Seattle Wedding Photography Pricing: 2026 Complete Guide
Wondering how much a wedding photographer costs in Seattle? You're not alone. With Seattle wedding photography ranging from $3,000 to $10,000+, understanding what you're actually paying for—and how to budget wisely—can feel overwhelming.
As an award-winning Seattle wedding photographer who's captured 300+ love stories over the past decade, I'm breaking down exactly what wedding photography costs in 2026, what's included in different packages, and how to choose the right investment for your celebration.
Quick Answer:
Average Seattle wedding photographer cost: $3,000 - $10,000
Recommended budget for quality photography: $4,500 - $7,500
B. Jones Photography packages: Starting at $4,400
Let's dive into everything you need to know about Seattle wedding photography pricing.
How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost in Seattle?
| Experience Level | Price Range | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Emerging Photographers | $2,000 – $3,500 | 1–3 years experience, basic packages |
| Mid-Range Professionals | $3,500 – $6,000 | 3–7 years experience, comprehensive coverage |
| Experienced Specialists | $6,000 – $10,000 | 7+ years experience, premium service |
| Luxury / Celebrity Photographers | $10,000+ | Elite level, limited availability |
Our Recommendation
For quality wedding photography in Seattle, budget $4,500 - $7,500. This range typically gets you an experienced professional who will deliver beautiful images, provide excellent service, and won't disappear after your wedding day.
Why this range? Photographers in this bracket usually have:
5+ years of professional experience
Proven track record with hundreds of weddings
Professional backup equipment
Comprehensive insurance
Established post-wedding support
Polished editing style
Reliable delivery timelines
What Affects Wedding Photography Pricing in Seattle?
Understanding what influences pricing helps you make informed decisions. Here are the key factors:
1. Photographer Experience & Demand
More experienced photographers command higher rates. Someone who's photographed 300+ weddings has seen (and solved) every possible scenario—rain, timeline delays, family drama, wardrobe malfunctions. That expertise is invaluable.
The Knot Best of Weddings winners and photographers with strong portfolios often charge premium rates because demand for their limited dates is high.
2. Hours of Coverage
Most Seattle wedding photography packages include 8-10 hours of coverage. Each additional hour typically costs $300-500.
Coverage options:
Elopement/Courthouse: 2-4 hours
Half-Day: 6 hours
Full-Day: 8 hours
Extended: 10+ hours
3. Second Photographer
Adding a second photographer ($1,000 extra) means:
Simultaneous coverage of bride and groom getting ready
Multiple angles during ceremony
More candid guest moments captured
Backup if primary photographer has an emergency
4. Albums & Prints
Many photographers separate digital delivery from physical products:
Digital-only packages: Lower cost
Albums included: Add $800-2,000+
Print rights: Usually included, but verify
5. Location & Travel
Seattle-based photographers typically don't charge extra for Seattle-area venues. However:
Bellingham/Tacoma: May include small travel fee ($0-200)
San Juan Islands/Beyond: Travel fees apply ($500+)
Destination weddings: Custom pricing
6. Peak Season vs. Off-Season
Peak season (May-October) in Seattle:
Higher demand = higher prices
Book 12-18 months in advance
Limited availability
Off-season (November-April):
More availability
Sometimes discounted rates
Beautiful moody Pacific Northwest light
7. Deliverables & Turnaround Time
Standard delivery: 6-8 weeks
Rush delivery: May cost extra
Number of edited images varies (typically 75-100 per hour)
Online gallery vs. USB vs. both
What's Included in Seattle Wedding Photography Packages?
Not all wedding photography packages are created equal. Here's what to look for:
Digital Images & Deliverables
Standard Inclusions:
Hand-picked and professionally edited images
Online gallery for viewing and sharing
High-resolution files with download rights
Print rights (always verify this!)
What You Should Know:
Image count varies by photographer (50-100+ images per hour)
Editing style affects final look (light & airy, moody, film-inspired, etc.)
Most photographers don't provide RAW/unedited files
Questions to Ask:
How many edited images will I receive?
What's included in my online gallery?
Do I get print rights?
Can I share/download unlimited times?
