Updated for 2026 Wedding
Wedding photography is one of the most important investments you’ll make for your wedding day. Your photographs capture the real story — the emotion, the details, the people you love — and will become one of the few things you keep forever.
This 2026 guide breaks down average UK wedding photographer costs, what affects pricing, regional differences, full-day vs half-day pricing, extra charges, how to compare photographers fairly, and what couples actually pay.
Below you’ll find realistic, up-to-date pricing, alongside clear explanations to help you confidently plan your budget.
Average Wedding Photographer Cost in the UK (2026)
Across the UK, the average cost of a professional wedding photographer in 2026 is £1,400–£1,800 for full-day coverage.
The table below summarises typical package pricing:
| Package Level | Typical Price (UK) |
|---|---|
| Basic / Part-Time Photographer | £400–£900 |
| Half-Day Professional | £700–£1,200 |
| Full-Day Professional | £1,300–£1,800 |
| Highly Experienced / Specialist | £1,800–£3,000+ |
These figures are based on full-time professionals supplying high-quality, insured, experienced coverage.
What Affects Wedding Photographer Prices?
Several key factors influence how much photographers charge in the UK:
1. Experience & Skill Level
Highly experienced or award-winning photographers typically charge more because they offer:
Consistency across ALL lighting conditions
Higher technical expertise
Better client experience
Professional editing, backup systems & workflow
Confidence when handling timelines and large weddings
2. Hours of Coverage
Most photographers offer:
Half-day (4–6 hours)
Full-day (8–12 hours)
More hours = more coverage + more editing time.
3. Location & Travel
Prices vary by region. London, the Home Counties and the Cotswolds trend highest.
Rural areas and the Midlands are usually more affordable.
4. Inclusions
Pricing changes depending on what’s included:
Digital images
Albums
Pre-wedding shoot
Second photographer
Extra hours
Luxury packaging or prints
5. Date & Season
Peak dates (May–September), bank holidays and Saturdays book fastest and cost most.
UK Wedding Photographer Price Breakdown
Here’s a simple breakdown of what couples are actually paying in 2026:
| Item / Package | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Full-Day Photography | £1,300–£1,800 |
| Half-Day Photography | £700–£1,200 |
| Engagement Shoot | £150–£350 |
| Second Photographer | £200–£450 |
| Wedding Album | £250–£700 |
| Extra Hours | £150–£250 per hour |
What Does a Full-Day Wedding Photography Package Include?
Most full-day packages include:
Pre-wedding consultation
Morning preparations
Ceremony coverage
Couples portraits
Group & family photos
Candid/documentary coverage
Speeches
Evening reception
First dance
All final edited digital images
Private online gallery
Travel within normal radius
Backup systems & insurance
Regional Wedding Photography Prices (UK)
| Region | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| London & Home Counties | £1,800–£2,800 |
| Cotswolds & Oxfordshire | £1,600–£2,500 |
| Midlands (Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire) | £1,300–£1,900 |
| North West & Yorkshire | £1,200–£1,700 |
| South West | £1,300–£1,900 |
| Scotland & Wales | £1,100–£1,600 |
Wedding Photography Costs in 2024/2025/2026 — What Couples Really Pay
Based on national data and independent surveys:
£1,200–£1,600 → most common spend
£1,600–£2,000 → experienced photographers
£2,000+ → premium / high-end
£600–£1,000 → common for part-time photographers (lower consistency)
Overall: full-time, consistently-reviewed photographers dominate the £1,300–£1,800 range.
Is a Cheaper Photographer Worth It?
It depends — but generally:
Cheap photographers often mean:
Part-time / hobbyist
Fewer weddings per year
No second shooter
Slower delivery
Lower-quality editing
No backup gear
Limited experience with difficult lighting
Higher risk if something goes wrong
Professional (full-time) photographers offer:
Years of experience
Reliable portfolio
Backup systems
Insurance
Full galleries in consistent style
A smoother, calmer experience on the day
Tips for Saving Money on Wedding Photography
1. Choose Off-Peak Dates
Winter or weekday weddings can reduce prices by 10–20%.
2. Limit coverage hours
If you don’t need prep or late-evening photos, choose half-day.
