How much does a wedding photographer cost in Seattle? Updated for 2026.

It’s so important to ask how much you should spend on your Seattle wedding photographer in 2026. Most couples spend between $3,500 and $7,000 for professional wedding photography in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. Photography services is one of the largest investments in your wedding budget.  This article explains how to budget for wedding photography in Seattle, how to pick the best wedding photographer and how you can find affordable wedding photographers with high quality and top reviews.

Seattle Wedding Photography Pricing

Most couples in Seattle invest between $3,500 and $7,000 for professional wedding photography from a private solo photographer.

Here’s a general breakdown of what you’ll find in the Seattle market:

• Budget-Friendly ($2,000-$3,500): Newer photographers building their portfolios, limited hours of coverage (4-6 hours), fewer deliverables. (Pro Tip: If you hire a wedding photography team like Original Weddings, you can pay this same price, but get significantly better reliability and quality!)
• Mid-Range ($3,500-$5,500): Experienced photographers with established portfolios, full-day coverage (8-10 hours), second shooter often included
• Premium ($5,500-$8,000): Highly sought-after photographers with 5+ years of experience, comprehensive coverage, multiple photographers, engagement sessions included
• Luxury ($8,000-$15,000+): Top-tier photographers with national recognition, destination coverage, albums, and premium client experience

What Influences Wedding Photography Pricing in Seattle?

Experience and Demand

Photographers with more years in the business and strong portfolios typically charge more. If a photographer is booking weddings a year or more in advance, that high demand allows them to price accordingly. You’re not just paying for someone to show up with a camera—you’re paying for their artistic vision, reliability, and ability to handle any situation that comes up on your wedding day.

Hours of Coverage

Most Seattle weddings require 8-10 hours of photography coverage to capture everything from getting ready through the reception. Shorter coverage (4-6 hours) costs less but might miss key moments. Extended coverage for all-day events or multi-day celebrations increases the investment.

Number of Photographers

A second shooter adds significant value by capturing multiple angles during your ceremony, getting ready photos of both partners simultaneously, and ensuring no moment is missed. This typically adds $500-$1,500 to your package.

Deliverables and Products

• Digital files: Most packages include edited high-resolution digital images (typically 400-800 photos for a full day)
• Engagement sessions: Often included in mid-to-premium packages
• Albums: Custom wedding albums typically add $800-$2,500
• Prints and wall art: Usually available as add-ons
• Turnaround time: Standard is 6-8 weeks, though some photographers offer expedited delivery

Seattle-Specific Factors

Living and operating a business in Seattle isn’t cheap, and that’s reflected in pricing. Photographers here invest in:

• Professional-grade equipment that handles our unpredictable weather (rain, anyone?)
• Insurance and business licensing
• Travel throughout the greater Seattle area and surrounding regions
• Professional education and training to stay current
• High-quality editing software and backups

Additionally, many Seattle weddings take place in stunning but remote locations throughout the Pacific Northwest—from the San Juan Islands to Mount Rainier—which may include travel fees.

What’s Typically Included in Seattle Wedding Photography Packages?

While every photographer structures their offerings differently, here’s what you can generally expect:

Many Packages Usually Include:

• Pre-wedding consultation
• Customized timeline planning
• 8-10 hours of wedding day coverage
• Professional editing of all delivered images
• Online gallery for viewing and downloading
• Personal printing rights
• 400-800 edited, high-resolution digital images
• Second photographer
• Engagement session
• Rehearsal dinner coverage
• Getting-ready location scouting
• Custom USB drive with all images
• Fine art wedding album
• Priority scheduling and faster turnaround
• Bridal portraits or day-after session
• Extra coverage hours
• Raw files (though most photographers don’t provide these)
• Expedited editing
• Additional albums for parents
• Large prints or canvas wall art

How do I determine my wedding photography budget?

A common guideline is to allocate 10-15% of your total wedding budget to photography. If you’re planning a $40,000 wedding, that would be $4,000-$6,000 for photography.

But here’s what I really want you to consider: What matters most to you after your wedding day? If having stunning, artistic images that capture the emotion and beauty of your celebration is a top priority, it’s worth investing more in this category and perhaps cutting back elsewhere.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• How important are photos to us compared to other wedding elements?
• Will we want an album, or are digital files enough?
• Do we want an engagement session to get comfortable in front of the camera?
• How many hours of coverage do we actually need?
• Is a second photographer important to us for multiple perspectives?

How can I spot red flags when hiring a Seattle wedding photographer?

Be cautious of photographers charging significantly below market rate (under $1,500 for a full wedding day). This might indicate:

• Very limited experience with weddings specifically
• Inadequate backup equipment (risky if something fails)
• Poor business practices or lack of contract/insurance
• Hidden fees that will be added later
• Outsourced editing to maintain low prices
• No backup plan if they can’t make your date

Your wedding day happens once. While budget considerations are valid, this isn’t the place to take unnecessary risks.

How can I find affordable Seattle wedding photographers?

If your budget is tight, here are some legitimate ways to reduce costs without sacrificing quality:

1. Consider a weekday or off-season wedding: Many photographers offer discounts for Friday, Sunday, or winter weddings
2. Reduce coverage hours: If you’re having a shorter celebration, 6 hours might be sufficient
3. Skip the second shooter: If your budget is tight, one talented photographer can still capture your day beautifully
4. Forgo prints and albums initially: Focus on getting the digital files now, and order products later when budget allows
5. Look for photographers building their portfolios: Newer photographers with talent but fewer weddings under their belt often offer competitive pricing
6. Book early: Some photographers offer early-bird discounts for weddings booked 12-18 months in advance

What Am I Paying for When Hiring a Seattle Wedding Photographer?

When you hire a professional wedding photographer, you’re investing in far more than someone with a nice camera:

• 10+ years of combined education and experience perfecting their craft
• Thousands of dollars in professional equipment and backups
• Liability insurance to protect you and your venue
• Artistic vision and creativity to make your photos stunning
• Technical expertise to handle any lighting situation
• Professional editing that takes 30-50 hours per wedding
• Reliable backup systems so your photos are never lost
• Calm professionalism on one of your most important days
• Timeline and coordination expertise to keep your day running smoothly
• The ability to handle unexpected situations with grace

What questions should I ask Seattle wedding photographers about pricing?

Before you book, make sure you understand exactly what you’re getting:

1. What’s included in this package, and what costs extra?
2. How many edited images will we receive?
3. What’s your payment schedule and cancellation policy?
4. Do you charge travel fees for our venue?
5. What happens if you’re sick or unable to shoot our wedding?
6. When will we receive our photos?
7. How long will our online gallery be available?
8. Do you provide printing rights, and are there any restrictions?
9. What does your backup equipment setup look like?
10. Can we see a full wedding gallery from a recent event?

Who are the top wedding photographers in Seattle?

Seattle has many top-rated wedding photographers. Here is an entire article about figuring out who are the best wedding photographers in Seattle and beyond.

Seattle Wedding Photographers

Original Weddings is one of the best Seattle wedding photographers. Please click here to learn more about photography services available throughout the Seattle area, including Bellevue, Tacoma, Olympia and beyond.