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NYC Wedding Photographer Cost In 2024

Planning a wedding in New York City can be demanding, including allocating budget to different NYC wedding vendors. One vendor to consider is a wedding photographer. Your wedding is a major highlight in your life, so maybe it’s worth investing in hiring a wedding photographer who will capture precious memories on your wedding day. A good wedding photographer can add value to other vendors too! It’s because when your wedding is over – wedding cake eaten, food consumed, the music fades, wedding dress removed, and flowers dried, all that’s left are photos of them. And you can relive everything all over again every day through your beautiful pictures.  So, what is the cost to hire a NYC wedding photographer?

Elegant bride in a satin gown with lace sleeves and a groom in a white tuxedo walking hand-in-hand through a lush garden in Manhattan, surrounded by blooming flowers and timeless greenery. Photographed by Jenny Fu, NYC wedding photographer, specializing in editorial and film photography.
Radiant bridesmaids in the Adirondack Mountains, each donned in a unique shade of blue, stand before a backdrop of vibrant blue flowers from the wedding ceremony. Their joyous smiles capture the happiness of this special moment amidst the natural beauty of the mountainous landscape.

The average cost of a wedding photographer in New York

The cost to hire a NYC wedding photographer ranges between $10,000 and $25,000 for an 8-hour or 10-hour wedding day coverage. Some photographer may charge $5000 – $8000, others $9500 – $12,500 up to $18,500 (or more). The average is around $10,000 – $15,000. And since the industry is not regulated, prices can vary substantially, depending on a lot of factors.

Enchanting wedding ceremony set up at the iconic Caruso, a Belmond Hotel, overlooking the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. The panoramic view features the azure waters, fluffy clouds, and majestic mountains on a beautiful Saturday in June, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for a romantic celebration.

What factors contribute to determining the price?

Several factors are influencing the prices quoted by NYC photographers. Here are the important ones –

Time:

  • The average hours included in wedding photography collections begin at 8 hours of consecutive wedding day coverage and can go up to 12 hours or more. It’s crucial to note that our commitment extends far beyond the wedding day itself. Before the event, we invest significant time planning with you, sometimes spanning months or even a year. Additionally, post-wedding, a substantial amount of time is dedicated to meticulous post-production work, ensuring every moment is captured and presented with utmost care.

Photography Team

  • Certain collections feature a dynamic team of two photographers and a photo assistant, totaling three skilled professionals. Opting for extra photographers is especially beneficial if you have a sizable guest list. This ensures comprehensive coverage, capturing additional perspectives, angles, and, given that the primary photographer often concentrates on the couple and VIP members, extra photographers can adeptly focus on guests and intricate wedding details. It’s an excellent way to ensure that every moment, big and small, receives the attention it deserves.
Whimsical family portrait on the couple's wedding day in the Adirondacks, surrounded by vibrant flowers. In this black-tie affair, a heartwarming and spontaneous moment unfolds as the groom and his brother share kisses with their grandmother during family portraits, beautifully captured by photographer Jenny Fu.
Scenic wedding ceremony atop a hill in the Adirondack Mountains. The couple exchanges vows surrounded by nature's grandeur, with panoramic views of majestic mountains creating a stunning backdrop for their special day.

Photography Offerings

  • While some photographers provide a menu of individual services like engagement sessions, rehearsal dinner coverage, high-resolution digital images, photo albums, photo booths, and fine art prints, others may not offer such options. It’s important to note that not all price lists are alike. Therefore, engaging in a conversation with your photographer is crucial to determine the collection that aligns with your preferences. At Jenny Fu Studio, we take pride in crafting bespoke photo collections tailored to your unique requirements. We recognize that each wedding is distinct, and during our consultation, my role is to understand your vision and recommend the collection that best suits your needs. Let’s embark on this creative journey together and ensure your special day is captured just the way you envision it.

Expertise Matters

  • Pricing in the realm of wedding photography often reflects the photographer’s level of experience. In the vibrant landscape of New York City, a photographer with years of dedicated practice brings a seamless quality to their work. Seasoned professionals have honed their craft to an art, intuitively capturing the pivotal moments of your special day with finesse. Their well-defined wedding photography style is a testament to their mastery. It’s a truth universally acknowledged in the photography world that experience comes at a premium. Indeed, the cost of hiring a NYC wedding photographer is significantly influenced by this crucial factor. Rest assured, investing in a seasoned professional ensures that your wedding memories are not just documented but transformed into a timeless work of art.

