- Less time spent carefully editing each wedding.
- Slower turnaround times.
- Less personal attention to each couple’s experience.
At Slate Cottage Studio, I believe in quality over quantity. I limit the number of weddings I take per year to ensure every couple gets my full focus, energy, and creativity.
Why Is Wedding Photography More Expensive Than Other Types of Photography?
Ever wondered why a wedding photographer charges more than a portrait or family photographer? It all comes down to time, preparation, and pressure.
📷 Portrait session: 1-hour shoot, 2-3 hours of editing = total 4-5 hours of work.
💍 Wedding photography: 10+ hour shoot, 30+ hours of editing = total 40+ hours of work.
Weddings are a once-in-a-lifetime event—there’s no chance for a redo if something goes wrong. This level of responsibility, coupled with the additional time commitment, is why wedding photography costs more than other types of photography.
Why Choosing the Right Photographer Matters
After the flowers have wilted and the cake has been eaten, your wedding photos will be the lasting memory of your special day. It’s no surprise that many couples say not investing in a professional photographer is their biggest wedding regret.
At Slate Cottage Studio, I focus on:
✨ Creative, modern wedding photography with personality.
🎥 Stop Motion Films – a fun, unique add-on to relive your day.
🛠 Stress-free experience from first inquiry to final delivery.
📍 Yorkshire, Manchester & UK-wide coverage – I travel for love stories!
I believe wedding photography should be fun, relaxed, and 100% you. If that sounds like what you’re looking for, let’s chat! You can check out my wedding packages here or reach out for a free consultation.
Final Thoughts: Is Wedding Photography Worth the Cost?
The average cost of wedding photography in the UK might seem like a big investment, but when you consider the amount of time, skill, and passion that goes into capturing your wedding day, it’s easy to see why it’s worth every penny.
If you’re planning your wedding and looking for a fun, friendly, and creative wedding photographer, I’d love to be part of your journey! Get in touch here and let’s create some magic together. 🎉📷🚀
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