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.