How Much Does A Wedding Photographer Cost

How Much Should You Spend on a Wedding Photographer in Australia? (And Is Expensive Always Better?)

Wedding photographers are often considered the soul of a wedding—and typically the second most important supplier of the day, right after the venue. The right photographer can capture fleeting moments and turn them into a lifetime of cherished memories.

But how much should you actually spend on a wedding photographer in Australia? And does a higher price always mean better quality? Let’s break it down.

Average Cost of a Wedding Photographer in Australia

The cost of wedding photography varies depending on the number of coverage hours, the photographer’s experience, and the city you’re in. Here’s a general guide:

A simple rule of thumb: most couples allocate around 10% of their total wedding budget to photography. For instance, if your total budget is $30,000, it makes sense to set aside roughly $3,000 for a photographer.

Some couples are content with smartphone photos—they focus on experiencing the moment rather than capturing every detail. But for most, professional photography is essential. These photos are more than just memories—every time you look at them, you’re transported back to that special day. If that’s important to you, spending more than 10% is absolutely reasonable—and you might even consider adding videography to tell the full story.

Award-Winning Photographers: Are They Worth It?

Some photographers build their reputation by entering competitions like WPPI, AIPP, or FEARLESS, or having their work published in high-end magazines like Vogue. These professionals often start at $5,000 and up, with some elite names charging up to $1 million USD for a 3-day destination wedding.

But is the cost always worth it?

In my opinion, only someone like Jose Villa might justify such a price tag. For the rest, I’d say a big no—and here’s why:

• Award competitions are not what they seem. WPPI and AIPP operate more like businesses that sell awards. They’re open to anyone, and unless your photos are truly bad, you’re almost guaranteed a silver award. Submit enough entries, and you might even earn gold.

• It’s not the Olympics. These contests give out thousands of gold and silver medals every year, so the prestige isn’t as exclusive as it appears.

What About Influencers?

Take names like Yervant and Jerry Ghionis—there’s no denying they were incredibly talented in the early 2000s. I studied their courses when I first got into photography. But as I honed my own skills, I began to realise that many of these “masters” have stopped evolving.

Their style is still rooted in what they were doing 20 years ago. Today, it feels very old school and creatively stagnant. If you asked me to spend $8,000 to hire one of them, I’d honestly rather use that money to stay at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai.

In today’s fast-moving creative world, even legends must adapt to stay relevant.

What About High-End Studios?

There are many high-end wedding photography studios in Sydney and Melbourne, with a handful operating in Brisbane as well. These studios often showcase their “signature style” through black-and-white images, wide-angle shots, intentional blur, and heavily retouched skin tones. Their packages typically start from $3,500.

To someone without a strong background in photography aesthetics, this style may appear artistic and luxurious at first glance. But I’m here to offer a word of caution.

Many of these studios are known to judge clients by appearances—especially based on how extravagant your wedding looks. If your venue is lavishly decorated and you’ve booked their premium package, you’ll likely receive VIP treatment. The studio owner may even personally photograph your wedding.

But what if your wedding is more modest, and you’ve “only” booked the basic $3,500 package?

Here’s the reality: in many cases, you’ll be assigned a junior photographer who’s still in training. Your wedding may be treated like a low-priority job. You might notice the photographer chatting with guests during important moments, and the final gallery you receive could look completely different from what you saw in the studio’s portfolio.

How do I know this? Because I’ve worked for some of these studios before—and I’ve heard countless complaints from bridesmaids at weddings I’ve photographed. Their stories are strikingly similar: disappointment, inconsistency, and a final product that didn’t live up to expectations.

Final Advice: Know Who You’re Booking

So here’s my honest advice: before you pay any deposit, make sure you know exactly who will be photographing your wedding. Don’t just rely on the studio’s highlight reels—ask to see full galleries from the specific photographer assigned to your day.

If possible, meet that photographer in person—not just a sales rep or studio manager. Get a sense of their energy, personality, and communication style. This connection matters more than most people realise.

And if you like them? Make sure their name is written into your contract. That’s the only way to ensure the studio won’t switch them out for someone else when the big day arrives.

Keep in mind—photographers often move between studios, and there are only a few of truly good ones in the market. They’re in high demand, so make sure your chosen photographer doesn’t get poached by another studio before your wedding day.

How to Save Money and Still Get the Perfect Wedding Photographer

In my opinion, the best way to save money—and spend it wisely—on photography is to experience the photographer yourself. Don’t rely too much on Google reviews or how many awards they’ve won. Instead, trust a friend’s recommendation or observe the photographer in action at someone else’s wedding. Ask to see full galleries from recent weddings—not just their best shots—and take the time to share your story to see if they’re truly patient, or just eager to secure your deposit.

A reliable photographer doesn’t have to be expensive. Many passionate artists are more focused on the craft itself, rather than marketing or promotion. That means you can often find incredible talent in small, lesser-known studios—you’re not paying for the brand, just the art.

If you’d like a free consultation about your wedding and how to find the right photographer, feel free to reach out. We genuinely want your big day to be beautifully and honestly documented.

Viva Weddings is a Brisbane wedding photography studio that puts your experience first. Your happy smiles and genuine excitement are what make every effort worthwhile. We don’t overcharge, and there are no hidden costs—just honest, artistic storytelling. We’re here to surprise you in the best way and be the right photographer for your special day.

How to Choose the Right Wedding Photographer for You (Beyond Just Budget)

When planning a wedding, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is choosing your photographer. While budget is undeniably important, the real key lies in finding someone who matches your energy, understands your vision, and has the ability to capture the moments that truly matter to you.

