Average Wedding Photographer Cost in the UK: What to Expect in 2025

Planning a wedding means juggling dozens of numbers, and the wedding photographer cost is often one of the biggest line‑items. Knowing what you’ll actually pay helps you set a realistic budget and avoid unpleasant surprises on the big day.

Key Takeaways

• UK couples typically spend £1,200-£2,500 on a professional photographer.
• Hourly rates range from £90 to £250, while full‑day packages average £1,500.
• Expect extra fees for travel, second shooters, and premium editing.
• Investing in a higher‑priced package often means more hours, multiple photographers, and a richer deliverables set.
• Setting a clear priority (hours, style, deliverables) lets you choose the best value for your budget.

What Exactly Are You Paying For?

Wedding Photographer is a professional who captures the visual story of a Wedding. Their fees typically cover several components:

1. Pre‑wedding consultation and planning.
2. On‑the‑day shooting time (usually measured in hours).
3. Post‑production editing (color correction, cropping, retouching).
4. Deliverables such as an online gallery, USB drive, or printed album.
5. Optional add‑ons: second shooter, travel expenses, extra hours, premium prints.

Understanding each piece lets you compare quotes beyond a single price figure.

Typical Pricing Structures in 2025

Most UK photographers offer three main formats:

• Hourly Rate - Good for short ceremonies or couples who want a minimal shoot. Expect £90-£250 per hour.
• Half‑Day Package - Covers 4-5 hours, ideal for small venues. Prices sit between £1,000 and £1,500.
• Full‑Day Package - 8-10 hours of coverage, often including a second shooter and a wedding album. Average cost: £1,500-£2,500.

Below is a quick snapshot of how these tiers differ in the UK market.

Breaking Down the Extras

Quotes often look higher because of add‑ons. Here’s what to watch for:

• Travel Fee - If the venue is more than 30miles from the photographer’s base, expect £0.30‑£0.50 per mile.
• Second Shooter - Adds a different perspective and ensures coverage of simultaneous moments. Typical cost: £300‑£600.
• Premium Editing - Includes advanced retouching, cinematic colour grading, or a custom slideshow. Prices range £150‑£400.
• Album - A high‑quality, leather‑bound album can run £150‑£500 depending on size and page count.
• Digital Files - Most packages include a high‑resolution download, but some charge extra for a USB drive or cloud storage extension.

How to Get the Best Value for Your Budget

Follow these five steps to keep costs in check without sacrificing quality:

1. Define Your Priorities. Decide whether you value more shooting hours, a second photographer, or a deluxe album. Your budget will shape which component gets the most money.
2. Ask for Itemised Quotes. A transparent breakdown (pre‑wedding meeting, shooting time, editing, add‑ons) makes it easy to compare.
3. Book Early. Photographers often lock in lower rates for bookings 9‑12 months ahead, especially in off‑peak months like January or February.
4. Leverage Packages. Many studios bundle a second shooter, editing, and album at a discount compared to purchasing each service separately.
5. Negotiate Travel. If you’re booking a local photographer, ask to waive or reduce the mileage charge-especially if you’re covering a venue within 20miles.

Regional Variations Across the UK

While the national average hovers around £1,800 for a full‑day package, location matters:

• London & South East: £2,200‑£3,000 (high demand, higher living costs).
• Scotland & Northern England: £1,300‑£2,000 (more competitive market).
• Wales & South West: £1,200‑£1,800 (often lower travel fees).

If you’re planning a Brighton wedding, you’ll likely fall into the Southern England bracket, meaning a solid £1,500‑£2,200 for a reputable photographer.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Even with a clear budget, a few mistakes can creep in:

• Choosing the cheapest option. Low cost often means limited experience, fewer backup plans, or lower‑resolution gear.
• Not checking the gallery style. Review full wedding albums, not just highlight reels. Style should match your vision (photojournalistic vs. posed).
• Overlooking the contract. Make sure the agreement spells out delivery timeline, cancellation policy, and who owns the rights to the images.
• Ignoring the backup plan. Ask if the photographer has a second shooter or a backup camera in case of equipment failure.

Real‑World Examples (2024‑2025)

Here are three recent UK weddings and what their couples paid:

• Emma & James, Brighton - Opted for a full‑day package with a second shooter and a premium leather album. Total cost: £2,150.
• Sofia & Liam, Manchester - Chose a half‑day package plus travel fee (30miles). Paid £1,250.
• Alice & Tom, Edinburgh - Went with hourly rate for a 4‑hour ceremony only, plus digital files. Spent £620.

These numbers illustrate how customising the package to your needs can shift the final price by nearly £1,500.