Five Tips for Finding a Wedding Photographer on a Bare-Bones Budget.
Congratulations on your engagement!
As you plan your wedding, you’ll find that some aspects of planning are more exciting than others. For example, looking for professional services that fit into your wedding budget can be a real mood-killer.
For most couples, hiring a photographer is the third-largest wedding expense, after paying for the venue and catering. According to the online bridal magazine Brides, couples spent an average of $2,500 to $4,000 on wedding photography in 2025, and that doesn’t include videography costs.
But fret not. There are a handful of ways to bring down this expense while still getting beautiful photos of your special day. Here are five tips for finding a good wedding photographer on a bare-bones budget.
1. Hire a talented friend or acquaintance to take photos
When it comes to documenting your special day, you certainly don’t want to trust a random wedding attendee. Chances are you have a friend with a well-developed photography hobby, or you know someone who knows a qualified amateur photographer.
Of course, an acquaintance might not be willing to put in a full day’s worth of work for free, just to help you stick to a wedding budget. Some non-professionals might be open to a rate of around $500 for the work.
2. Book a photography student or a recent graduate
Early-career photographers or professionals who take wedding photos as a side hustle, may be willing to work for an affordable price. For them, the work can mean building a portfolio, meeting new prospects and gaining experience.
Just be sure the person you hire has adequate equipment and enough prior experience to pull off a full wedding. They may even have a second shooter to help capture all the details throughout the big day.
For amateurs or new professionals, you might be able to work out a deal in the range of $1,000 to $2,000.
3. Have your wedding during an off-peak time
The most popular time for weddings is Saturday afternoons between Spring and late Summer. If you’re willing to go against the norm, you’re likely to find more photographers available at discount prices. Plus, you might save money on other wedding costs, too.
Many caterers and venues offer discounts for Friday or Sunday events. If you’re open to a wedding in the fall or winter, you could save even more money.
4. Hire a local photographer to avoid travel fees
Wherever your wedding is set to take place, consider finding a photographer who lives in that area. If you don’t, you’ll probably have to pay the photographer to travel. If they have to leave town, photographers usually add mileage or airfare to the cost of their services, plus food and accommodations.
5. Choose a budget-friendly location
According to The Knot, one of the main factors in the cost of photography is location. In their 2025 survey, The Knot found that weddings in the Southwest were most affordable, while events in the Mid-Atlantic cost the most.
If you want to cut down on costs, you might consider a rural venue near your area. Why? Because wedding photographers who live in big cities usually need to charge more money in order to offset their high cost of living.
Ultimately, if you want high-quality photos of your big day, you don’t have to spend a fortune. Professional photography services are expensive, but there are many ways to find an experienced photographer for a fraction of the price.
Of course, sticking to a budget for your wedding can feel like a big sacrifice. But it can also help newlywed couples set the foundation for a better financial future!