Albums & Prints
Digital-Only Packages: Many photographers now offer digital-only packages, with albums as add-ons:
Professional wedding albums: $800-2,500+
Parent albums: $400-800 each
Print packages: Varies widely
Album-Inclusive Packages: Some packages include albums:
10x10" or 12x12" albums most common
Lay-flat, flush-mount pages
Professional design included
20-60 page spreads typical
Our Take: Start with digital-only, then order an album after you've lived with your images. This prevents rushed decisions and buyer's remorse.
Planning & Timeline Support
The Unseen Value: Professional photographers provide extensive pre-wedding support:
Initial consultation: Discuss vision, venues, timeline
Custom timeline creation: Based on 10+ years experience
Vendor coordination: Communication with planner, venue
Location scouting: Suggestions for best photo spots
Family photo planning: Organized list, efficient execution
Day-of management: Keeping timeline on track
This planning is often worth thousands of dollars in stress reduction alone!
Post-Wedding Support
What Happens After Your Wedding:
Professional editing (color correction, exposure, retouching)
Online gallery creation
Print ordering assistance
Album design consultation
Ongoing access to your images
Delivery Timeline:
Industry standard: 6-8 weeks
Fast delivery: 30 days (us!)
Sneak peeks: 24-48 hours
How Long Does Wedding Photography Actually Take?
Getting Ready Photos
1-1.5 hours
Detail shots (dress, shoes, rings, invitations)
Hair and makeup final touches
Bride with bridesmaids
Groom with groomsmen
Parent moments
First look with bridesmaids/parents
First Look + Couple Portraits
45 minutes - 1 hour
Private first look moment
Intimate couple portraits
Romantic, unrushed time together
Best light of the day (if timed right)
Wedding Party Portraits
30-45 minutes
Bridesmaids portraits
Groomsmen portraits
Full wedding party group shots
Creative fun shots
Family Formal Photos
30-45 minutes
Immediate family combinations
Extended family groups
Parents with couple
Siblings combinations
Grandparents
Pro tip: With a detailed family photo list and good organization, we can knock these out in 20 minutes!
Ceremony
30 minutes - 1 hour
Guests arriving
Processional
Ceremony coverage (multiple angles)
Recessional
Exiting and celebration
Cocktail Hour
1 hour
Candid guest interactions
Couple mingling
Appetizers and drinks
Venue details
Decor documentation
Reception Formalities
1-1.5 hours
Grand entrance
First dance
Parent dances
Toasts and speeches
Cake cutting
Bouquet/garter toss (if doing)
Reception Dancing & Celebration
1-2 hours
Dance floor action
Guest candids
Special moments
Sparkler exit or send-off
Total: 8-10 hours of comprehensive coverage
This is why we recommend 8-hour minimum packages—anything less means missing key moments!
B. Jones Photography Wedding Packages
As an award-winning Seattle wedding photography team (The Knot Best of Weddings 6 years running), we offer two package tiers to fit different budgets while maintaining our signature light & airy style.
Lead Photographer Collections (with Becca)
Starting at $6,000 for 8-10 hours of coverage
What's Included:
8-10 hours of wedding day coverage
Hand-picked & professionally edited digital images
30-day delivery (industry standard is 6-8 weeks!)
Online gallery with unlimited digital downloads
Full print rights
Complimentary planning consultation
Custom wedding photography timeline
Family photo coordination & organization
Sneak peek within 48 hours
Discounted anniversary sessions for life
Why Choose Lead Photographer:
12+ years professional experience
300+ weddings photographed
Personal attention and relationship building
Extensive pre-wedding planning and support
Expert timeline management on wedding day
Associate Photographer Collections
Starting at $4,400 for 8 hours of coverage
What's Included:
8 hours of wedding day coverage
Same light & airy editing style
Hand-picked & professionally edited images
Online gallery with unlimited downloads
Full print rights
Planning consultation
Custom timeline
30-day delivery
Why Choose Associate:
Same B. Jones Photography quality at a more accessible price
Experienced professional photographers (3-8 years each)
Same editing style and service standards
Perfect for couples prioritizing budget without sacrificing quality
Popular Add-Ons
Engagement Session: $950 Perfect for getting comfortable with the camera before your wedding day! We can shoot at your wedding venue, explore Seattle locations, or create magic at your favorite spots.
