How much does a wedding photographer cost?
Hello!
So you’re trying to figure out how much a wedding photographer in NJ is. I’m here to help. It has probably been extremely frustrating to get to a website and see “starting at vague number” only to call or get onto an email list that shows you that attractive price is only for Friday the 13th if it is raining sideways. Or you’re like me. You’re up researching at 1 am while the love of your life is snoring, but you’re so excited! You have no time for sales and no one else is up. I see you. I understand you.
In New Jersey, most couples spend between $3,000 and $6,000 on wedding photography depending on experience, coverage hours, and album options. The Northeast has some of the highest wedding budgets in the country, so photography prices are often slightly above the national average.
First I will give you this preliminary tool to calculate how much it would cost to hire me as a wedding photographer based on your needs. Keep in mind, price may change depending on the location and other factors. I keep it transparent, so if something changes you will know why in advance.
Special consideration must be given to courthouse weddings. This is for your benefit.
The Calculator
The Packages
Now that you have used the calculator, let’s talk packages. The three packages Phoenix Eye offers are designed to take care of your most basic needs as well as offer some savings. Let’s get into them!
Just What We Need
Cost: $3000
Includes
10 Hours of Coverage.
Fully edited photographs delivered digitally via USB-drive, ready for printing
Edits include toning, cropping, and light cosmetic imperfections such as teeth whitening
Online Gallery for sharing with friends and family
Pre-cropped and sized pictures for social media
The Works
Cost: $4000
Saves: $200
Includes
10 Hours of Coverage.
Fully edited photographs delivered digitally via SSD hard drive, ready for printing
Edits include toning, cropping, and light cosmetic imperfections such as teeth whitening
Online Gallery for sharing with friends and family
Pre-cropped and sized pictures for social media
2-Hour Engagement Session
Can be used for save the dates, engagement photos. Can be split into two sessions!
Second Photographer
25 Silver Halide Prints of your favorite photos (4x6)
Everything & Then Some
Cost: $6,500
Includes
12 Hours of Coverage.
Fully edited photographs delivered digitally via personalized SSD hard drive, ready for printing
Edits include toning, cropping, and light cosmetic imperfections such as teeth whitening
Online Gallery for sharing with friends and family
Pre-cropped and sized pictures for social media
2-Hour Engagement Session
Can be used for save the dates, engagement photos. Can be split into two sessions!
Second Photographer
1 Dress-shopping photoshoot up to 2 hours
50 Silver Halide Prints of your favorite photos (4x6)
Videographer
We work with another local vendor. One bill for you, one contract, and only one vendor to have to communicate with.
FAQ
Why are wedding photographers so expensive?
This is a very important question. Rather than bore you with the mundane, all photographers have overhead costs like software, gear, and unseen expenses right along with their experience and know-how. My telling you that won’t distinguish me from other artists. I am here to create an experience and tie together your night in romantic documentary-style photography. It has taken me a lot of time, gear, studying, and love to bring you the experience you deserve on your big day. The dollars you spend go directly into me being your photography consultant. It means I find out what the light will be like before your event. I come prepared for both myself and some of your needs. I become the person who also tells your family where to stand, and I am the person who will pull you away from it all so you can breathe.
How many hours of photography do I need?
The typical range for this is 6-10 hours. When we talk, we decide on whether you want things like getting ready documented. We decide whether you want your reception photographed, and if you have a final dance, you may need more time. If you choose too few hours initially, you will have the option to ask me to stay for an hourly rate.
Final Thoughts
That was a lot of information right?! Hopefully it gave you an outline of initial costs and an idea of what to expect. A 20% deposit is required to secure your date and payment plans are available. If you want to get even more into detail, adjust some things or see what else I have to offer reach out here. At the end of the day, I aim to be an aspect of your wedding you can set and forget. I look forward to hearing from you!
Last Updated: March 2026
