How Much Should I Budget for Wedding Photos?
One of the most common questions couples ask us is
“How much should we actually budget for wedding photography?”
With so many price points, packages, and opinions online, it can feel overwhelming. As a Sydney based wedding photography and videography studio, we’ve photographed weddings of all sizes, styles, and budgets. This guide is here to give you real clarity, not sales pressure, so you can make a confident decision that feels right for you.
The Realistic Cost of Wedding Photography in Sydney and NSW
From what we see across Sydney and surrounding regions, most couples invest between $3000 to $10000 for professional wedding photography.
Prices can sit outside this range depending on experience, inclusions, and coverage, but this bracket is where you’ll typically find photographers who are full time professionals, not hobbyists or side businesses.
This level of investment usually reflects
• Experience handling real wedding day pressure
• A refined and consistent editing style
• A smooth planning and communication process
• Coverage that allows the day to unfold naturally
Why Wedding Photography Prices Vary So Much
Two photographers can offer the same hours but deliver completely different experiences.
Lower priced options often mean
• No planning consultation
• Little to no guidance on the day
• Rushed timelines
• Heavily posed or awkward photos
• Minimal editing or inconsistent style
Photography is not just about turning up with a camera. It’s about reading moments, managing time, supporting you emotionally, and knowing how to adapt when things change.
How Many Hours of Coverage Do You Actually Need?
Most of our couples choose 8 to 10 hours of coverage.
The right amount depends on
• Whether your wedding includes cultural elements or multiple ceremonies
• Travel time between locations
• One venue versus multiple locations
• Whether you want full prep through to reception highlights
Shorter coverage can work beautifully for intimate weddings. Larger full day celebrations move fast and often benefit from longer coverage so nothing feels rushed or missed.
Real Experience Matters More Than You Think
One couple we worked with decided to add a second photographer to their day.
The result
• No rushing during prep
• More candid moments captured naturally
• Different angles and perspectives throughout the day
• A fuller, richer gallery that told the whole story
Their biggest feedback afterwards was how relaxed the experience felt. They were able to enjoy their day knowing nothing was being missed.
The Hidden Costs Couples Often Overlook
When comparing prices, couples don’t always realise what is or isn’t included.
Things that often vary between photographers
• The level of editing and colour consistency
• How many images are culled and refined
• Time spent selecting moments and reactions
• Backup equipment and data protection
• Experience managing timelines and people
These behind the scenes details are what shape the final result and your overall experience.
What Experience Really Looks Like on the Wedding Day
Experience shows up in subtle but powerful ways.
It looks like
• Calm reassurance when timelines shift
• Gentle direction without interrupting moments
• Knowing when to step in and when to step back
• Creating a stress free environment so you can be present
Our approach is always relaxed, candid, and story driven. When couples trust the process, the day flows beautifully and the photos reflect that.
Intimate Weddings vs Large Full Day Celebrations
Intimate weddings allow more time to slow down and focus on the couple.
Larger weddings move quickly. There are more people, more moments, and more moving parts. This is where experience and coverage time really matter, because once a moment passes, it’s gone.
How Much of Your Wedding Budget Should Go to Photography?
A helpful guideline is around 10 to 15 percent of your total wedding budget.
Photography is one of the few things that lasts beyond the day itself. The flowers fade, the food is enjoyed, but your photos become the way you relive and share your story for decades.
Choosing Between Budget Pressure and Meaningful Memories
It’s completely normal to feel torn.
Our honest advice
You can’t put a price on memories, emotions, and once in a lifetime moments.
Rather than asking “What’s the cheapest option?”, ask
• Do I love this style?
• Do I trust this person with our day?
• Will these photos still feel meaningful in 20 years?
If photography matters to you, it’s worth investing in something you’ll be proud to revisit and share for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding photos are not just images. They’re the way your story is remembered.
If you’re planning your wedding and want a relaxed, supportive experience with candid, timeless imagery, we’d love to hear about your plans.
Enquire now to check availability or book a relaxed, no pressure chat with Love Pixels.