Second Shooter: $1000 Have two photographers capturing your day from multiple angles. Especially valuable for large weddings (150+ guests) or couples getting ready in separate locations.
Heirloom Wedding Album: Starting at $800 Gorgeous, professionally designed albums with lay-flat pages and premium materials. Available in various sizes with panoramic spreads perfect for Seattle skyline and waterfront shots.
Rehearsal Dinner Coverage: $1200 Document the night before with professional photos of toasts, family moments, and the anticipation.
Parent Albums: $600 each Smaller versions of your wedding album—perfect gifts for parents who'll treasure them forever.
What Makes Our Pricing Different
No Hidden Fees:
✅ No sales tax surprises in initial quote (we're transparent about the ~10% WA state tax from the start)
✅ No travel fees for Seattle, Bellevue, Woodinville, Snohomish, or Bellingham
✅ No extra charges for timeline planning or consultations
✅ No fees for online gallery or downloads
Fast Delivery: While most photographers take 6-8 weeks, we deliver in 30 days because we know you're excited to see and share your photos!
Flexible Payment Plans: We offer payment plans to make quality photography more accessible. Typically a retainer secures your date, with the balance due before your wedding.
How to Budget for Your Seattle Wedding Photographer
The 10-15% Rule
A common guideline is to allocate 10-15% of your total wedding budget to photography. Here's how that breaks down:
| Total Wedding Budget | Photography Budget (10–15%) |
|---|---|
| $15,000 | $1,500 – $2,250 |
| $25,000 | $2,500 – $3,750 |
| $35,000 | $3,500 – $5,250 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 – $7,500 |
| $75,000 | $7,500 – $11,250 |
Why This Percentage?
Your photos are the ONLY thing from your wedding day that increases in value over time. Twenty years from now:
You won't remember what you spent on flowers
The cake will be a distant memory
The favors are long gone
But your photos will be MORE precious than ever
Those images of grandparents who are no longer here, of yourself young and radiant, of loved ones celebrating with you—they become priceless.
How to Choose the Right Package
Consider Your Guest Count:
Under 50 guests: 6-8 hours typically sufficient
50-100 guests: 8 hours recommended
100-150 guests: 8-10 hours ideal
150+ guests: 10 hours + second shooter
Timeline Considerations:
Getting ready in one location or two?
First look or traditional?
Cocktail hour during family photos?
Sparkler exit or early departure?
Must-Have vs. Nice-to-Have: Ask yourself what you'd regret NOT having:
Professional engagement session?
Second photographer perspective?
Physical album immediately?
Extended coverage for after-party?
Budget-Friendly Tips
Save Money Without Sacrificing Quality:
Book off-season (November-April) for potential discounts
Choose associate photographer option ($1,500+ savings)
Skip the second shooter if wedding is under 100 guests
Digital-only package initially, order album later
Shorter coverage if you're doing first look (reduces formal photo time)
Weekday or Sunday weddings sometimes have better rates
Order albums/prints later when you have more budget breathing room
DON'T Skimp By:
Hiring inexperienced photographers to save $1,000
Booking based solely on lowest price
Skipping professional photography entirely
Asking a "friend with a camera" to photograph
The regret from bad wedding photos lasts forever. It's worth adjusting other areas of your budget to afford quality photography.
What Makes Wedding Photography Worth the Investment?
Beyond Just "Pictures"
Professional wedding photography is an investment in:
1. Experience You Can't Replace Your wedding happens once. There are no do-overs for missed moments, poor lighting, or awkward poses. Experienced photographers have:
Photographed 100+ weddings and seen everything
Professional backup equipment (cameras, lenses, lighting)
Crisis management skills (bad weather, timeline delays, family drama)
Insurance and contracts protecting you
2. Stress-Free Wedding Day Professional photographers:
Manage your timeline so you can be present
Coordinate family photos efficiently (20 minutes vs. 2 hours)
Handle vendor coordination
Problem-solve issues you never even know about
Let you enjoy your day instead of worrying about pictures
3. Artistry & Technical Skill Professional editing involves:
Color correction and exposure balancing
Skin retouching and blemish removal
Artistic composition and storytelling
Consistent style throughout your gallery
Hundreds of hours of editing expertise
4. Heirloom Images These photos become:
Your children's view of your wedding
Historical family documentation
Increasingly precious as loved ones age
The way you remember this day forever
5. Peace of Mind Professional photographers provide:
Contracts protecting both parties
Liability insurance
Backup photographers if emergencies happen
Secure file storage and backup systems
Guaranteed delivery timelines
Payment Plans & Booking Process
How Payment Typically Works
Retainer/Deposit:
$500-1,500 retainer to secure your date
This is non-refundable (your date is exclusively yours)
Applied toward your total package price
Payment Schedule Options: We offer flexible payment plans! Common schedules:
50% retainer, 50% before wedding
Retainer, then monthly payments leading up to wedding
Retainer, payment 3 months before, final payment 1 month before
Final Payment:
Usually due 2-4 weeks before your wedding
Includes any add-ons (albums, extra hours, etc.)
