Wedding photography and money often feel like two tricky subjects for couples. You might be asking yourself: how much should I spend on wedding photography? Or wondering: is wedding photography worth the money? These are real, valid questions – and the answers aren’t always straightforward.
How much should I spend on wedding photography?
If you’re torn between budget and the photographer you truly love, you’re not alone. In our experience, couples rarely regret investing a bit more in photos (and film), because those memories are what you keep, share, and feel for decades. The goal isn’t spending the most. It’s choosing the option you’ll still feel good about five years from now.
We’re Marta May Photography – also known as The Mays (Marta + Artur). We’re TWIA National Winners (2023) and now TWIA Judges (2024–present), and we’ve photographed weddings in every real-life scenario, tight timelines, dark rooms, and British weather doing British weather.
The upgrade couples thank themselves for (PHOTO + FILM)
The upgrade couples almost never regret: photo + film
Here’s something we hear a lot, usually after the wedding:
“We spent more on photo/video… and we never regretted it for a second.”
Photos freeze the moments. Film brings them back to life.
You don’t just see the vows – you hear the voices. You don’t just see your friends laugh – you watch the movement, the hugs, the chaos, the energy. And when the day becomes a blur (because it always does), film gives you a way back into it.
If you’re choosing between “extra things” and “memories you’ll actually keep”, photo + film is one of the safest upgrades you can make.
Where couples save so they can invest in the bits that last
The couples who prioritise photography (and sometimes film) usually don’t “spend more on everything”. They make a few smart swaps, like:
– Guest list trimmed slightly.
– Simpler décor (because photos don’t need clutter).
– Second-hand fashion wins (hello, Vinted).
– Fewer extras that get forgotten by Monday.
– Shorter coverage with the photographer they actually trust.
If you want more practical ideas, I’ve got a FULL GUIDE HERE.
A Real Couple’s Story
When one bride recently got in touch, she told me:
“I really loved all your different types of pictures on your website, we’re looking for natural, funny and formal pictures. Your work is beautiful! Really unique pieces.”
But then came the message I know many couples send:
“Unfortunately you are out of our price range and we’ve found something a bit cheaper. I’m really sorry for the inconvenience.”
The difference between my coverage and her budget was around £1,000. I explained what that investment included – experience, peace of mind, proven reliability, and the fact that wedding moments can’t be repeated. But in the end, she went with a cheaper photographer.
It made me think. And so I asked my Instagram community what they would do in that situation.
What Couples Said in My Poll
I asked: would you pay £75 a month more (that was the actual difference when broken down), or would you stick to your budget and go cheaper?
81% said they would pay more. 19% said they’d stick to budget.
Here’s what people told me:
- Stick to budget:
“We loved our photos! But we were strict on budget. I do think people love their wedding photos no matter the cost because of what it represents.” - Pay more:
“You guys were one of our biggest expenses but worth every penny. Guests loved you, we felt so comfortable, and our photos are something we’ll treasure forever.” - Stick to budget:
“£75 a month is a lot of money depending on income. We’re even looking at renting GoPros as alternatives.” - Stick to budget:
“Because times are hard for everyone.” - Stick to budget:
“It depends if you actually have £75 a month spare. I’d never want to go into debt because of my wedding.”
The flip side of the coin (what couples tell us after the wedding)
Here’s the thing: the “out of budget” message is only one side of what we see.
The other side is what couples tell us after the wedding, once the noise has settled and the day has become a blur.
They say things like:
- “We spent more on photography than we planned… and we’ve never regretted it.”
- “The photos are the one thing we keep coming back to.”
- “I’m so glad we didn’t cut coverage – we’d have missed the best bits.”
- “Upgrading to film was the best decision – hearing our voices and seeing the movement brings it all back.”
Because flowers fade, décor gets packed away, and most ‘extras’ are forgotten.
But your photos (and film) become your memory button – the way you return to how it felt.
And that’s the real point of this post: it’s not about spending the most. It’s about choosing the option you’ll still feel good about in five, ten, twenty years.
(If you want UK price ranges and what you usually get at each level, start here: Wedding photography prices in the UK.)
KEY FACTS
Real-world poll result
81% said they’d stretch their budget for the photographer they truly want; 19% said they’d stick to budget. (Instagram poll – our audience, not a national survey.)
Priorities in practice
One couple skipped a formal venue and married at Hay Bluff for epic views, used Vinted for outfits, and booked a few hours of coverage – proof you can prioritise photography without “spending the most”.
