What is the Average Cost of Wedding Photography in the U.K (2025)?
Planning a wedding in 2025 and wondering how much to budget for photography? You're not alone. While 9 out of 10 couples hire a photographer, it's crucial to understand what contributes to the cost and how to make the most of your investment. In this guide, we’ll walk through average pricing, package inclusions, experience levels, and what to consider before booking a wedding photographer in the U.K.
📍 Average Wedding Photography Prices by U.K. Region (2025)
Wedding photography costs can vary depending on where you’re tying the knot. Here's a regional overview of average 2025 pricing:
| Budget Range | Expected Experience Level |
|---|---|
| £3,000+ | Top-tier wedding photographers with extensive portfolios, multiple camera setups, assistants, and a high-end, cinematic style. |
| £1,500 – £3,000 | Experienced professionals with strong portfolios, reliable gear, and the ability to capture the day comprehensively and artistically. |
| £1,000 – £1,500 | Photographers who have captured dozens of weddings and are refining their signature style. Good balance of quality and affordability. |
| Under £1,000 | New and emerging photographers building experience. Expect a more basic service, possibly with limited coverage or editing. |
Keep in mind that prices also depend on experience, duration, and services included.
📸 Wedding Photographer Near Me — Should You Choose Local?
Hiring a local photographer can be advantageous:
Lower travel fees
Familiarity with local venues
Easier for consultations or engagement sessions
However, don’t limit your search solely to location. Ensure their style and personality match your vision.
🧾 What’s Typically Included in a Photography Package?
Most wedding photography packages will include:
Pre-wedding consultation
Full-day coverage (prep to first dance)
400–800 edited digital images
Online gallery or USB
Travel within a set radius
Optional extras might include:
Engagement session
Albums and prints
Extra hours or second shooter
Custom editing or retouching
📷 Which Lenses Are Commonly Used for Wedding Photography?
Professional photographers typically use:
50mm or 85mm primes for portraits
24-70mm or 70-200mm zooms for ceremonies and receptions
Wide-angle lenses for venue and crowd shots
The right gear ensures clarity, depth, and a variety of looks throughout the day.
If you would like to view my gear please have a look at the following page. I list all of the things I generally carry for days such as a wedding day.
🎞️ What Are Wedding Photography Styles?
Different photographers specialise in distinct styles:
Documentary/Photojournalistic – Candid, natural storytelling
Fine Art – Light, airy, editorial feel
Traditional – Classic posed portraits
Moody/Artistic – Emotive tones and stylised edits
At Alexander-Thomas.co.uk, we specialise in documentary-style photography, capturing genuine unscripted moments as they unfold, and scheduling a 15–30 minute golden hour session for beautifully stunning portraits of the couple.
While I always favour natural light when available, I also love using flash photography. For varying lighting conditions, a touch of directional flash can make all the difference — it’s often the magic ingredient that brings depth and vibrance to your photographs.
💷 Why Does Wedding Photography Cost So Much?
| Task | Hours |
|---|---|
| Correspondence over planning process | 2 hours |
| Engagement session | 2-3 hours |
| Editing of engagement session | 2 hours |
| Meeting to finalise details | 2 hours |
| Location scouting of venue and surrounding area | 2-3 hours |
| Wedding day shooting | 10-12 hours |
| Travel to and from wedding | 1-4 hours |
| Editing of wedding photos | 15-20 hours |
| USB/prints/etc | 1-2 hours |
| Packaging & delivery | 1-2 hours |
Photography is more than snapping photos. As seen above you are averaging around 45 hours of work per wedding. The cost reflects:
Years of experience and artistic skill
High-end camera gear and lenses
Hours spent editing (30–50 hours per wedding)
Insurance, software, marketing, and admin costs
Backup systems and data security
Repairs and Maintenance
You’re not just paying for a service — you're investing in memories.
“Imagine paying £1,000 to £1,500 for a cake or £700 to £1,200 for flowers, which last only one to three days - depending on how quickly the cake is eaten or how soon the flowers wilt - and then cutting corners on your photography. Wedding photography is the one service that truly lasts beyond the day itself. These are the memories of your special day, captured forever. It’s the one investment that should never be compromised.”
🔍 Cost Influencing Factors
Here are some key elements that affect the price:
Date – Peak season or weekend dates are costlier
Duration – Full-day vs. half-day coverage
Travel – Destination weddings or long-distance fees
Experience – More seasoned photographers charge more
Extras – Albums, second shooters, engagement shoots
🎥 Should You Pick Photography Over Videography If You Had to Choose?
While videography is a beautiful complement, photography remains the essential medium for most couples. It captures key moments in timeless stills — from smiles to tears — that you can print, frame, and revisit easily.
Many couples who skip video later regret not having it, but skipping photography is rarely advised. If budget is tight, prioritise photography, then add video if funds allow.
📝 What to Know Before Booking
Before signing a contract:
Review full galleries (not just Instagram highlights). Photographers like to highlight their best moments (as you should) however, full galleries should be available to ensure you are not a one trick pony and you can produce more than 10-20 images that are exceptional for a full day event.
Check reviews and testimonials. This one is not a must, but you really should get to know your photographer. How are they as a person? Easy to deal with? pleasant?
Understand cancellation policies. These policies work both ways they protect the client and the couple. Get to know them.
Ensure clear delivery timelines. I have heard it too many times from friends and family, slow delivery of galleries. Make sure you know how long it should take to deliver your finished product.
Discuss copyright and usage rights. The Photographer generally holds the copyright of the images, as it is their product. This is of course something to be discussed however if you would prefer not to be shared etc. This is usually the case for high profile clients or similar.
⏳ Timeline to Deliver Finished Images
Average turnaround times:
Previews: 3–7 days post-wedding
Full gallery: 4–8 weeks depending on workload and season
Clear timelines should be included in your contract.
*Personally, If I have the time my images would be generally ready within the month. I always leave an extra few weeks buffer to ensure I under promise and over deliver.
🎯 Final Tips
Book 6–12 months in advance for best availability
Prioritise style and personality fit over price
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or request a consultation
Read your contract thoroughly
❓ Wedding Photography FAQs
How far in advance should I book my wedding photographer?
Ideally, 6 months in advance is comfortable, especially for summer weddings. A minimum of 3 months is advised. To ensure there are available dates, you should always shop well in advance for a wedding photographer.
What style of photography do you offer at Alexander-Thomas.co.uk?
I offer documentary-style photography focused on authentic, unscripted moments. We also schedule a brief sunset session for romantic, stylised portraits.
Are your packages customisable?
Yes, I offer personalised services including custom editing, pre-wedding consultations, and optional engagement sessions.
Do you offer videography?
No, I specialise exclusively in photography, ensuring dedicated focus on still imagery.
Where are you based?
I am proudly based in the U.K (Glasgow - Scotland) and serves weddings throughout the country and abroad.
What makes your service unique?
Personal, documentary-focused coverage, tailored experience, and attention to unscripted beauty - all wrapped in a friendly, professional service. I always aim to go above and beyond for every client I work with. I am not only there to take the photos, but I am also marketing myself and my brand for any future weddings that come from word of mouth on the day or the beautiful images I post after it.
About the Author
Alexander Thomas is a professional photographer based in the U.K. With a documentary style and a passion for genuine moments, I create timeless memories for modern couples. Learn more at www.Alexander-Thomas.co.uk.
Ready to book your wedding photographer or have questions? Get in touch via the contact form on our website. Let’s capture your story together.