3. Skip unnecessary extras
Albums can be added later.
You might not need a second photographer for very small weddings.
4. Book Early
Prices increase annually. Booking 12–18 months ahead normally saves money.
Wedding Album Pricing (2026)
Most couples spend £250–£700 on an album.
Premium leather or parent albums increase pricing.
Albums include:
Professional paper
Layflat binding
Custom design
Archival-quality prints
Average UK Wedding Photographer Extras
| Extra | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Additional Hours | £150–£250/hr |
| Second Photographer | £200–£450 |
| Pre-Wedding Shoot | £150–£350 |
| USB/Luxury Packaging | £50–£150 |
| Parent Albums | £150–£300 |
How to Compare Wedding Photographer Prices Fairly
Comparing photographers isn’t as simple as comparing prices. Here’s what couples often overlook:
1. Full-time vs part-time (the biggest difference)
Part-time photographers charge less because:
Their income comes from other jobs
They shoot fewer weddings
They have less consistent training
They have fewer backups
Full-time photographers cost more but offer:
Reliability
Experience in all lighting & timelines
Stronger editing skills
Higher-quality equipment
Better communication
Always ask first: “Are you full time?”
2. Number of hours included
Packages vary wildly:
Some include 6 hours
Some 8
Some 10–12
Some unlimited
A lower price often means fewer hours.
3. Albums, digital images, extras
Some photographers include everything.
Others charge separately.
Some don’t include any digital images.
4. Style and consistency
Documentary, fine-art, editorial, traditional — each style demands different skill.
Always review full galleries, not just Instagram highlights.
5. Editing quality
Editing is 50% of the final product.
Cheaper photographers may under-edit, be inconsistent or use filters.
6. Backup systems
A professional MUST have:
Dual slot cameras
Backup cameras
On-site backup workflow
Off-site storage
If not, it’s a red flag.
Final Thoughts
Wedding photography is one of the most valuable parts of your day — it preserves your memories forever. Understanding the average UK wedding photographer cost helps you plan realistically and choose a photographer whose experience, personality, and style truly fit your day.
It’s also important to remember that pricing varies significantly across the UK, and comparing photographers can be difficult. Experience, consistency, professionalism and availability all play a huge role — and packages vary widely. This is why the very first question to ask is: “Are you full time?”
If you’d like to explore my availability or view my packages, feel free to browse my Wedding Photography Packages or get in touch — I’d love to help capture your day.
FAQs – Wedding Photographer Prices UK
The average cost of a professional UK wedding photographer is £1,300–£1,800 for full-day coverage. Part-time photographers typically charge £400–£900, while highly experienced full-time photographers range from £1,800–£3,000+.
Wedding photography includes professional time on the day, editing (often 30–40 hours), insurance, backup systems, equipment worth £10,000+, software, storage and years of experience. You’re paying for reliability, consistency and the skill to deliver high-quality images in every lighting scenario.
£1,000 can be enough for half-day coverage or a part-time photographer. For a full-time, experienced professional covering the full day, £1,300–£1,800 is more realistic.
Most couples choose 8–10 hours to cover morning preparations through to the first dance. Smaller weddings or elopements may only require 4–6 hours.
Most professional photographers provide all final edited digital images in a high-resolution gallery. Some lower-priced photographers limit the number of images or charge extra for downloads, so always check what’s included.
A second photographer is helpful for large weddings (80+ guests), tight timelines or when both partners want morning prep photographed. For smaller weddings, a single experienced photographer is usually enough.
Albums are sometimes included but often offered as an optional extra. In the UK, professional wedding albums typically cost £250–£700, depending on size and finish.
Cheaper photographers are often part-time, shoot fewer weddings, have limited backup systems and less consistent editing.
More expensive photographers usually offer:
full-time reliability
stronger portfolios
higher skill with lighting
faster turnaround
better editing consistency
comprehensive backup equipment
Most couples book 12–18 months in advance. Popular dates (summer Saturdays) often book 2 years ahead.
Tipping isn’t expected in the UK, but some couples offer £20–£50 as a gesture of appreciation if service exceeded expectations.
This is only intended as a guide, couples are encouraged to research costs with local suppliers and venues as prices will vary.