Let’s Talk Wedding Photography Pricing…
Here is really honest take on wedding photography pricing! Please do not take offense, please to do not judge, I want to be real straightforward because if you’re planning your wedding right now, there is probably so much information to decipher through right now, I’m just going to tell it like it is…
Wedding Photography pricing probably seems like it is all over the place… You’ll find some for $1,200 and some for $12,000! The truth is: the price difference isn’t only hours of coverage or image count, the range is so big becuase it also reflects service, experience, equipment, business practices and more. Though this isn’t 100% true 100% of the time here is a great way to break it down that’s real tangible numbers so you can see where you fall, based on not only the logistics of what your looking for, but also the overall experience you’re looking for. Check out below to see where you’ll fall.
If your invoice starts with a 1, 2. or 3 ($1,000-$3,999)
If you’re planning something smaller like an intimate backyard gathering, an elopement or micro-wedding. The photography in this price point typically covers only the essentials. You’ll have someone there for the ceremony, a few portraits after.
Couples in this tier aren’t usually looking for a lot of photographer guidance, or planning support prior to their wedding or on their wedding day. You’ll probably not get much coorespondence, prep like location scouting because this isn’t their full-time focus. Their camera may be better than an iphone, but at this tier it would be pretty much impossible for them to sustain investments in cameras, lenses, memory equipment, back-up software, or back up cameras or photographers. This pat works if you’re okay with something super simple, but if you are concerned with editing styles being consistent, high-quality end products, attention or connection you may be in a higher tier.
If your invoice starts with a 3, 4, or a low 5
You’re moving towards something more traditional here. Usually 6-8hrs of coverage, a second photographer, and an experience that checks some essential boxes. Your photos are getting pretty consistent in editing, you may or may not be working with someone whose focus is photography full time… and the communication and help may reflect that.
The final gallery will likely cover the main moments and portraits, but it may not fully capture the story, emotion, and magic of the day in a way that feels truly intentional or you.
Couples in this tier are good with good images, but not interested in a personalized or wow experience and the photos to match, then this tier may be a fit for you.
If your invoice starts wtih a mid/higher 5, 6, or 7
This is the sweet spot most OKOTA couples find themselves in. Though some wind up in the tier you’ll read about below… This range typically gets them everything their heart is set on. You’ll get the beauty, intention, emotional storytelling. Your gallery will feel like you because experience is required to capture these types of photographs and photographers in this price point have the experience that has earned them this tier.
Couples in this range care about the details of not only how the day looks, but how it felt. You’ll get to enjoy the day becuase these photographers know what they are doing. You’ll be supported throughout the planning process and confident that you can trust your phtoographer the day of to have spent time getting to know all the things really important to you. You’ll get to be present with your people, and still walk away with those jaw-dropping images that bring it all back.
Typically this tier includes (at least for OKOTA Couples):
At least 8hrs of coverage by lead photographer (so nothing is rushed or missed)
A second photographer (someone who was chosen by Abbie for their talent, their ability to compliment exactly what OKOTA couples deserve, not just a random!)
Pre-Planning help (I’ve got over a decade of experience at this point, and a certification as a wedding planner under my belt. I’ve got you!)
Engagement Session (with personalized location ideas, styling suggestions, posing help, curated candids that feel like you, connection-time because you want a photographer that is invested in you and your love story!)
Thoughtful and Impressive Turnaround Times (this tier is typically full time, so you get the dedicated editing that allows for a faster turnaround from someone who understands and wants to cater to the fact that you’re excitedddd and dying to see the images!)
Logistics and Nitty Gritty BTS is handled (licensed, insured, top of the line eqiupment + backup equipment and people, harddrives that cost even more than the off-site back up service their hooked up to)
An appreciation and understanding for how to style the day (we’re talking flat lay styling pieces, florals, mats laid out compostitionally correct to make your heart sing and you don’t even know why why or how it looks so good, but it does!)
Custom Timeline Creation (you’ll be able to put complete trust in exactly the photos you’re getting and when you trust your photographer and do the slightly crazy or awkward things they swear will look good, THAT is when the magic happens)
Add Ons to make it even more your own (again, someone at this tier has the time and resources to go all out for you… need additional hours? want something fancy like a drone or film photography? the absolute dreamiest wedding keepsake album you’ve ever touched? They can offer you all this and more!
(this sounds like what you’re looking for contact me!)
If your invoice starts with an 8, 9, or you’re cool with 5-figures…
You’re going all-out. You’re planning a crazy-high end day; maybe a multi-day event, or destination wedding. Think editorial production teams, second and third shooters, content creators for live reals, drone operators, fine art film shooters (often all different team members in this case) all weaving together an entire story.
Couples in this tier want concierge-level service with every detail curated with their planner (not necessarily them), every single photo is over-the-top. These experiences are very immersive and more rare, and often require exclusive photographers taking on very little weddings every year. If your celebration is being totally handled for you, spanning multiple days, crazy-complex schedules, relying on extraordinary visual storytelling, this tier reflects that.
Some OKOTA couples wind up here if adding on multiple services, we’re happy to work with you and your planner to create a package taht refelcts everything you’re dreaming of. Check with us for availability first though, because as mentioned, this requires more time off our calendar and we have less availaiblty for this level of production weddings.
Final thoughts…
If you aren’t sure about which tier you fall in, or could see yourself considering 2 of the above… I will say, you get one shot at this. Your wedding photos will outlast your flowers, the dance floor, and will still be viewed long after the lights in the venue are off. It’s worth asking yourself if you want to prioritize them and have something really special to cherish for years to come. You deserve to have photos you love, a planning experience that made documenting your time as a fiance enjoyable, and a photographer that is able to give you a level of service that makes looking back on your wedding day look great, and FEEL better.
Lastly, if you know your wedding photos should feel like you, elevated with intention and catpured in a way that was so fun on the day of and and leading up to, OKOTA may be the perfect match for you. I would love to hear more about what you’re envisioning to confirm if we’re a fit… reach out here to get the convo started!!
🤍 Abbie