Is it ridiculous if my wedding photographer cost more than the actual wedding?

So the photographer is going to be like $10,000.... the wedding is a little less if you add all the expenses like ceremony, reception, flowers, invites, etc. It is just a small wedding.





Photos of the day are extremely important to me, and this guy is amazing. His style is exactly what I want. He just recently raised his prices, and they are always on the rise because he is so good.





My fiance is on board with me, and loves the guy too, but is extremely worried about what his parents would say if they knew we spent this much when they are already thinking we are spending too much on "just one day". They will be helping us with the wedding, but won't say how much.





Did anyone else "settle" on their photographer rather than get the one they really wanted? I have met with others who do great pictures, just not the style I want.

Is it ridiculous if my wedding photographer cost more than the actual wedding?
Your wedding day will go by in an instant....your pictures are forever. I think the photographer is the most important purchase you can make....and as someone who A)worked as a wedding professional for over 20 years and B) has lousy wedding pictures (one of the many reasons I got into the industry), I can tell you that it is awful to have bad pictures. We had a beautiful fall wedding at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club and the photographer, who was highly recommended to me by one of my bridesmaid's brothers, I thought was the perfect choice....he showed me beautiful photos of weddings past.....only later did I find out that he bought an existing business and they weren't his photographs. Many of the photographers we recommended over the years were just as expensive as yours and their pictures were fantastic and memorable, and I thought great works of art. As long as the two of you are in agreement, go for it. If you don't and you end up with wedding pics you look at for years ....you'll regret it.


Good luck with your wedding and your marriage. Don't settle....
Reply:where is your wedding, mine was in nj. I loved my photographer. He was 7500 and their pictures are amazing. Everyone told me they were the best photographers they have ever seen. Email me and I will send you the website if you want it.
Reply:NO WAY, you should NOT be paying that much. I would say $4,000.00 max, and for that you can find a great photographer. Don't overpay! Let him know you think it is a little high. I found a photographer whose work I LOVED, but just could not afford it. So, I emailed her my issue and she sent me several referrals of photographers with the same style that cost a bit less. Don't be afraid to ask!
Reply:10k is a ridiculous amount to pay for wedding pictures. Photographers are a dime a dozen, and the ones that are really expensive are running what amounts to a scam. I live next door to a high dollar photographer, and he admits to being a bit shady. Shop around.....your fiance is "on board" with you because he wants you to be happy. You already know that the price is ridiculous, or you wouldn't have even asked the question.
Reply:No no no shop around .........
Reply:When all is said and done, the most important thing in a wedding are the vows said to one and other. Everything else is "icing on the cake." I would personally rather spend my money on things I need or want. I am sure you can find a photographer that is just as good. In fact, you may have such high expectations of this photographer that you wind up disappointed that he/she wasn't worth the cost after all!
Reply:Hey, if you have the money to spend go for it!!


I certainly wouldn't go in debt though!
Reply:$10K is way too much for pictures. what if down the road you lose them or they are destroyed? and the photog doesn't have the negatives for reproductions? then you'll have only your memories and you'll be kicking yourself for paying $10K for a hard copy of something that ultimately means nothing.
Reply:That's a lot of money. If you have it then I would do it. We are spending the most money on our photographer as well. It's a day you want captured for the rest of your life. If his parents are mad they'll get over it. They can't be mad forever. Your pictures will last longer then their anger.
Reply:I think that 10K is a lot but what it depends what you're asking for. I would never go cheap on a photographer because that's all you have other to remember the wedding by other then the memories in your head. So if you have time, I would price around and then if you really like this photographer, tell him that you found the same quality in your eyes in this other place but they charge 5K. Would he work with you. I had a friend that got maried and his dad took the pictures bc he wasn't going to charge anything. The pictures turned out terrible bc he had no equipment for lighting or anything. It was just a digitial camera. So don't go to cheap!!
Reply:hey for a short answer yes











:) good luckk
Reply:That's absolutely ridiculous. Just because he's overcharging you by between $6000 %26amp; $8000 doesn't mean he's going to be GOOD.





Ask your friends, look through their pictures and see which you like. Go on Craig's List and look through the photographers, they all have their portfolios up, I see BEAUTIFUL pictures all the time. You should NOT be spending more than $5000 on pictures. $10,000 is ABSURD.





