How Much Should I Budget for Wedding Photography in the UK?

One of the most common (and often most confusing) questions couples ask is: “How much should we budget for our wedding photographer?”

It’s a great question—and the answer isn’t just about numbers. It’s about value, experience, style, and what matters most to you.

If you’ve just started planning, this guide will give you a clear understanding of UK wedding photography pricing in 2025 and beyond, plus what to consider when choosing a photographer who’s the right fit for you.

What’s the Average Cost of Wedding Photography in the UK?

According to recent data (Hitched & Bridebook 2024), the average UK couple spends £1,600–£2,000 on wedding photography. That’s for full-day coverage, typically from prep to just after the first dance.

But averages only tell part of the story. Prices across the UK can range from £800 to over £4,000+, depending on the photographer’s experience, style, and what’s included in their offering.

Here at Smiling Tiger Studios, our wedding photography collections start at £1,695, with most couples choosing packages between £2,000–£2,750 for more tailored coverage.

What Affects the Cost of Wedding Photography?

There’s no one-size-fits-all pricing. Here are the key factors that influence price:

Experience – You’re not just paying for hours on the day, but years of experience anticipating moments, navigating emotion, and working in unpredictable environments.
Style – A photographer with a distinctive documentary or editorial style often invests more time into each wedding—both in capturing and curating the story.
Coverage time – Half-day? Full-day? Multi-day? Travel or destination?
Editing time – Post-production often takes 30–40+ hours per wedding.
Inclusions – Albums, engagement shoots, drone footage, second shooters, etc.
Availability & demand – Peak season or weekend dates often carry more value.

📅 Limited 2025 & 2026 dates available!

Let’s chat about your plans – Get in touch today.

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The Real Value of a Wedding Photographer

You might be wondering: is it worth spending £2,000+ on photography? Here’s why couples who prioritise their imagery say a resounding yes:

Photos are one of the few things that last beyond the day
You’re investing in the preservation of emotion, not just pictures
You get someone who will blend into your day with calm confidence
The images become heirlooms—something to pass down, relive, and hold onto

We live in an increasingly digital world—where everything is fast, filtered, and fleeting. But your wedding photos? They’re real. Tangible. Emotional.

They become the one thing you’ll turn to again and again to relive not just how your day looked, but how it felt. And when you ask people what they’d save in a house fire? Time and time again, the answer is their photo albums. Not their phone. Not their dress. Their photos.

That’s the power of this investment.

At Smiling Tiger Studios, we believe in quietly powerful storytelling. We won’t ask you to stage a moment—but we will capture it when it’s real. That’s what true documentary wedding photography is about.

Tips for Budgeting Smartly

Prioritise by emotional impact – Spend more on what you’ll still care about in 10 years.
Look at full galleries – Not just Instagram highlights.
Ask what’s included – Understand delivery times, image count, print rights, etc.
Book early – Most photographers offer current rates for future dates if you secure early.

A Note From Smiling Tiger Studios

We understand weddings are a big investment, and every couple’s needs are different. That’s why we offer flexible, transparent packages—and honest advice, whether you book with us or not.

Our couples are usually working professionals who want real, emotive storytelling without fuss. They want to remember how it felt, not just how it looked.

If that sounds like you, we’d love to hear more about your plans.

Let’s Make Choosing Easy

At Smiling Tiger Studios, we help couples feel relaxed, seen, and celebrated. We offer documentary-style wedding photography in Dorset and across the UK, specialising in real, unposed storytelling that captures your day exactly as it felt.