Sales Tax: Washington State sales tax (approximately 10% in Greater Seattle area) is added to all packages for in-state weddings. We'll provide a clear breakdown in your proposal so there are no surprises!
When to Book Your Seattle Wedding Photographer
Peak Season (May-October):
Book 12-18 months in advance
Popular venues (Chateau Ste. Michelle, Semiahmoo, Willows Lodge) book fastest
Summer Saturdays fill first
Off-Season (November-April):
Book 6-12 months in advance
More availability and flexibility
Winter weddings have unique beauty!
Our Booking Process:
Schedule Free Consultation We'll chat about your venue, vision, and timeline. This is a no-pressure conversation to see if we're the right fit!
Receive Custom Proposal Within 24 hours, you'll get a personalized proposal with package options and pricing.
Review & Sign Contract Review our contract, ask questions, and sign electronically when ready.
Pay Retainer to Secure Date Your date is exclusively yours once retainer is paid!
Planning & Prep Regular check-ins, timeline planning, and final details meeting 4 weeks before wedding.
Wedding Day Magic Show up, relax, and let us handle everything!
Receive Your Gallery Sneak peek in 48 hours, full gallery in 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
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For quality professional photography in Seattle, budget $4,500-$7,500. This range gets you an experienced photographer with proven expertise, comprehensive coverage, and reliable service. While you can find cheaper options ($2,000-$3,500), you're often sacrificing experience, and wedding photography isn't something you want to cut corners on.
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Wedding photography costs reflect:
Years of training and experience (our team has 300+ weddings collectively)
Professional equipment ($10,000-$30,000 in cameras, lenses, lighting)
Business expenses (insurance, licenses, software, equipment maintenance)
Time investment (8-10 hours shooting + 40-60 hours editing per wedding)
Expertise managing timelines, lighting, family dynamics, and crisis situations
Only photographing one wedding per day (exclusive attention)
You're paying for expertise, reliability, artistry, and peace of mind—not just someone to click a button.
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Standard wedding photography packages typically include:
8-10 hours of wedding day coverage
Hand-picked, professionally edited digital images
Online gallery with download rights
Print rights
Planning consultation and timeline creation
Delivery within 6-8 weeks (we deliver in 30 days!)
Some packages also include engagement sessions, second shooters, or albums—always verify what's included before booking!
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Lead photographers (like Becca) typically have 12+ years experience, have photographed hundreds of weddings, and provide extensive personal attention throughout the planning process and wedding day.
Associate photographers are experienced professionals (8-10 years) who work under the studio's brand, maintain the same editing style and service standards, but at a more accessible price point. They're perfect for couples prioritizing budget while still wanting professional quality.
Both deliver the same beautiful, light & airy images—the difference is primarily in years of experience and level of personal involvement.
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While the industry standard is 6-8 weeks, we deliver your complete gallery within 30 days. You'll also receive a sneak peek of 20-30 images within 48 hours—perfect for sharing your excitement on social media while you're still on that wedding day high!
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Absolutely! We offer digital-only packages with full download rights and print rights. You can order albums and prints later when your budget allows. Many couples prefer this approach as it prevents rushed decisions and lets you live with your images before selecting album layouts.
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You'll receive all beautifully edited keeper images from your wedding day—typically 75-100 photos per hour of coverage. For an 8-hour wedding, expect 600-800 professionally edited images. We don't hold back great photos!
