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?
The question every couple wrestles with: is wedding photography worth the money when the wedding photography cost vs budget feels tight? Here’s what real couples told me, what our poll revealed, and smart ways to prioritise so you get photos you’ll love, without losing sleep over the numbers.
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 (£2,497) 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
And they’re right – money is personal. For some couples, stretching the budget makes sense. For others, it simply doesn’t.
But here’s the thing. In today’s wedding industry:
- There are thousands of photographers. Many are new and treat weddings as a side hustle. They’re often cheaper, but not always reliable.
- Sadly, I’ve heard of cases where deposits were taken and the photographer vanished.
- Others may lack the experience to handle difficult lighting, bad weather, or the pressure of a fast-moving day.
And unlike flowers, décor or cake, there are no retakes in wedding photography.
Wedding Photography and Money: It’s About Priorities
When couples ask “how much should I spend on wedding photography”, the truth is that it depends on your priorities.
This year we’ve worked with amazing couples who made clever choices. Some bought their bridal and bridesmaids’ dresses – and even their shoes – on Vinted. One couple held their wedding at the bottom of Hay Bluff with all their best people, so they didn’t even book the venue. BUT they had breathtaking views for free, a lovely dress, stunning flowers, a super-cool celebrant, and us as their photographers.
They only spent £900 on photography in the end, because they booked us for a few hours instead of a full day. For them, photography was still a priority, but they balanced it in a way that fit their budget and we were delighted to be their photographers.
So when it comes to wedding photography and money, or balancing wedding photography cost vs budget, it isn’t always about spending the most. It’s about deciding what matters most to you. If photography is high on that list, there are always ways to make it work without compromising.
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.
KEY FACTS
Real poll data: 81% of respondents said they’d stretch and pay ~£75/month more for the photographer they really want; 19% would stick to budget.
Priorities in practice: One couple chose a Hay Bluff ceremony with free epic views, Vinted outfits, and booked a few hours of coverage (£900), proving you can prioritise photography without overspending.
No retakes: Unlike décor or cake, wedding moments can’t be repeated – reliability and experience matter when weighing cost vs budget.
Risk check: New/side-hustle photographers can be cheaper, but due diligence (reviews, years in business, full galleries) protects you from no-shows or inconsistent results.
Flexible paths: If full day isn’t feasible, shorter coverage and/or instalments can bridge the gap without sacrificing quality.
What to vet: Reliability, consistency in tough lighting/weather, pressure handling, and whether you feel comfortable with them all day.
Final Thoughts
Spending money on wedding photography is a personal choice. Some couples stick to budget and are happy. Others stretch and say it was the best decision they made.
My advice? Choose a photographer you trust, who makes you feel safe, and who you know will capture your story with honesty and creativity. Because your photos are the one thing you get to keep FOREVER.
If you’d like to see how we make this work for couples at different stages of budgeting, get in touch – we’d love to hear your plans and see how we can capture your story.