No re-takes
Décor and cake are for the day. Moments can’t be repeated. That’s why reliability and experience matter when you’re weighing cost vs budget.
Risk check
Cheaper can be brilliant, but it can also be inconsistent. Full galleries, reviews, and a clear track record reduce the risk of disappointment.
Flexible paths
If full-day coverage isn’t feasible, shorter coverage (or a staged plan) can bridge the gap without sacrificing trust.
What to vet
Reliability. Full-gallery consistency. Tough-light and bad-weather confidence. Calm under pressure. And whether you feel comfortable with them all day.
Wedding Photography and Money: It’s About Priorities
Couples often ask us where photography should sit in the wedding budget. And honestly? There isn’t one “correct” answer – it comes down to what you want to keep from the day.
This year we worked with couples who made genuinely smart choices. Some found bridal and bridesmaids’ dresses (and even shoes) on Vinted. One couple got married at the bottom of Hay Bluff with their best people – no formal venue booking, just breathtaking views for free. They still had a lovely dress, stunning flowers, a brilliant celebrant… and a day that felt completely them.
Photography mattered to them, so they made it work in a way that fit their budget. Instead of booking full-day coverage, they booked us for a few hours and focused on what they cared about most: the ceremony, the hugs, the “we did it” feeling, and a little time for portraits with that epic landscape.
So when it comes to wedding photography and money, it’s not always about spending the most. It’s about deciding what matters most to you – and then building a plan around that, without compromising on trust.
(If you’re looking for typical UK price ranges and what you usually get at different levels, we’ve put that in our main guide here: Wedding photography prices UK.)
So, What Should Couples Do?
Whether you stretch your budget or not, the real priority should be:
- Check reliability. Look for reviews, testimonials, years in business.
- Check quality. Are the photos consistent, not just one or two “wow” shots?
- Check experience. Do they know how to work in rain, darkness, strong sun, or when things run late?
- Check trust. Do you feel comfortable with them? Because they’ll be with you all day.
It is possible to find photographers at different price points, but the peace of mind of proven experience, reliability and artistry is what many couples ultimately value most.
FAQs
Is it worth stretching your budget for wedding photography?
Sometimes, yes – if it means booking the photographer you genuinely trust. Couples rarely regret investing in memories they return to for decades. What they regret more often is choosing someone they weren’t fully confident in.
What if we love a photographer but can’t afford full-day coverage?
You still have options. Shorter coverage can be a brilliant compromise – focus on the moments that matter most (ceremony, hugs, confetti, portraits, a bit of atmosphere), and build around that.
Should we prioritise photography or videography?
If you can only pick one, choose the one that matters most to you emotionally. If you can stretch, photo + film is the upgrade many couples thank themselves for later, photos freeze moments, film brings voices and movement back.
Where do couples usually save money to protect photography?
The most common “smart swaps” we see: smaller guest lists, simpler décor, second-hand outfits, fewer extras, and choosing experience over Instagram trends.
How do we know if a cheaper photographer is still a safe choice?
Ask for 2–3 full galleries, check reviews, ask about backup plans (illness + equipment + file safety), and make sure their work looks consistent in tricky light and weather.
What should we ask a photographer before booking?
Ask to see full galleries, ask what happens if they’re ill, ask how they back up images, and ask what “editing” actually means. Then trust your gut – you should feel comfortable with them.
What if we feel awkward in photos?
That’s normal. A good photographer guides gently and keeps things relaxed, so you don’t feel like you’re acting. Your job isn’t to pose – it’s to be together.
Can wedding photography really be more “valuable” than other wedding spends?
For many couples, yes, because it’s the one part that grows in value over time. Décor is for the day. Photos are for life.
Final thoughts
Spending money on wedding photography is personal. Some couples stick to budget and feel totally happy with their choice. Others stretch a little, and later tell us it was the best decision they made.
If there’s one thing we’d say, it’s this: choose a photographer you trust. Someone who makes you feel calm and safe, who can handle real wedding conditions, and who will capture your day with honesty, emotion and creativity.
Because when the day is over, your photos (and film, if you add it) are the part you get to keep, the way you return to how it felt.
If you’d like to chat through options and what’s realistic at your stage of planning, get in touch. No pressure, just a good conversation, and we’ll tell you honestly if we’re the right fit.
