Wedding photography is one of the most important parts of your big day, it’s how you’ll relive those moments for years to come. But let’s face it: photography isn’t cheap, and when you’re already spending big on venues, food, and outfits, it can feel overwhelming. The good news? You can capture beautiful wedding memories without overspending, as long as you make smart choices and avoid common pitfalls.
In this guide, we’ll share practical strategies for keeping costs under control, creative DIY ideas, and insider advice from working with both photographers and couples through our own experience in the wedding industry.
How to Do Wedding Photography on a Budget
Setting a Realistic Budget for a Wedding Photographer
Before you start shortlisting photographers, set a clear budget. As a rule of thumb, couples typically spend 10–15% of their wedding budget on their photography. The exact percentage depends on how important professional images are to you compared with other elements of your day.
In our experience, couples who try to save too much on photography always regret it later. We’ve seen brides and grooms who decided not to pay extra for video coverage of vows or speeches, only to realise afterward that they’ll never get to relive those moments. Your photos and videos are what remain after the day, so treat them as a priority.
Essential Tips for Affordable Wedding Photography
- Decide your must-haves. When planning Wedding Photography on a Budget, think about what really matters — do you need all-day coverage, or just the ceremony and first dance?
- Research local photographers. Hiring nearby talent saves on travel costs.
- Be clear on what you want. Photographers are more flexible when you communicate upfront about what’s essential and what you’re happy to skip.
- Cut back elsewhere. Reduce spend on favours, decor, or elaborate cakes to free up budget for photography. Those things don’t last, photos do.
How to Choose a Wedding Photographer Within Your Budget
Don’t just go with the cheapest option. We’ve seen amateur photographers miss key moments or even get in the way of guests, ruining both the experience and the memories.
When choosing, look for:
- Style fit: Do their past weddings match the look and feel you want?
- Rapport: You’ll spend a lot of time with your photographer on the day. If you don’t like them, it could dampen your big day.
- Experience: Can they handle changing light, weather, and fast-moving moments without stress?
Once you’ve shortlisted a photographer, the next step is clear communication. Knowing what to tell your wedding photographer will help you get the most value from your budget and ensure no key details are missed.
Look for Package Deals or Off-Peak Discounts
Many photographers offer packages with albums, engagement shoots, or full-day coverage. If your budget is tighter, ask if they can strip back extras you don’t need. For example, you might not want an album now, but you could order one later.
What about off-peak discounts? With venues, you’ll often get big savings by marrying on a weekday or in the off-season. With photographers, though, the savings are usually smaller, their time and editing workload stay the same. Still, it’s worth asking.
Some photographers bundle in engagement or pre-wedding shoots as part of their packages. If you’re unsure whether it’s worth it for you, read our guide to everything you need to know about pre-wedding shoots.
Prioritize Your Photography Budget Over Things That Aren’t as Important
We’ve seen plenty of couples splash out on details like extravagant flowers, then cut hours off their photography coverage, and regret it. If you’re making trade-offs, always ask: will I care about this in 10 years?
Favors get forgotten. Flowers wilt. But photography is what your kids and grandkids will one day look back on. Prioritize photos over the extras.
How Much of Your Wedding Budget Should Be Spent on Photography?
As mentioned, 10–15% of your total wedding budget is a good benchmark. If photography is a top priority, lean towards the higher end. If you’re more relaxed, aim lower, but don’t cut it completely.
Spend time reviewing portfolios, asking for recommendations, and interviewing your shortlist. Remember, a budget-friendly photographer can still be professional if you do the due diligence.
Ideas for DIY Wedding Photography on a Budget
Professional photos are invaluable, but guest-generated content can add hundreds of extra candid shots that photographers simply don’t capture. Here are budget-friendly DIY options to complement your professional photos.
Photo Booth Stations
A photo booth is always a hit with guests, but it’s more about fun than memory-saving. Expect lots of staged, repetitive shots. Great entertainment, but not the most authentic record of your day.
Photo Sharing Apps
Apps like Wedding Photo Swap are brilliant for gathering authentic guest photos in one place. Guests capture moments the photographer doesn’t, especially later in the evening when professionals have gone home. Unlike WhatsApp, where photos are compressed and messy to organise, an app keeps everything high-quality and in timeline order.
Guest photo sharing apps are also one of the best ways to approach wedding photography on a budget because they capture authentic guest moments at only a small extra cost.
Want to dive deeper into making the most of guest photos? Check out our article on how to collect photos from your wedding guests for practical tips.
QR Code for Wedding Pictures
QR codes are a simple way to get guests sharing and using an app like Wedding Photo Swap. Place them on tables, menus, or signs, and link directly to your photo-sharing app. We’ve seen this generate hundreds of extra guest photos at weddings, giving couples different perspectives of their day.
Disposable Cameras on Tables
A nostalgic option that gives you a diverse range of guest photos. The downside? Film developing costs and the risk of blurred, low-quality images. Fun, yes, but not the most reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set a realistic wedding photography budget?
Allocate 10–15% of your total wedding budget. Decide whether photos or video are non-negotiables, and cut back elsewhere if needed.
Where can I find affordable wedding photographers?
Look locally, ask for referrals, and consider newer photographers building portfolios. Always check portfolios and reviews before booking.
Are photography students a good choice for budget weddings?
They can be cheaper, but it’s risky. I’ve seen students miss key moments and even disrupt the flow of the day. Only consider this if you’ve seen strong sample work.
How can I save money on professional wedding photography?
- Hire for fewer hours (but don’t cut too much, many couples regret this).
- Choose digital-only packages.
- Negotiate extras you don’t need.
- Consider associate photographers from established studios.
What are the risks of hiring a budget wedding photographer?
Missed moments are the biggest risk. Lack of insurance and weaker editing skills are also common issues.
How do I balance cost with quality when hiring a wedding photographer?
Focus on style, rapport, and professionalism. Negotiate packages rather than price alone. Cutting corners here can cost you dearly later.
Can I combine a budget photographer with guest photo-sharing apps?
Absolutely. Many couples use Wedding Photo Swap alongside their pro photographer. It adds hundreds of extra guest moments the photographer never sees. So an affordable way to make the most of your wedding memories is to use a group photo sharing platform.
Is it worth investing more in wedding photography?
Yes. Flowers, decor, and cakes disappear, photos last forever. If you can, invest in a professional photographer you trust.
How to Get Cheap Wedding Photography
Be strategic: hire for shorter coverage, book digital-only packages, and use guest photo-sharing tools to fill in the gaps. Balance savings with quality.
Conclusion: Memories Are Worth the Investment
Your wedding day will fly by. The food, decor, and flowers will fade, but your photos will last for generations. While it’s possible to do wedding photography on a budget, the key is to spend wisely: prioritize photography in your budget, supplement with DIY and guest content, and avoid cutting corners that lead to regret.
Whether you invest in a professional for the whole day or just key moments, make sure you have a plan to capture your memories beautifully. And don’t forget, guest photo-sharing apps like Wedding Photo Swap are the perfect complement to professional coverage, giving you hundreds of extra perspectives without extra cost.
Ready to make sure you capture every moment of your wedding without overspending? Try Wedding Photo Swap today and see how easy it is to gather all your guests’ photos in one place.