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No, we don't provide RAW files. Here's why: RAW files are unedited and unflattering—they're like looking at ingredients before they become a finished dish. The professional editing (color correction, exposure balancing, artistic processing) is where the magic happens and is a huge part of what you're paying for. You'll receive every beautifully edited keeper image, ready to print and share.
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We have backup photographers and a solid emergency plan. In 12+ years, we've never missed a wedding. We maintain relationships with other professional photographers in Seattle who can step in if absolutely necessary. You'll also have our contract which outlines contingency plans. This is why hiring a professional studio with multiple photographers (vs. a solo photographer) provides extra security!
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Yes! We photograph weddings throughout the Pacific Northwest:
No travel fees: Seattle, Bellevue, Woodinville, Snohomish, Bellingham, Tacoma
Small travel fee: San Juan Islands, Eastern Washington, Oregon
Destination weddings: Custom pricing—we love to travel!
We're especially experienced in Woodinville wine country, Bellingham (Becca's hometown!), and Seattle boat weddings.
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Absolutely! We encourage you to view 2-3 full wedding galleries before booking. Highlight reels are great for a quick peek, but full galleries show you how we capture every moment of a wedding day—not just the prettiest portraits. Contact us and we'll send you complete gallery links!
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Our signature style is light & airy with romantic, natural tones—perfect for coastal and Pacific Northwest weddings. We blend photojournalistic moments (capturing genuine emotion as it happens) with beautifully posed portraits. Think effortless, romantic, and authentically you. Our editing is inspired by film photography, creating timeless images you'll love for decades.
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Washington State sales tax (approximately 10% in the Greater Seattle area) is added to all packages for in-state weddings. We'll provide a clear breakdown in your proposal with taxes included so you know exactly what to expect—no surprises!
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For peak season weddings (May-October): Book 12-18 months in advance. Popular venues and summer Saturdays fill up fastest.
For off-season weddings (November-April): Book 6-12 months in advance. More availability and flexibility.
Don't wait! Many couples book photographers before they even book their venue because specific photographers are their top priority.
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Yes! We offer flexible payment plans to make quality photography more accessible. Common options include a retainer to secure your date, then monthly payments or a split schedule (50% retainer, 50% closer to wedding). We'll work with you to find a payment schedule that fits your budget.
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The average Seattle wedding photographer costs $3,000-$10,000, with most experienced professionals falling in the $4,500-$7,500 range. Pricing varies based on experience, hours of coverage, deliverables, and what's included in packages.
Ready to Book Your Seattle Wedding Photographer?
You've made it this far—you're clearly serious about finding the right photographer for your wedding!
Here's what happens next:
Step 1: Schedule Your Free Consultation
Let's chat about your venue, your vision, and your timeline. This is a no-pressure conversation to see if we're the right fit for your celebration. We'll answer all your questions and make sure you feel confident about your decision.
Step 2: Receive Your Custom Proposal
Within 24 hours, you'll get a personalized proposal with package options tailored to your needs and budget—with complete pricing transparency, no hidden fees.
Step 3: Secure Your Date
Once you're ready to move forward, we'll send over the contract. Your retainer holds your date exclusively—we only photograph one wedding per day to give you our complete attention.
Step 4: Relax & Enjoy the Planning Process
We'll check in regularly, help with timeline planning, coordinate with your other vendors, and ensure everything runs smoothly. You're not just hiring a photographer—you're gaining a trusted partner for your wedding day!
Questions? Concerns? Just want to chat?
Call/Text: 360-770-9190
Email: becca@bjonesphotos.com
We typically respond within 24 hours and would love to hear about your wedding plans!
About B. Jones Photography
B. Jones Photography is an award-winning wedding photography team based in Seattle, specializing in light & airy romantic photos for coastal weddings throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Accolades & Experience:
The Knot Best of Weddings Award - 6 Years Running
300+ weddings photographed collectively
12+ years professional experience
5-star reviews from hundreds of couples
Specializing in:
Seattle weddings
Boat weddings (MV Skansonia, Virginia V, ferries, yachts)
Woodinville wine country weddings
Bellingham weddings (Becca's hometown!)
Snohomish barn & farm weddings
Waterfront & coastal celebrations
Serving: Seattle, Bellevue, Woodinville, Snohomish, Bellingham, Tacoma, and boats throughout Washington.
Last Updated: January 2026
