Photography is one of the most meaningful investments you’ll make for your wedding day. While flowers fade and the cake is gone by the next morning, your photos remain—reminders of love, laughter, and the joy of celebrating with family and friends. As a Chicago wedding photographer, I know couples often wonder how much to budget for photography in this city. Let’s break it down with realistic ranges, tips, and guidance to help you plan wisely.

Create a wedding Planning checklist

List all the things you think you cannot imagine your wedding without in the wedding cost checklist.

Then categorize them into Apparel, Photo & Video, Flowers, Ceremony, Reception, Rings, Gifts and favors, Rehearsal dinner, stationary, transportation, and finally Miscellaneous.

This way in wedding finance checklist you can decide what you are going to have on your wedding day and omit the unnecessary ones.

I put together a excel wedding budget for you to sort out your thoughts. In front of each item, from the dropdown menu, you get to choose “Yes” or “No” and simply get rid of the ones you think are not necessary to have. My past couples had found it very helpful. Don’t forget to grab it.

Create a wedding budget calculation

Now that you filtered the things you want to have at your wedding, it is time to allocate a budget to them. Budgeting ahead of time and writing down or making a spreadsheet of your expected expenses will help you stay out of debt.

By using wedding planning on a budget checklist, you may decide how much money you should spend on wedding photography, music, and decor.

Make sure you constantly review your budget, since splurging can be incredibly easy. Additionally, consider investing a bigger sum for certain vendors that will elevate your wedding experience, like a professional wedding photographer.

Again, I designed a wedding budget spreadsheet for you to make your life easier. In front of each segment, I put two columns; How much you expected it to be and how much it really cost for you, eventually.

So then, in the end, you will have a precise idea of how much you spent on your wedding celebration. Make sure to download the wedding budget template Google sheet before you forget.

Have a wedding planner to control your wedding budget

The idea that a wedding planner might help you cut down the wedding cost on your big day may seem paradoxical at first. But it’s true!

A major part of a wedding planner’s job is keeping you from exceeding your spending limit. The fact that they have connections and knowledge in the wedding industry means they can help you save money in key ways!

I highly recommend you hire a wedding planner. It is very essential. The good thing about wedding planners is that they have a vast connection, and they have worked with the best vendors in the industry.

They know the best Dj, The best Wedding photographer in Chicago, The best florist, etc. Therefore you don’t need to spend time and energy looking for them anymore.

She/He provides you with a list of wedding photographers for instance, and you pick the style of photography you like the most.

Some people like Life-style Wedding photography (documentary wedding photography), some like Cinematic wedding photography, Some like classic wedding photography, and some light and airy wedding photography.

No matter what your taste is, the wedding planner can connect you with the right wedding photographer.

Read more: How to Find the right Wedding Photographer?

I have worked with these girls and I can not recommend them enough. Check out their websites:

1. Kari
2. Rojin
3. Jelena

Consider different days to control the wedding budget

Booking your wedding location on a Friday will save you a ton of money. Better yet, have your wedding on a Sunday!  It’s perfect for intimate gatherings since the site cost and food and drink minimums can be reduced by up to $4,000.

Do your homework on photographers!

In Chicago, the average wedding photographer cost ranges between $3500 and $7000. The wedding photographers offer different wedding photography packages to choose from. But it all depends on what you want.

Here’s some advice from a Chicago wedding photographer:

Make sure to inquire about wedding photography packages. You will still have the best images ever taken of that special day.

Based on my experiences a wedding lasts between 6-10 hours, therefore I designed my packages to 6-8-10 hours of coverage to make it easy for the couples.

It is difficult to predict how many hours of coverage you may need. I wrote a blog post about it:

If you are not in the mood to read, I get it. Book your free consultation session with me and let’s talk and I will help you figure this out.

Average Cost of Wedding Photography in Chicago

On average, Chicago couples spend around $3,700 on their wedding photographer, with most packages falling between $3,000 and $7,000. Entry-level options may start closer to $1,800, while luxury services can exceed $10,000 depending on coverage, experience, and extras.

• Budget photographers ($1,500–$2,500): Often newer professionals. Affordable, but quality may vary.
• Mid-range photographers ($3,000–$7,000): Established professionals offering full-day coverage, engagement sessions, and sometimes albums.
• Luxury photographers ($8,000+): Highly experienced artists offering personalized service, custom albums, and multi-day coverage.

Your budget should reflect your priorities. Many couples allocate 15–25% of their total wedding budget to photography because these images become the lasting story of the day.

Packages vs. Hourly Coverage

Most photographers offer flat-rate packages rather than hourly coverage. Packages typically include:

• 6–12 hours of coverage (enough for everything from getting ready through dancing)
• Edited high-resolution images in an online gallery
• Pre-wedding consultation and timeline planning
• Second photographer for broader coverage
• Optional engagement session (like this engagement photography in Chicago)

Hourly coverage is more common for elopements or courthouse weddings, with experienced photographers charging $300–$500 per hour. If you’re planning a full wedding day, a package usually offers better value.

Deposits and Payment Plans

To reserve your date, expect to pay a non-refundable retainer of 25–50% when signing the contract. The remaining balance is often due 2–4 weeks before the wedding.

Many photographers, including myself, also offer payment plans to make budgeting easier. Splitting the investment into smaller installments over several months can help couples manage costs without stress.

Tips for Getting the Most Value

• Book early: Chicago’s top photographers are often reserved 12–18 months in advance for prime Saturdays.
• Think about coverage: Match your package to your schedule. A smaller weekday wedding might only need 6 hours, while a full-day event requires 10–12.
• Consider off-peak dates: Fridays, Sundays, and winter weddings may offer more flexibility.
• Use engagement sessions: They’re not only great for practice in front of the camera, but also yield beautiful images for save-the-dates.
• Communicate must-have shots: From heirloom details to family groupings, sharing priorities ensures nothing important is missed.

For more planning help, see my guide on how many hours of wedding photography you really need.

Maloos Photography’s Approach

My approach is personal, flexible, and storytelling-driven. Every couple is unique, and I believe your package should reflect your day not a one size fits all formula. Whether you need 6 hours for an intimate celebration or 10 hours for a full downtown Chicago wedding, I’ll help you craft a plan that feels right for you.

Most importantly, my work is about capturing authentic, emotional moments balancing candid storytelling with timeless portraits. Your investment isn’t just for photos; it’s for peace of mind, knowing your story will be preserved with care.

Conclusion

Budgeting for wedding photography in Chicago is about balancing priorities, value, and trust. While prices vary, the right photographer is one who understands your vision and makes you feel at ease. Photography is more than an expense—it’s an heirloom you’ll revisit for decades.

If you’re planning a 2025 wedding, I’d love to help you explore wedding photography packages designed with Chicago couples in mind. Together, we’ll create images that not only look beautiful but feel like your story.