OK, the quick answer, £0.00 to £150,000
So really the question should be "How much do you want to pay?"?
Finding the right wedding photographer for you is an interesting challenge. Ultimately a lot of the decision making will be subjective and focus on what appeals to you as a couple. One thing is for sure, the cost varies tremendously as does what you receive for your money.
For many, finances do dictate to a degree what they choose. This is sensible, and there is usually plenty of choice whatever price bracket you are looking in. But beware, don't go 'cheap'. "Why, what's wrong with a bargain?" I hear you ask. Well ordinarily, nothing. But wedding photography isn't a product, it's a service... the cost of which reflects the hours put in by the photographer. Yes, the main cost of wedding photography is the photographers time, and the many, many hours spent outside of the wedding day itself as well as on your special day. A good wedding photographer has attributes that 'cheap' just won't get you. Think, where else could you employ a professional who needs to be well trained and highly skilled, and have valuable experience, and the right expensive equipment, and the right insurance, and the best products, and yet expect to pay them poorly? (..and yes, there are probably some jobs you could name, but that doesn't make it right!).
So, you want the very best, and you've got the cash to splash. Why not? Why not indeed? Go for it................ hold on..... What are you getting for that extra cash? Is this going to be a model shoot that takes over your day meaning you don't join in at your own party (your biggest ever), or your guests become bored and don't even get to chat with you? Are you being offered heavily stylised images that aren't you or will look totally dated by tomorrow afternoon? Please, ask yourselves, are you paying extra for the right reasons or does you're ego need reigning in?
The Best Advice
Decide on a budget
Decide what coverage you want (photography time on the day)
Decide what you want to receive (digital images/prints/albums/copyright etc)
Only then...
Start looking at peoples work (online)
Make contact if you like their work/style
Meet the photographer (Do you get along on with them? This is so important!). Talk to them!
Just because someone's recommended them doesn't mean they're right for you
Watch out for hidden extras (extra hours is the classic one)
Beware if prices aren't published... if you were selling something, why would you hide the price? Many wedding photographers do!
It may be at the end of this process you are stumped. And maybe your initial (1-3) requirements were unrealistic and you need to reconsider. Remember, the work your photographer does will be your keepsake of your special day. The photos will be a tangible reminder of what happened long after the cake has been eaten, the DJ has packed away, and even after your memories have faded!
Good luck!
Checkout Tim's prices here. I'm up front about the cost, and nothing is hidden. I guarantee there is no sales agenda or sales pressure.
