How Much Does a Bay Area Wedding Photographer Really Cost?
(and how to make sure you’re getting the experience you actually want)
Planning a wedding in the Bay Area is no small feat. Between finding a venue with views, weaving in all those meaningful personal touches, and juggling a million moving parts — it’s a wild, beautiful ride. And when it comes to photography? That’s one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. Not just because it’s an investment, but because long after the cake is gone and the flowers have wilted, the photos are what last.
So how much should you really expect to spend on a wedding photographer in the Bay Area — and what’s the difference between someone who shows up with a camera versus someone who makes the whole experience feel effortless, joyful, and uniquely you?
Let’s break it down together.
PS: It won’t hurt our feelings if you stop everything and check out our curated list of Bay Area wedding venues here
What Actually Impacts the Cost?
Here’s the truth: not all photographers (or packages) are built the same — and that’s a good thing. Pricing can vary based on:
✨ Experience and Expertise
A seasoned photographer brings so much more than pretty photos. They bring calm in the chaos. They know how to guide you without making it feel posed. They anticipate the teary hugs and spontaneous dance moves before they even happen. And they know how to deliver photos that feel like you — at your most radiant and relaxed.
At One Love, our team is trained with that exact approach. We’ve photographed hundreds of weddings and use our photojournalism backgrounds to capture moments as they unfold naturally, not with stiff prompts or outdated poses. You’ll look back and see real connection, not forced smiles.
🕒 How Long You Want Coverage
Think about your priorities. Do you want just the ceremony and portraits? Or the full shebang — from getting ready with your best friends to twinkly lights and that epic late-night dance floor? The more hours of coverage, the more time we spend capturing your story — and the more editing and planning we build in behind the scenes.
Every wedding is different, which is why we create custom coverage that fits your timeline and your story (yes, even if that includes a tea ceremony, a second outfit change, or portraits in a secret redwood grove).
🚙 Travel & Logistics
Bay Area weddings are iconic, but they also span a wide range of locations — from Napa to Big Sur to downtown SF. Travel, scouting, accommodations, and second shooters may affect the final quote. The key is transparency. We always talk through this early so there are no surprise fees later.
Getting married in the Bay Area? We’d love to capture it for you! Skip to our contact page to check availability.
The Real Numbers: Bay Area Wedding Photography Prices
Here’s what you can typically expect in our region:
- $1,500–$3,000 → Newer photographers just starting out, or those offering minimal coverage.
- $3,000–$6,000 → Experienced professionals with a strong portfolio, consistent editing, and a storytelling approach.
- $6,000–$10,000+ → Premium packages, multi-day coverage, fine art albums, and photographers with a highly sought-after style.
At One Love, our packages start at $4,000 and are tailored to your day. We don’t do cookie-cutter. Instead, we collaborate with you to create a photo plan that feels intentional, relaxed, and totally personalized — because your story deserves that.
Check out our packages
What’s Included (and What to Look For)
Every photographer includes different things in their packages. Here’s what’s standard in ours:
✔️ High-resolution, beautifully edited images — delivered fast (with sneak peeks in a month and full gallery in two)
✔️ A planning Zoom to map out your wedding photo game plan
✔️ A custom-curated shot list by our photography coordinator, Anna
✔️ Location scouting based on your venue and vibe
✔️ Expert lighting and posing guidance that never feels stiff
✔️ Optional add-ons like film photography, albums, and welcome dinner coverage
We’re all about creating an experience that’s stress-free and full of heart. From the first meeting to your gallery delivery, we guide you through everything so that you can be fully present on the day — and trust us to capture it all.
If you’re the type who likes to know exactly what’s included, this page is for you.
Watch for These Hidden Costs
Not all packages include everything upfront. Make sure to ask about:
- Overtime charges if your day runs long
- Travel fees for remote or multi-location weddings
- Album or print upgrades beyond the standard package
- Second shooters (we recommend one for larger or high-energy weddings!)
We keep things super clear in our contracts and proposals. Transparency is part of the experience — because no one needs extra wedding-day surprises.
But Isn’t It Just… Photos?
We get it — wedding budgets add up quickly. But hear this: photography isn’t just about what you see. It’s about how you felt. The way your partner looked at you during your vows. Your grandmother’s laugh during toasts. That joyful chaos on the dance floor.
A great photographer helps you relive it all — not just with beautiful images, but with the emotional storytelling that takes you right back.
That’s why couples who work with us say it’s not just about the photos. It’s about how supported they felt. How fun and easy it was. And how seen they felt throughout the process.
Wondering how we go from “we’re so awkward” to “these are our favorite photos ever”? Let us show you.
Tips for Budgeting (Without the Headache)
- Plan to spend 10–15% of your total wedding budget on photography
- Book early (especially if your date is in spring, fall, or on a holiday weekend!)
- If you’re torn between priorities, ask what can be customized — we’re pros at making coverage work around your needs
- Consider the long-term value: photos are the one investment that becomes more meaningful over time
We’ll never pressure you into a package you don’t need — but we will help you think it through so that whatever you choose, it feels right.
How to Know You’ve Found the Right Fit
It’s not just about liking someone’s photos. You want to feel:
✔️ Comfortable around them
✔️ Heard and supported during planning
✔️ Confident that they’ll take care of everything on the day
✔️ Like they get your vibe, whether that’s “no posed photos, ever” or “we want golden hour portraits and romantic film shots”
When we meet, we don’t just ask about your timeline. We ask about your love story, your quirks, what makes you feel amazing in photos. And we match you with a photographer who fits your energy.
Because this isn’t just about documenting a wedding — it’s about capturing the way it felt.
There’s a reason our couples say, “That felt easy!” — peek behind the scenes to see why.
Final Thoughts
There’s no shortage of photographers in the Bay Area — but finding the right one? That’s where the magic happens.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding day where photography feels like the easiest part — where you can be fully present, feel fully seen, and trust the moments are being captured with heart — then we just might be your people.
Check our availability here!
And if you’re still in the early stages? That’s okay too. Start by exploring what you value most. We’ll be here when you’re ready to chat, dream a little, and create something beautiful together. 😍
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