**You can get ALL of the things that you're saying he gives you, with most, if not ALL reputable wedding photographers. If you keep looking you will find someone else. Unless it was Annie Leibovitz, I would NEVER pay that much.
Reply:In planning my wedding, I'm experiencing a lot of give %26amp; take as well. While it may not be standard to pay $10K for pictures, if that's what's important to you, then do it. For example, I'm going all out with the reception, but I'm not spending all that much with flowers or favors. It can be a difficult compromise, but if you know you can afford the photographer you want, then it's not anybody's business how much he costs. Best of luck!
Reply:yes, it is rediculous. i think you should find a photographer friend who will do it for much cheaper. you dont need an amazing photographer to take amazing pictures. i hate to say this, but it has happened to a lot of my friends...they have billion dollar weddings %26amp; the marriage doesn't work out.





find a cheaper photographer. hope you have a good wedding!
Reply:It is you and your hubby-to-Be's choice. Is paying this much going to cripple your bank account? you don't want to be in debt or have no money after you get married. Of course you should have the wedding you want but think with a leveled head, what will it do to you bank account?
Reply:It is ALOT off money what he's asking for. But if the work is Amazing and worth it, you gotta pay the price. you also have to remeber that this will be one of the few things you will actually get to keep from your wedding. The flowers will die, youll never wear your gown again. Photos will help you remeber your wedding day.
Reply:Thats RIDICULOUS
Reply:I'm a wedding photographer in Palm Beach and this is one of the wealthiest counties in the state and that's a little overboard even for here! Where are you located? A lot of it has to do with location.... Another thing to consider....maybe he'll go cheaper for the same package minus the albums...have someone else do them. It is true that some of those albums cost a couple thousand to print (photographer's cost) I have a $10,000 package and you get a TON of stuff($3,500 is for printing costs and albums). I also have a $4,000 package that gets you a TON of stuff in the end as well.. As far as spending that much on him just because he carries a whole bunch of cameras is not worth it. First of all NO ONE can physicallly take photos at the same time with 4 cameras.....secondly it's not the cameras that hold the photos....it's the memory cards and if one of them goes bad he wouldn't know until the next day when he starts to upload the pics to his computer. Definitely do not settle, pics are very important, but I think you could find someone better or similar and for around $5,000. Just because he's raising his prices doesn't mean he's that good...it's a marketing plot. Sounds like a personal decision on your part....is there more than one photographer that's going to be at your wedding?? If not then it's definitely too much. What's his website....I will give you my professional opinion if I think it's worth it or not.
Reply:$10 000 is a lot to spend on the photographer. BUT it is your wedding and if that is what's most important for you then go for it.


It also depends on what you're getting for the $10 000. Some photogs don't even stay for the first dance so make sure you know what you're getting before you spend that much. Also style is really important for pictures. If you want really great, artistic shots then yes I would definately pay that much to make sure I got what I wanted. Most regular photographers, while they take good "regular" shots, really don't know how or don't have the equipment to do the artistic shots.





In my opinon, it only happens once, and if you're already saving in other places I would definately splurge and go for the photog you want.





PS some photogs do give digital versions now so you might want to ask about that and put it in a fireproof safe.





Also it is your wedding, don't let anyone convince you to do something (or not do something) you don't want to do.





Good Luck!
Reply:That is absurd! I'd find a student photographer. They'll give you a good deal.
Reply:I say work w/him. Negotiate perhaps a smaller plan? Tell him that you love him but you can't afford it.
Reply:OMG are you serious $10,000 on pictures? Im sorry I would rather put that money on a house deposit. 10K is extremely overpriced. And by the way photographers always "put their prices up". It is a common trick of the trade. You always lure people with lower prices and then after they are hooked you raise them ever because of 'all the demand'. You sound like you are falling for a scam...hook line and sinker. I researched my photographer, and actually found a "photographers only forum" where they discuss business. I tell you what I learnt some VERY interesting things from there, and it definately told me what to look out for. What you have described is a classic trick used, and you are falling for it big time!!! Photographers can be very shady people (there are some nice ones though) but I doubt someone who charges 10K for one day is one of the "nice ones"





That being said I understand photos are important. They are extremely important to me to, and are an important reminder of the day. However 10K is disgusting, and unless he was a celebrity wedding photographer I can't even begin to understand how he can justify those prices.





All decent photographers compromise on styles to keep the customer happy. Talk to some of the better but 'cheaper' photographers in your area. Most will go through with you what your taste is, what styles you like, what flatters you, and what you are ultimately after for the day. You do not need to spend 10K on one person to get this. Even something around 5K is rediculously expensive, but you would still get just as nice pictures. To get "great" professional pictures, I would recommend something under 5K...probably around 2-4K...but 10K is such a scam





And even if you can afford 10K and it wont send you in to debt, I personally would rather spend 5K and hire out a (still VERY expensive) and just as good top-of-the-notch photographer, and then give the other 5K to charity.





