How Much does Wedding Photography Cost on Average?
Basic wedding photography packages vary wildly between photographers. Too often, couples have to learn a whole new language just to understand a package description. On average, wedding photography costs are approximately 10-15% of your total wedding budget. To help you choose the right photographer for you, here are things you need to know.
Calculating your Wedding Photography Budget
A quick Google search will tell you that most people in Seattle spend upwards of $33,000 on their total wedding budget, but your experience might not be average. The key to knowing how much to spend is deciding what you want from your photos. For example, one couple planned a backyard elopement. They booked my top package because they wanted an album that covered the whole day. Another couple booked a photography session for 3 hours only. They wanted a few photos taken after the ceremony with family and then a little reception coverage. Decide what is important to you when calculating your own photography budget.
Price and Value are Two Different Things
A quality photography package will meet your needs and provide the additional services you want. For example, my most popular wedding photography package includes no time limit on the wedding day, 2 photographers, edited files on USB, an online gallery, and a 4-week turnaround.
All packages include the following added services that my clients love but don't know to ask for:
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A walk through your venue
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A sneak peek
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Quick replies by phone, email, and text
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A helpful guide that will make planning the rest of your wedding easier (learn more about these extras below)
Most of all, you should love your photographer's work. If the photos are “just ok" but the price tag is right, it might be a good idea to keep looking. If you want candid images that capture real emotion, display vivid colors, and tell a story, scroll below to see my wedding photography packages.
What do Your Wedding Photo Packages Include?
Every package includes the following. Select your favorite package from the popular options below, or use the contact form to request a custom quote with the options you want most.
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A venue walkthrough and consultation 1 month before your wedding. During this meeting, we will go over your timeline and family photo list and discuss all of your needs/concerns so your wedding day is stress-free.
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A custom photo app sneak peek 2 weeks after your wedding. Your photo app will be available for you to share with friends and family and includes 20-30 images that span the whole event.
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Exclusive access to the IJ Photo Client's Guide. This resource is designed with tips and tricks to understand the wedding industry, find wedding vendors you still might need, plan an engagement session, etc.
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USB and Online Gallery delivery. You'll get all of your wedding photos just 4 weeks after your event. Your images are delivered on a branded USB and Online Gallery so you can share your memories easily with friends and family.
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Quick responses via phone, text, or email. Whatever communication method you like best, I'll reply quickly in kind! I don't mind answering random questions or explaining the process. I'm here to help you!
Wedding Photography Packages by IJ Photo
Highlights Package (Small Wedding)
- 6 hours of wedding photography coverage
- Up to 350 high-resolution edited files from the wedding day
- Custom photo app
- Pre-wedding consultation
$2500
Essential Package (Budget Friendly)
- 8 hours of wedding photography coverage
- 2nd photographer
- All high-resolution edited files from the wedding day
- Custom photo app
- Pre-wedding consultation
- USB and online gallery
$3300
Premium Package (Most Popular)
- Unlimited time wedding photography coverage
- 2nd Photographer
- All high-resolution edited files from the wedding day
- Custom photo app
- Pre-wedding consultation
- 8×8 lay-flat wedding album
- USB and online gallery
- 1 Year complementary backup
$4000
Heirloom Package (Best Value)
- Unlimited time wedding photography coverage
- 2nd photographer
- Engagement session and edited files
- All high-resolution edited files from the wedding day
- Custom photo app
- Pre-wedding consultation
- 10x10 hardbound wedding album
- USB and online gallery
- 5 years of complementary backup
$4500
Why Work with IJ Photo?
My photography style is a fusion of photojournalism, lifestyle portraiture, and editorial. I work to make sure your portraits aren’t stiff and unnatural. I focus on finding the true beauty in all of us and bringing that to light. I look for the emotional moments that connect us all.
More importantly, when you book your wedding with me, I donate a portion of the proceeds to charity. Why?
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I feel that life and love are worth celebrating and that photos are an extension of this love. What better way to celebrate than by building a personalized history through photography?
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Charitable giving is a responsibility. My life is so blessed: I have a kind and patient husband, four loving children, and a comfortable lifestyle. I feel I would be remiss if I did not share my prosperity by giving to others. Each of us must reach out with compassion towards our fellow men, no matter the circumstances.
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Community is our greatest tool. My clients partner with me to extend our circle of influence to the hungry, sick, and needy. When we all come together, we are powerful! I know that great things can be accomplished by those with willing hearts.
A quick word about inclusivity.
I believe 100% that ALL love is valuable and needs to be celebrated. I have been honored to work with couples from all backgrounds, lifestyles, and orientations. If you are LGBTQIA+ or of any race or denomination, you are my client. Please know that I respect you and look forward to honoring your story.