As couples begin thinking about their wedding photography, questions around budget and package differences tend to come up quickly. With UK prices ranging widely, it's natural to be uncertain about what full-day coverage truly offers.
Many couples start their search unsure of what a realistic wedding photographer cost looks like, so this guide breaks down typical price ranges and the factors that influence them.
How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost in the UK?
For most couples, the average spend for full-day wedding photography sits between £1,000 and £3,000+. This is the level of wedding photographer cost most couples can expect when booking an experienced professional for full-day coverage.
Shorter coverage for small weddings or registry office ceremonies can range from £400 to £800, while highly experienced or editorial photographers may charge £3,000 to £6,500+, especially for extended coverage or destination work.
These figures include not only the time spent photographing your day but also the many hours of editing, gallery preparation and admin work that follow.
What Affects the Cost of Wedding Photography?
Coverage and Hours
The length of time you want covered plays a major role in the price. Half-day coverage is suited to intimate weddings, while full-day packages capture everything from morning preparations through to the evening celebrations.
Experience and Style
Photographers with extensive portfolios, strong client reviews and a distinctive style generally charge more. Their experience also means they can manage challenging lighting, tight schedules and unexpected changes confidently.
Location and Travel
Rates are often higher in major cities where demand is strong. Some photographers include travel within a set distance, while others charge extra for longer journeys or overnight stays.
Time of Year
Peak wedding season (May to September) is the most in-demand period. Popular Saturday dates usually come at a higher cost. Winter or weekday weddings often offer more flexible pricing.
Package Inclusions
Albums, prints, drone coverage, extended evening hours or pre-wedding shoots can all influence the final package price. These extras differ between photographers, so it's worth checking what each quote includes.
Wedding Photography Price Brackets
£500 - £1,000: Shorter or Simpler Coverage
This is typically suited to town hall ceremonies, micro-weddings or shorter days. These packages usually include:
- One photographer
- 2-5 hours of photography
- A smaller gallery of edited images
Standard Full-Day Packages (£1,200-£2,200)
The most common choice for UK weddings. Typically includes:
- 8-10 hours of coverage
- 300-800 edited images
- Online gallery or digital download
Extended or Enhanced Coverage (£2,200-£3,500)
For couples wanting a more detailed package or additional services. Often includes:
- Full-day coverage with additional hours
- Album or premium prints
- Additional editing or bespoke elements
- Some packages, a second photographer
Premium / Editorial / Destination (£3,500-£6,500+)
High-end photographers offering advanced expertise, creative direction, or destination coverage. May include:
- Two photographers
- Multiple days of coverage
- High-end albums
- Drone or specialist photography
What Is the Average Cost of a Wedding Photographer in the UK?
Across the UK, most couples spend around £1,400–£1,700 for a full-day wedding photographer. This falls within the mid-range bracket and reflects what many couples choose when balancing coverage, experience and style.
Why Do Wedding Photographers Charge So Much?
Wedding photography is more than a single day's work. The total cost covers time spent shooting, culling, editing, delivering the gallery and preparing any albums. It also reflects professional training, specialist equipment, insurance and years of experience that go into producing a polished, reliable final result.
Higher-priced photographers often bring consistent galleries, strong reviews, dependable backup equipment and a refined style - all of which offer peace of mind.
How to Choose the Right Photographer for Your Budget
Once you know your budget, the next step is finding someone whose style and service match what you're looking for. The best approach is to view full wedding galleries (not just highlights), compare what each package includes, and read recent reviews to understand the photographer's approach and communication style.
It also helps to think about the moments that matter most to you - whether that's candid storytelling, styled portraits or relaxed documentary coverage, so you can choose someone whose work genuinely reflects your vision.
Wedding photography is an investment in how your day will be remembered. Choosing a photographer who aligns with your style, expectations and budget will ensure you receive images you'll treasure long after your wedding.