My photographer for my wedding is costing $2500. Still in the expensive price range but alot better than 10K. This includes the photographer, 4 albums, EVERY photo on CD/DVD, she said she usually takes around 1000 photos a wedding so we get access to all of those. This is for the entire day, getting reayd to the reception, and they are also chucking in a 'free' hensnight or engagement session for us because we were tossing up between this company and their rivals. We get 10 enlargements (6 large, 4 extra large), and 100-120 normal size prints. We also get full rights to all our pictures too, we can do whatever we want with them. The 4 albums are edited by the photographer, and I have seen their work and it is fantastic. My sister works at a resort which has many weddings using this photographer, and she said she is fantastic, she has been in the business for 15-20 years. My sister is involved in looking after the bride/groom and family after the wedding at the resort...and she has not heard one complaint. All she gets is praise! So its good for us to have my sister in that kind of position, because she will give us an honest answer and not just say what we want to hear. I also can't remember the megapixels she uses in her photos, but it is something of very high quality. You can actually expand the picture up to about 2.5mx2.5m before you start to see any blurring. So I guess what I am trying to say is the package you have described as to what is included is not worth spending an extra 5-8K on, when most 'gold' packages for 'cheaper' companies also do it.





On the other hand to be honest, I don't really understand why you have posted this question, by the sounds of it you have already made up your mind...which is obvious by all your added details in which you try and justify every negative comment here when people here say its too expensive. Its really up to you if you want to spend that much money on photos, but honestly, instead of being open to all opinions, you just sound like you are trying to seek some sort of justification for spending that much money, as you go against all the answerers saying no.





My final opinion is that if you have to try and justify this to yourself, then its probably something you should steer clear from. Like I said I am all for nice photos, I agree they are VERY important and thats why im not going cheap either. But 10K is way over the top.
Reply:I think that price tag is nuts, but it is your money and if you can afford the guy and that is what he charges, you can do it.


I am paying $900, no albums or prints but CDs with all pics and full rights/release to do what I want with them.


I love the girls work. She is just getting started so I guess that is why I'm getting such a good deal.


I expected around $2,000 to $3,000 to be the "normal" photographer's price tag. $10k just seems really overpriced.


But you have to be happy and comfortable with the deal. If you are and can afford it, then the money is worth it.
Reply:Honestly, it's way too much money to be spending and my wedding estimates are in your price range as well. Contact the photographer and be completely honest with him that you think the price is a bit extravagant.





We are interviewing potential photographers at the moment and we had the top photographer in town offer to cut his price significantly to get our business. Now granted, my fiance is an art director, so the guy wants his business for his reference list, but there is always room to negotiate.
Reply:Pictures are gonna be the only memory aside from what y0our head can remember that you will have left for years to come to show your kids. While money is no object to me some people may think thats too much for pictures. We paid 5 thousand for our pictures and videographer for 6 hours. they are coming to film and take pictures at the hotel where we are getting dress , we're getting alot for our money worth, so it all depend what your getting. i think it's fine as long as your happy with the work they've done before. is this a celebrity photographer.
Reply:I'm sorry if you think I'm being a little too blunt when I say this, but if you pay $10K for a photographer, you are insane. OK, so he does the "style" you want. $10K just isn't worth it. Think of what else you could use that money on! You can get absolutely beautiful pictures done by someone else who costs MUCH, MUCH less.
Reply:Wow, I don't understand what would cost so much. I thought I spent a lot; our was $2200. That includes 2 people and a few cameras, everything backed up, and he has won dozens of awards. I've seen his books and they are amazing! That is way way too much money. I can't think of anything that would justify a $10,000 photographer- not even having him fly to Hawaii incl air and hotel.
Reply:I think photographer should only be 7-10% cost of the wedding..$10,000 is A LOT of money. That has to be the highest I think I've ever heard of anybody spending on a photographer..that's not a celebrity. You shouldn't go cheap for your photographer, but I'd have to agree with other posters, anything over $5,000 is way too much. You could find many many professional photographers that can provide the same services for much less. It really depends if you can afford it, but if you're wedding is a little less than 10K, then a photographer for almost the same amount is crazy. Our photographer is going to be $2,600 and includes the same things in your package.
Reply:Way too much for pictures! Anything could happen to them...there is no way I'd pay that much for pictures
Reply:I think you are likely being overcharged, but depending on where you live and what you are receiving for 10k, by how much might not be as bad as what others have said.


I live in San Diego and the going rate for reasonable reputable photographers is $3000 - $5000. That does not include videography, albums, prints etc.


I think you should continue to look around for someone with the style you like if you have the time.
Reply:that does sound ridiculous. ask a friend to take wedding pictures and you can design them on photoshop or at walmart or something.