Marketing Efforts

  • In the world of wedding photography, where every snapshot competes for attention, the competition is intense. Staying relevant in this dynamic market requires a strategic dance in the realm of marketing – a dance that, truth be told, incurs certain costs. It’s not just about capturing moments; it’s about ensuring your story shines brightly. When you’re contemplating the investment in a NYC wedding photographer, you’re not merely acquiring photos; you’re enlisting the services of a professional who understands the delicate art of blending expertise with a personal touch, making your special day truly exceptional.
Romantic moment between a bride in a satin gown with lace sleeves and a groom in a white tuxedo, sharing a kiss in front of a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the iconic Manhattan skyline. Photographed by Jenny Fu, NYC wedding photographer, capturing timeless and elegant celebrations.
Playful and candid black-and-white moment of a bride in a sleek satin gown laughing as her groom embraces her, framed naturally through a doorway. Photographed by Jenny Fu, NYC wedding photographer, capturing joyful and authentic wedding day memories.

What is included in the different photo collections?

Wedding Photography Collections in New York may include some or all of the following:

In a timeless black and white photo, the bride and groom joyfully exit their ceremony, bathed in white rose petals. Cheers from guests surround them against the breathtaking backdrop of the Amalfi Coast, with clouds hovering over majestic mountains. A moment of pure happiness captured in a picturesque celebration.

ADD-ONS:

OTHER OPTIONS:

Chic cocktail hour at Torrisi, a stylish Italian restaurant in Soho, with guests mingling beneath exposed brick walls and ambient string lights. Photographed by Jenny Fu, NYC wedding photographer, capturing the vibrant energy of modern luxury weddings.

There are many factors to consider in choosing the best photographer for your wedding, and everyone has their price. And the cost to hire a NYC wedding photographer varies a lot! But at the end of the day, it all boils down to these questions – What kind of wedding photography style do you genuinely want? (Traditional, Photojournalistic, Editorial, Contemporary, etc.) What type of personality do you look for in your wedding photographer? (like someone who can make you comfortable in front of the camera and someone who can bring out the best in you for your photoshoots on your big day) What are you most concerned about – value or price? Again, when the wedding is over, all that’s left are priceless memories captured in your photos. You can pass these very precious memories on for generations to come.

UPDATE: January 2024

Are you starting to plan your wedding for 2024 or 2025? If yes, it’s important to note that Wedding photography prices in NYC have risen significantly since 2021, and the cost of hiring an experienced photographer with a portfolio of stunning images can be restraining. Hence, we’re updating this blog post. As of 2024, the typical prices for a wedding photographer in NYC are as follows:

Elegant bride on her wedding day, surrounded by flickering candlelight at the dinner reception. Her timeless beauty reminiscent of Jackie Kennedy.

Master Photographers, who have years of experience and expertise in the industry, can cost upwards of $35,000 for their services. (I know some master photographers who charge 50-100k per wedding!)

Tenured Photographers with years of experience and a strong portfolio of work may cost between $15,000 and $25,000.

Emerging Photographers, who are talented but relatively new to the industry, may cost between $8,000 and $12,000.

Lastly, Freshmen Photographers, who are just starting out in the industry, may cost between $5,000 and $8,000.

Breathtaking moment as the bride walks down to her wedding ceremony in Ravello, Italy, overlooking the stunning Amalfi Coast. The majestic backdrop features the iconic Caruso, a Belmond Hotel, creating a picture-perfect scene for this unforgettable day.

Remember that wedding photography is an investment, and it is essential to select a photographer who can capture the essence of your emotions on your wedding day while fitting your budget!

With over a decade of professional experience and having shot countless weddings, I’m proudly a tenured photographer who provides stunning, authentic, and candid photos with an editorial, high-fashion spin. And I would be more than excited to chat with you to discuss what you have envisioned for your wedding day!

Captivating fine art photograph of a bride, adorned with a veil and holding flowers, bathed in soft sunlight. The scene, resembling a masterpiece, was artistically captured by Jenny Fu at Blue Hill at Stone Barns in New York, evoking the timeless elegance of a painting brought to life.