So instead of asking, “How much should we spend on a wedding photographer?” — a better question might be: “How do we find someone who’s the right fit for us?”

Why Personality Matters More Than Price

Your photographer will be one of the few people who spends the entire day with you — from the nervous pre-ceremony moments to the final dance. If they make you feel awkward or disconnected, it will show in your photos.

Ask Yourself:

• Do I feel relaxed and understood when talking to this person?

• Do they listen, or do they just talk about their packages?

• Are they curious about our story, our personalities, and our priorities?

A great photographer is more than just a person with a camera — they’re part documentarian, part artist, and part friend. If they make you feel at ease, chances are you’ll trust them more on the big day — and that trust will translate into more natural, beautiful photos.

Artistic Style vs. Trend Chasing

Every few years, wedding photography trends evolve. One decade it’s light and airy, the next it’s dark and moody. Now, cinematic blur and intentional motion are all the rage. But your wedding photos shouldn’t be defined by trends — they should reflect your personality and the way your day truly felt.

What to Look For in a Portfolio:

• Consistency: Are the galleries cohesive or all over the place?

• Emotional storytelling: Do the images evoke feelings, or just look aesthetically nice?

• Full wedding coverage: Can they tell a complete story, or just nail the hero shots?

Don’t get distracted by flashy Instagram reels or trending edits. Ask to see at least three full wedding galleries. That will give you a real sense of how the photographer captures everything — not just the highlights.

Communication is Everything

Let’s face it: planning a wedding is stressful. The last thing you need is a photographer who ghosts you for weeks, misses details you’ve discussed, or adds hidden fees last minute.

Good communication is a sign of professionalism. From your first inquiry to the final delivery of your gallery, you should feel supported and informed.

Key Signs of Great Communication:

• Prompt and clear replies

• Transparent pricing and packages

• Willingness to explain the process

• Helpful guides or checklists

• A contract that protects both parties

It’s not just about being friendly — it’s about being reliable. Trust your gut. If someone is flaky in the beginning, they’ll likely be flaky later too.

Customisation Over Cookie-Cutter Packages

Weddings come in all shapes and sizes — elopements, backyard weddings, full-scale destination events. And yet, many photographers still offer one-size-fits-all packages.

Instead of being forced into a rigid structure, look for someone who offers flexibility or even builds a custom package based on your needs. For example:

• Want only 6 hours of coverage? They should accommodate that.

• Need a photographer for your intimate weekday ceremony? That shouldn’t cost the same as a full Saturday wedding.

• Don’t need albums or prints? You shouldn’t have to pay for them.

The best photographers will listen first, then suggest what’s right for you, not just what makes them the most profit.

The Silent Value of Post-Production

When you hire a photographer, you’re not just paying for the hours they’re at your wedding. You’re investing in their post-production — the hours (sometimes days) of careful editing, colour correction, and curating your final gallery.

Some budget photographers may deliver photos quickly, but with inconsistent editing, blown-out highlights, or flat colours. Others may outsource their editing altogether, resulting in a generic “preset look” that feels disconnected from your actual day.

Ask your potential photographer:

• Do you edit your photos yourself?

• Will the images be colour corrected and retouched?

• Do you offer sneak peeks or previews?

Editing is where the magic happens. A good photographer knows how to enhance the story without making it look fake.

Testimonials (The Right Way to Read Them)

Most couples glance over Google reviews or social media comments and assume a high star rating equals a great photographer. But numbers alone don’t tell the full story.

Instead, focus on:

• Tone: Do reviews sound authentic or like copy-paste responses?

• Details: Do clients mention how the photographer handled stress, family dynamics, bad weather, or timeline issues?

• Repeat mentions: If multiple reviews mention the same positive traits (e.g., “super organised,” “calm under pressure”), that’s a good sign.

And if you can, go beyond reviews. Ask your venue, your celebrant, or friends who’ve recently gotten married. Vendors talk, and they usually know who’s great behind the scenes — and who just has good marketing.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

No matter how pretty the website is, there are a few warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored:

• No physical meeting or video call before booking

• Refusal to provide a contract

• Portfolio full of styled shoots, not real weddings

• Promises of “unlimited coverage” with no timeline boundaries

• Very large studios where you never meet your assigned photographer

Photography is deeply personal. You deserve to know who’s showing up on your day — and how committed they are to telling your story.

When to Book (And When It’s Too Late)

In Australia, most popular wedding photographers are booked 12–18 months in advance, especially for spring and autumn weekends. If you’re getting married in peak season (September–April), start looking early.

But what if you’re planning late? Don’t panic. You can still find great photographers — just be open to weekday weddings or lesser-known names. Talent doesn’t always come with a massive following.

And if you’re flexible with your date, you may even score an off-peak discount or bonus package.

Final Thought: Who Would You Want Around On Your Wedding Day?

Forget the gear. Forget the logo. Forget how many followers they have. At the end of the day, ask yourself one simple question:

Would I be happy to have this person around me on one of the most important days of my life?

That answer matters more than any award, marketing pitch, or Lightroom preset ever could.

About Viva Weddings – Brisbane Wedding Photographer

We’re not the loudest name in the room, and we like it that way. At Viva Weddings, we focus on telling your story honestly and artfully — not selling you extras you don’t need. You’ll know exactly who’s showing up on your wedding day. No switch-ups, no confusion, no hidden fees. Just natural, thoughtful photography that celebrates you.

If you’re looking for someone who cares more about your memories than their own portfolio, we’d love to chat.