Navigating Wedding Photography Costs in Scotland
How much should my wedding cost?
Average UK wedding cost to couple: £32,000 (£30,000 in Scotland)
Average UK wedding photographer cost £1800
Stats booking 2024 -2026
If you google the average wedding cost it will give varied results from £18-30k. There are an approximate 29,000 weddings in Scotland each year and the latest Scottish government estimates are that the average Scottish wedding is worth £48,000 to the economy. This is a split between the couple paying for their wedding £24,000 -30,000 and the guests in attendance spending close to the same. That’s right, your 60- 120 guests spend almost as much as you did on the event, between attire, taxis, accommodation, child care, gifts and alcohol.
I imagine you have probably never hired a photographer, and if you have chances are they weren’t a wedding specialist. Why does it cost so much?
Photographs start with a cost, but can become priceless. Click to see a divine St. Andrews wedding gallery
Understanding the Average Cost of a UK Wedding: Before diving into wedding photography expenses, it's essential to have a grasp of the average cost of a wedding in the UK. As of recent data, the average UK wedding cost is around £30,000. This figure encompasses various elements such as venue, catering, decor, attire, and, of course, photography.
It is important to note that I have been to amazing low budget weddings, and weddings that didn’t photograph as well that had vast budget. Budget actually has little to do with the human connection that is most important in your photographs.
Absolutely going for it - captured at 11.45pm on new years eve.
How Much Should I Spend on Wedding Photography? The amount you allocate to wedding photography depends on your priorities and preferences. Generally, wedding photography costs can range from £1,000 to £3,000 or more, depending on factors like the photographer's experience, location, and package offerings. To determine your budget, consider what aspects of your wedding day are most important to you and allocate your funds accordingly.
I am not writing this blog so that you book me! I encourage those with a lower budget assigned to photography to try a student or a beginner that has some great images in their portfolio. The one thing I preach is don’t book someone crap!
Factors Affecting Wedding Photography Costs:
Photographer's Experience and Reputation: Established and highly regarded photographers often charge more for their expertise and quality of work. Location: Wedding photography prices can vary across regions in the UK, with London typically having higher rates compared to other areas. Package Inclusions: Wedding photography packages may include engagement sessions, additional photographers, or extended coverage hours. Understanding what each package offers helps in making an informed decision.
Most photographers will have 2-4 packages and offer add ons. I offer a base package that means I walk away from the wedding day knowing my couple will be delighted with the level of coverage. I do not include an engagement shoot so to keep the cost at its absolute lowest. It is important to realise that no small business is ever able to offer something for ‘free’. A free engagement shoot or album costs the business time or money, that will be factored in elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions by Engaged Couples: "How much is a wedding photographer in Scotland?" "What's the average cost of wedding photography in London?" "How much should I spend on wedding photography?" d. "What factors should I consider when budgeting for wedding photography?"
The average price for wedding photography is £1800 in the UK. Ask yourself if you want a good deal, someone who is priced to meet the national average or an above average photographer? You should not feel like your photographs will be poor at a cost of £1400. Likewise you should feel very excited when booking a photographer at £3000.
Tips for Optimizing Your Wedding Photography Budget:
Prioritize: Identify the most important aspects of your wedding day and allocate a significant portion of your budget accordingly.
Research: Compare the work and pricing of multiple photographers to find the best fit for your style and budget. I encourage finding work you like above pricetag.
Customization: Some photographers offer customizable packages, allowing you to tailor services to your specific needs. This is perfect if you are at the top of budget, and don’t need the engagement shoot or album.
Plan Ahead: Booking your photographer early can sometimes result in discounts, especially for off-peak dates. I don’t charge less for a wedding in winter as I will put in the same, often more work due to lighting considerations - however many do.
Can’t we just use phones?
Yes. But please don’t!
Asking a person to photograph an uncontrolled event with mixed lighting for 10 hours results in thousands of images. To find the best ones to present takes several hours. At this point the photographer should really edit the photos. Lower cost photographers can skip this phase altogether, and higher cost photographers can outsource this phase and pass on the price to the couple. There is no way to bypass the time involved in doing a proper job of someone’s wedding images. It takes a minimum of 20 hours up to 50 hours for a wedding gallery, depending on the skill of the photographer or the level of care.
Investing in professional wedding photography is a significant decision that requires thoughtful consideration. By understanding the average cost of a UK wedding and the factors influencing photography prices, you can make informed choices to create lasting memories of your special day. Remember to prioritize what matters most to you and tailor your budget accordingly for a seamless and memorable wedding experience.
If you have enjoyed reading this post about wedding costs, and in particular wedding photography pricing in 2024 onwards - please have a look through my wedding galleries.
What can be quite frustrating is all the leg work finding out how much each supplier costs. I believe in full transparency - saving you time and effort as you choose your dream team of wedding vendors.
