The Real Cost of Wedding Photography in the UK – What You’re Paying For

So, you’re deep in the wedding planning trenches, spreadsheets open, Pinterest boards overflowing, and now you’ve landed on… photography.

You’ve probably seen everything from £400 for "full day coverage" to over £3,000 for what seems like the same thing. And you’re thinking – why the massive price range? What are we actually paying for here?

I get asked this a lot, so here’s the honest breakdown from someone who lives and breathes weddings every weekend: what you're really paying for when you book a wedding photographer.

Mr & Mrs Philips Celebrating thier wedding at Jenners barn Sept 2024

💼 It’s Way More Than Just a Day with a Camera

Let’s be real – you’re not paying for just 8-12 hours of photography. You’re investing in:

• Pre-wedding planning and calls
  I don’t just turn up on the day and wing it. I’ll help with timelines, talk through your vibe, and work out the flow to make sure your day runs smoothly.

• Gear (that works when it matters)
  I shoot with pro-grade cameras (plural – always backed up), lenses, lighting, drones, and audio equipment. It’s thousands of pounds worth of gear that I’ve chosen for speed, reliability, and image quality – because a missed moment can’t be re-done.

• Time spent editing (this is where the magic happens)
  For every wedding, I spend 30–40 hours editing. Colour grading, culling, storytelling – making sure each gallery feels like your day, not just ‘a wedding’.

📷 You're Paying for Experience, Not Just Photos

Anyone can buy a camera. But not everyone can:

• Work in every lighting condition, from candlelit barns to harsh noon sun

• Calm nerves, round up family for group shots, and blend into the background when needed

• Keep a timeline on track without being pushy

• Anticipate moments before they happen – tears, glances, full-body laughs – and capture them invisibly

That’s what you’re really booking when you hire an experienced wedding photographer.

🔐 You’re Paying for Reliability

I’ve heard too many stories from couples who were ghosted, got poorly edited images, or received just 50 final photos (😬). That’s not how I roll.

With me, you get:

• Unlimited photos – the more you do, the more I’ll take

• Same-day sneak peeks – because waiting sucks

• A framed print on the day – something to enjoy while the rest is being edited

• Your full gallery, delivered within 4 weeks – not months

🎯 The Bottom Line?

You’re not just buying photos. You’re buying peace of mind.

Photos that feel like you, not stiff poses. A photographer who’s as invested in your day going smoothly as you are. And memories that’ll still make you feel something 30 years from now.

Want to see what I offer?

Check out my packages here:
👉 www.capturedbychris.co.uk/packages

If you’re still figuring things out, no pressure – but if you’re after honest, documentary-style photography that doesn’t mess with your vibe, let’s chat.

📸 My Wedding Photography Packages

Simple & Straightforward

I keep things easy:

every package includes the same level of care, quality, and coverage –

the only difference is how long you want me there.

You’ll always get:
✔ Unlimited photos – the more you do, the more I’ll take
✔ Same-day sneak peeks
✔ A framed print on the day
✔ Your full gallery delivered within 4 weeks

💍 The I Do Package – £950

4 hours of coverage – perfect for elopements or shorter days.

💫 The First Dance Package – £1,450

8 hours – ideal for everything from ceremony to your first dance.

✨ The Party Package – £1,950

12+ hours – from morning mimosas to the last dancefloor banger.

Want video too?

Add a 3–5 minute highlight film for £550, or bolt on full recordings of your ceremony & speeches for £250.

That’s it – simple, transparent, and focused entirely on telling your story without the faff.

📍 BONUS TIP:

If you’re considering a bargain deal that seems too good to be true – it probably is. I’ve had multiple couples rebook with me after getting ghosted. Don’t let that be your story.