How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost in 2024/2025?
So, you’ve said yes, and now the fun (and sometimes overwhelming) part begins—planning your wedding! One of the big questions couples often ask is, "How much should we budget for a wedding photographer?" If that’s where you're at right now, don't worry—I'm here to help break it down.
Let’s talk about what the average cost of a wedding photographer is and why it varies. I'll also share a few insider tips on how to find your dream photographer early, so you can secure someone who feels just right for your big day.
What’s the Average Cost?
Okay, let’s get to the numbers. On average, in Ireland, a wedding photographer will cost you anywhere between €2,000 and €4,500. Some photographers, like myself, offer half-day rates, which can start at around €1,250 for six hours of coverage, my half-day rate is €850 within Munster. A full-day package (which typically runs from 10 to 13 hours) will usually push you toward that higher figure. My full-day rate with the album is €1,950 within Munster..
These aren’t random numbers; they reflect a ton of work that happens both during and after the wedding day. Let me break down what’s included in those prices.
Why Do Wedding Photographers Charge These Prices?
It’s easy to think of a wedding photographer’s job as just showing up with a camera for a few hours, but that’s really just the tip of the iceberg. Here’s what goes into those costs:
Pre-Wedding Prep and Planning Before your big day, your photographer will probably meet with you or chat on the phone to talk through the schedule, the shots you want, and any special moments you want to be captured. It’s all about making sure we understand what’s most important to you and your partner.
The Big Day Whether it’s a full day or half-day, we’re there capturing every moment: the nerves, the laughs, the first looks, the big “I do,” and the wild dance moves later on. It’s not just about snapping pictures; it’s about telling the full story of your day.
Post-Production and Editing After the wedding, the real magic happens behind the scenes. Photographers spend hours editing your photos, making sure each one is perfect. We fine-tune everything from lighting to color so that your photos look stunning. This process can take weeks, but it’s what turns those raw images into the beautiful, polished shots you’ll cherish.
Travel and Accommodation Here’s how I handle travel: within the Munster area, I don’t charge any travel expenses. So, whether your wedding is in Cork, Kerry, Limerick, or Tipperary, there’s no extra fee to get to you. For weddings outside of Munster, the only extra cost is overnight accommodation if needed—no hidden travel fees.
Optional Second Shooter For larger weddings, or if you want different angles covered, you might opt for a second shooter. This can add a bit more to your cost—anywhere from €300 to €800—but it’s worth considering if you want more coverage or if your venue is large.
What Does It Cost to Be a Wedding Photographer?
It's also worth understanding that wedding photography isn’t just about one day of work. Running a photography business comes with its own costs, including:
Equipment: Cameras, lenses, lighting, and backups—all essential to ensuring your day goes off without a hitch.
Software and Editing Tools: We spend hours editing with professional software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, which requires ongoing subscriptions.
Insurance: Photographers carry liability and equipment insurance to protect themselves and their clients.
Ongoing Training and Development: Many photographers continually invest in learning new techniques and staying up-to-date with trends to keep their work fresh and exciting.
Top Tips for Finding Your Dream Wedding Photographer
Now, I know the cost of a wedding photographer can feel like a big chunk of your budget, but when you find the right photographer, it’s worth every penny. Here’s how you can make sure you find someone perfect for your big day:
Book Early If you’ve got your heart set on a particular photographer, don’t wait! Popular photographers get booked up fast, sometimes a year or more in advance. Once you’ve locked down your venue and date, start reaching out.
Read Reviews There’s nothing more reassuring than hearing from other couples about their experience. Were they happy with the photographer’s communication? Did they feel comfortable in front of the camera? Was the final product exactly what they hoped for? Take the time to dig through reviews—it’s worth it.
Look at Their Portfolio This might seem obvious, but make sure you take a good look at a photographer’s work. Do their images capture real emotions? Do you see yourselves in those photos? The style—whether it’s light and airy, or dramatic and bold—should resonate with you.
