How Much Does Wedding Photography Cost in Europe? A Guide to Wedding Photography Packages & Prices in popular European wedding destinations including Spain, Italy and beyond
Wedding photography is an investment, and it's important to have a clear understanding of how much you're willing to spend. Prices can vary greatly depending on the photographer's experience, the length of coverage, and whether you're looking for additional services like albums or engagement sessions. Are you having a destination wedding in Europe and don’t know how much you should be paying for your photographer?
Just like anywhere else in the world, wedding packages in popular European destinations can vary greatly and can range anywhere from €500 to €10 000+ and there is no hard and fast rule as to how much you should be paying for your wedding photography packages in Europe.
Wedding photographers will usually fall into one of three categories, namely, budget, mid-range and high end. A good rule of thumb for pricing for each category is as follows:
Budget wedding photography:
Expect to pay anywhere from €500 - €1500 for entry level photography packages
These packages are usually offered by photographers who are newly branching out into the wedding industry and don’t have a lot of experience with weddings yet, but this is not to say that they aren’t incredible photographers, remember, even the best photographers in the world had to start somewhere
Hiring a budget wedding photographer can be a great choice, especially if you’re a couple who prioritizes other aspects of the day. A budget photographer can capture many beautiful moments and tell the story of your day without the higher price tag, but it’s crucial to approach this decision with realistic expectations and some careful planning
Make sure to look at their portfolio, read reviews, and have a consultation with them to see if they are a good match. As long as you’re clear with them about your expectations, like which moments are most important to capture, and have communicated any concerns, you’re likely to receive photos that document the essentials of your celebration without needing an extravagant package
It is important to understand that at a lower price point, there is going to be a greater risk. In many cases this is not because the photographer is lacking the necessary skill or talent, but because of the price point they are charging for weddings, they often don’t have the resources for high-end professional equipment, which can impact their ability to handle technical issues. Unlike more experienced photographers who can afford to invest in backup cameras, flashes, batteries, and SD cards, budget photographers are generally working with a limited setup. This means that if something malfunctions — like a camera or memory card — they may not have an immediate backup, increasing the risk that moments could be missed or even lost. Again this is something that should be discussed beforehand to ensure that the photographer has a plan in place in these scenarios
If you’re comfortable with some risk and have realistic expectations, a budget photographer can absolutely work well. They can document your day beautifully, just with some limitations in equipment and resources. The key is making sure you’re choosing someone whose style you love and who’s transparent about what they can and can’t provide. With clear communication, you can make the most out of a budget photographer’s services while still respecting the limits of what they can deliver at a lower price point.
Since a destination wedding is such a big investment and a truly once in a lifetime event, I would personally invest in a more experienced photographer to avoid any unnecessary stress before and after the wedding. If budget is an issue, but your couples portraits are very important to you, you could also look at hiring a budget friendly photographer for your wedding day, and then doing a post-wedding couples portrait session with the photographer of your dreams. Another option is to hire a more experienced photographer for less hours, thereby only capturing the most important parts of the day such as the ceremony, family photos and couples portraits.
Mid-Range Wedding Photography:
Expect to pay anywhere from €1500 - €3500 for mid-range photography packages depending on where you are getting married
At this price point you can expect to have full day wedding coverage by an experienced wedding photographer with the necessary equipment and skill level to capture your wedding day beautifully
These prices will vary depending on skill level, years of experience and additional add ons, such as a second photographer or an engagement shoot
Most photographers will fall into this category and you will have an abundance of choice for your big day
This is where it will be important to focus on the photography and editing style you absolutely love and to find someone whose work resonates with you
Couples looking for a balance of excellent quality and professionalism, without completely breaking the bank, can look at realistically spending around €1700 - €2800 with photographers who have a lot of experience capturing weddings
High-End Wedding Photography
In the high end range you can expect to pay anywhere from €3500 - €10 000 and up
In this category you are no longer only paying for quality work, but you are investing in a photographer who you specifically want to capture your wedding day based off of the work you have seen. At this price point you are investing in a brand and a photographer with years of experience or authority in the industry, who usually has a couple of awards to their name
These photographers have put in the work to establish themselves as the very best in their industry and are often published by reputable industry leaders such as Vogue and consistently work with high-end vendors and planners
They will also usually offer many add-ons that create a part of the luxury experience, such as a minimum of two of photographers on the day, drone photography, unlimited coverage, luxury albums etc
Key Regional Differences
Western Europe: Mid-range and high-end packages are often on the pricier end, especially in major cities like London and Paris, as well as in popular wedding destinations in countries like the UK and Ireland.
Southern Europe: In countries such as Spain, Italy and Greece, prices can be slightly lower for high-quality services, though destination weddings in iconic locations such as Lake Como, Tuscany, Marbella, Mallorca and Amalfi can drive prices up.
Eastern Europe: Often more affordable across all tiers, especially in the budget and mid-range categories, with high-end packages still comparably lower than Western Europe.
When comparing destination photography packages in Europe, ask about their package details. Some might offer full-day coverage, while others charge by the hour. Don't forget to ask if travel fees or accommodation costs are included, especially if you’re hosting a destination wedding. We are based in Spain and travel all over Europe and have a number of wedding packages to suit every couples needs. All our wedding packages are inclusive of travel and lodging costs, ensuring that there are no hidden fees. Feel free to get in touch for our 2025 and 2026 European wedding photography packages.
