Post # 1

Member
813 posts
Busy bee
The subject says it all. I’m in love with the style of this photographer and she is very experienced in wedding photography. The others I’ve looked at are in the 3k range and we will have a videographer for about 1500.
It includes six hours, two photographers, a print, online gallery, engagement session and wedding and engagement high res pictures.
I should mention the ones I’ve really liked have been booked and I’ve talked to at least ten.
Post # 3

Member
1863 posts
Buzzing bee
@smilestorm: I already am. And that does not include photo books which we’ll buy from him a few months after the wedding.
Post # 4

Member
2831 posts
Sugar bee
Wow; I would say no… But I or my parents are also not wealthy.
I think pictures are important but I also like to think of the long run also. My parents or any older couples I know hardly EVER look at those pictures.
I can’t see spending 4K on photos. But if you can afford it then by all means.
Post # 5

Member
1149 posts
Bumble bee
@smilestorm: We’re spending close to that and about the same for video – if you love their style and photography is important to you go for it! For me, good photography is one of the most important parts of our wedding, I know i’ll treasure those photos/memories forever so for us its worth it!
Post # 6

Member
3274 posts
Sugar bee
It depends on your overall budget. If you’re whole wedding is say 10K and you spend 4K on a photographer, not a good idea. Our budget is around 20K and I still would never spend 4K on a photographer.
Post # 7

Member
1896 posts
Buzzing bee
No way, but then again paying that much would almost be one third of our entire budget. If you can afford it and really want it then go for it, but there’s no way we could swing that.
Post # 8

Member
4810 posts
Honey bee
@smilestorm: We’re spending close to that but not doing the videographer.
Post # 9

Member
438 posts
Helper bee
@smilestorm: I spent $5000 for my photographer. 2 photogs, 8 hours, and the engagement shoot (2 hours).
Post # 10

Member
4494 posts
Honey bee
Yes and we did spend about that amount. Photography was one of the most important factors for us and we definitely splurged on it. After the day comes and goes the photos are all you have left (other than the memories, of course lol). I think there are great photographers in all price ranges, it just depends what you want. We fell in love with our photographer’s style and there weren’t really any others in the area that we liked as much (or if we did they were about the same price anyway). It was totally worth it.
Post # 11

Member
1648 posts
Bumble bee
Yes! Mine was around 4K and the pictures came out REALL amazing. Money well spent, IMO
Post # 12

Member
1644 posts
Bumble bee
I spent $4,500 on my photographer and that was her lowest package. That and I am a photog myself so I want really good photos (but could not afford my $10K dream photog)! I think ultimately you have to find a happy point between quality of photos and what you are willing to pay for and just be happy with that, so if this person’s photos are making you happy, then no shame in paying a market price for them.
Post # 13

Member
2238 posts
Buzzing bee
We’re likely spending around $3,500 and photography isn’t even that important to us. That’s just the low end of average for where we live. So, if pictures really matter to you, and you live in an expensive area, I think 4K is reasonable.
Post # 14

Member
1092 posts
Bumble bee
We are spending about $5300 so yes! We really splurged on photography because we love our photographer. That also includes two shooters, 8 hours of coverage, a really nice photo album, and all of the pictures.
Post # 15

Member
134 posts
Blushing bee
Yes, but for where I am, that would be considered a reasonable price for an average photographer.
Post # 16

Member
1629 posts
Bumble bee
@smilestorm: Yes, I spent over twice that much. And it was completely worth it. No regrets.