Meet Them in Person (or Zoom) Chemistry matters! You’re going to spend one of the most important days of your life with this person, so make sure you get along. Whether it’s meeting over coffee or a quick video chat, make sure you’re on the same page.
Considering Price Increases? My Honest Approach
It’s common for wedding photographers to review their pricing at the start of each year. By January, most photographers will look at their portfolios, assess market trends, and often increase their rates accordingly. However, I’ve always taken a more honest, grounded approach. I look at the world around me—the rising cost of living, inflation, and how everything else seems to get more expensive each year.
Despite this, I’ve chosen not to increase my prices for the last three years. I believe in offering value without adding unnecessary financial pressure to couples. Weddings are expensive enough, and I want to be transparent and fair. So, when you book me, you can rest assured that you're getting a competitive rate without sudden price hikes.
List of Wedding Venues in Munster
Cork: Ballyvolane House, Barnabrow House, The Maryborough Hotel, Castlemartyr Resort, The River Lee Hotel, Fota Island Resort, Fernhill House Hotel, Ballymaloe House, The Metropole Hotel, Inish Beg Estate.
Kerry: Muckross Park Hotel, The Brehon, Ballyseede Castle, Dunloe Hotel & Gardens, Dromquinna Manor, Parknasilla Resort & Spa, The Europe Hotel & Resort, Sheen Falls Lodge, Killarney Oaks Hotel, Cahernane House Hotel.
Limerick: Adare Manor, The Dunraven, Castle Oaks House Hotel, Fitzgerald's Woodlands House Hotel, The Savoy Hotel, No. 1 Pery Square, Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, The Strand Hotel, Ballyneety Golf Club.
Tipperary: Kilshane House, Ashley Park House, Dundrum House Hotel, Coolbawn Quay, Raheen House Hotel, Clonmel Park Hotel, Anner Hotel.
Waterford: Faithlegg House Hotel, Waterford Castle, The Haven Hotel, The Tower Hotel, Mount Congreve Estate, Dunbrody Country House Hotel, The Park Hotel, Greenway Manor Hotel.
These are just a few of the top spots you can find across Munster—whether it’s a rustic house in Cork or a stunning castle in Kerry, there are loads of beautiful options to choose from. And remember, if your venue is in Munster, you won’t pay any travel fees with me!
Maybe consider
Consider an Engagement Shoot: If you’re unsure how you'll feel in front of the camera, an engagement shoot is a great way to practice. Plus, you’ll get a feel for your photographer’s style, which can be a great bonding experience.
Ask about
Ask About Turnaround Time: Some photographers may deliver the full gallery in a few weeks, while others take months. It’s good to ask upfront, so you know what to expect after your big day.
Check for Backup Plans: Inquire about your photographer’s backup plans for equipment or if they fall ill. Most professionals will have contingencies in place, but it’s always reassuring to know they’re prepared.
Things to Keep in Mind When Booking Early
Booking your photographer early is one of the best ways to secure your dream photographer before they’re fully booked or raise their prices. As mentioned, many photographers adjust their rates at the beginning of each year. Booking ahead of time can lock in the current rates and avoid any potential price changes.
Choosing your wedding photographer is about more than just cost; it’s about finding someone whose work resonates with you and who makes you feel comfortable on your big day. If you follow these tips—book early, check reviews, and make sure you love their style—you’ll be on your way to finding your dream photographer.
And remember, while the average cost of a wedding photographer might seem like a big investment, when you find the right person, those photos will be worth it for years to come.
Questions to Ask Your Potential Wedding Photographer
Planning a wedding is a huge task, and finding the right photographer is one of your most important decisions. Here’s a list of essential questions to ask when you're considering a wedding photographer, along with answers that reflect how I approach each topic:
1. What’s your photography style?
There are many different styles of wedding photography—documentary, traditional, fine art, etc. Your photographer's style must match the vibe you're looking for.
Answer: My style blends natural, candid moments with some artistic flair. I like to capture real emotions as they happen, so your photos feel authentic and timeless. At the same time, I’ll give some direction when necessary to ensure we get the best possible images. Ultimately, I want to create a visual story that’s true to you.
2. Can we see a full wedding gallery?
It’s easy to show a few highlight shots, but you want to see a complete gallery to ensure consistency from start to finish.
Answer: Absolutely! I believe in full transparency, and I’d be happy to share entire galleries from recent weddings. This gives you a chance to see how I document the entire day—from getting ready to the final dance—and decide if my style fits what you're envisioning.
3. Have you shot at our venue before?
If your photographer has experience with your venue, they’ll already know the best spots for photos and how to work with the lighting there.
Answer: I’ve worked at many venues across Munster, including some of the most popular ones like Ballyseede Castle, Castlemartyr Resort, Fota Island Resort, and Barnabrow House. Even if I haven’t shot at your specific venue, I always take time before the wedding to visit and scout out the best locations.
4. Do you charge for travel?
Travel expenses can vary, so it’s a good idea to ask about this upfront, especially if your wedding is in a remote location.
Answer: I don’t charge any travel expenses within the Munster area, which includes Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Waterford, and Tipperary. For weddings outside of Munster, I only charge for an overnight stay, so accommodation is the only additional expense.
5. How long will you be at our wedding?
Understanding how long your photographer will be present can help ensure you don’t miss any important moments.
Answer: I offer two packages: a half-day rate, which covers up to 6 hours of photography, and a full-day rate, which includes 10-13 hours. The full-day package ensures I capture everything from the morning prep to the dance floor antics late into the night.
6. Do you work with a second shooter?
A second shooter can be a great addition for capturing multiple angles or simultaneous events like getting ready shots of both partners.
Answer: While I often work solo, I do offer the option of a second shooter if you'd like more coverage, especially for larger weddings. Having a second photographer is great for capturing extra angles and moments that might otherwise be missed, like the groom’s reaction during the ceremony or additional candid shots during the reception.
7. What happens if you’re sick on the day of the wedding?
It’s always important to have a backup plan, just in case the worst happens.
Answer: In the unlikely event that I’m unable to attend due to illness, I have a network of trusted professional photographers who can step in at a moment’s notice. I will personally handle finding a replacement and ensure they’re briefed on all your preferences so there’s no stress on your part.
8. How long will it take to get our photos?
You don’t want to be left hanging for months after the wedding waiting for your pictures. Ask your photographer about their turnaround time.
Answer: My typical turnaround time for a full gallery is 3-6 weeks. However, I always send a sneak peek of 20-50 images within 48hrs of the wedding, so you don’t have to wait too long to relive the highlights!
9. Do you offer albums and prints?
Many couples want a tangible keepsake from their wedding day, so it’s worth asking about albums and print options.
Answer: Yes, I offer a range of beautifully crafted wedding albums that are fully customizable. You can choose the material, color, and design. I also provide prints and wall art options if you'd like to display your favorite images at home. You’ll also receive a USB with all your high-resolution images, ready to print or share.
10. What’s included in your packages?
Each photographer offers different packages, so make sure you know exactly what you’re getting for your investment.
Answer: My packages include full-day coverage, a USB with all your images, and a beautifully printed folio box with 50 of your favorite photos. If you opt for the wedding album, you’ll get 20 spreads (which can hold up to 80 images), and I work closely with you to design the perfect layout.
List of Wedding Venues in Munster
Here are some of the top wedding venues in Munster to consider:
Cork: Fota Island Resort, Castlemartyr Resort, Ballyvolane House
Kerry: Ballyseede Castle, The Europe Hotel & Resort, Killarney Oaks Hotel
Limerick: Adare Manor, Fitzgerald's Woodlands House Hotel, No. 1 Pery Square
Tipperary: Dundrum House Hotel, Kilshane House, Cloughjordan House
Waterford: Waterford Castle Hotel, Faithlegg House Hotel, The Haven Hotel
