Average Cost for Wedding Photography in Baltimore, Maryland

Resources for Wedding Planning: Let’s talk about the average cost for wedding photography in Baltimore for 2025.

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, and preserving those precious moments through photography is an essential element in preserving those memories. If you’re planning a wedding in Baltimore, Maryland, understanding the cost of wedding photography can help you budget wisely so that you can receive both the quality and style that align with your vision. In this article, I’ll dive into the elements that influence the price of wedding photography in Baltimore and provide insights into the average costs you can expect from different photographers.

Pricing breakdowns and expectations:

• Beginner: Free-$1500. These are generally photographers who are brand new to weddings. Everyone needs to start somewhere, but this is generally a “you get what you pay for” type of situation. This was my starting price for my first two years of photographing weddings until I felt more comfortable with what I was doing.
• Amature: $1500-$2500. They’ve shot a few weddings but overall are still considered new to the industry.
• Mid-Tier: $2500-$6000. An experienced wedding photographer with years of weddings under their belt. They not only can provide excellent photography but likely can enhance the experience of your wedding day as well. It is at this point that your photographer should be able to not only capture great photos and memories but act more as a director as well.
• Luxury: $6000+ These photographers are the cream of the crop. They likely include luxury items such as film and often travel out of state.

Larger Companies

Another group to include would be the larger companies that can provide deals on photography, videography, DJ, and the works. They may have a lower price point since they primarily work on volume. Yes, they may fit your price point, however, keep in mind that they are pieced together teams that may or may not have worked together in the past. The photographer, culler, editor and sales associate may not even know each other, let alone have the same vision when capturing the images. Quite often, the company may not even know who will be sent out to photograph your wedding until shortly before the day, and the second photographer may not even know what they are doing. How do I know this? I have worked with teams from large companies such as this, and the professionalism I have seen from these “teams” is much less than adequate from someone I would trust with my wedding memories, let alone my own second photographer.

I would urge you not to fall into the trap of hiring your photographer purely based on if they are “budget-friendly” or not. I’ve seen so many Facebook horror stories of images getting lost, people being ghosted, and entire sections of the wedding day being missed. Fortunately, early in my career, I decided to build practices in my workflow to mitigate these issues. Unfortunately, many beginning wedding photographers see weddings as an easy money grab without thinking through their workflows to make sure memories never get missed. These workflows can be time-consuming to set up and expensive to put together, which is why a lot of “cost-effective” photographers may skip this element.

Factors that influence wedding photography costs

As of 2025, the average cost for wedding photography in Baltimore, MD is usually between $2500-$6000. This can vary greatly based on the number of hours, the years of experience of the photographer, and a number of other factors. One of the biggest factors is the photographer’s experience and skill level. Photographers who have been in the business for years and have a strong portfolio usually charge more because they know how to capture great moments in all kinds of lighting and situations. On the other hand, newer photographers or those building their portfolio might offer lower rates, but they may not have as much experience handling fast-paced wedding days.

Photography style also plays a big part in pricing. Whether you’re looking for a photojournalistic, fine art, traditional, or cinematic vibe, photographers who specialize in a specific style often charge more for their creative vision and the extra time they put into editing. Then there are the packages. Some photographers offer simple packages with just a few hours of coverage. Others include extras like engagement sessions, second shooters, physical albums, or USB drives with your images. The more you add, the higher the price tends to go.

The length of coverage is another important piece. Some couples only need six hours, while others want full-day coverage from getting ready in the morning to the final dance at night. More hours usually mean a higher price. You’re also paying for what happens after the wedding—editing and post-production. Some photographers spend 20 to 40 hours carefully editing your photos to make sure every detail is perfect.

If you want multiple photographers to capture different angles or more candid moments, that can also bump up the price. And if your wedding is out of town, don’t forget about travel fees—photographers may charge extra for transportation, hotels, or even destination wedding rates if it’s far away.

Prices often go up during peak wedding seasons, like spring and fall, when photographers are in high demand. If you’re looking to save, you might find better rates during off-peak months or on weekdays. Custom touches, like drone photography, unique editing styles, or special equipment, can also add to the total since they require extra time and resources. Well-known photographers with a great reputation and brand often charge more because of their proven quality and name recognition.

Finally, think about turnaround time. If you want your photos back quickly, you may need to pay a rush fee. And the size and complexity of your wedding can influence the cost, too. Larger weddings or events with multiple locations and a tight schedule often need more time, people, and sometimes special gear to get the job done right.

The cost of your wedding photographer is definitely a large factor in who captures your big day! However, it shouldn’t be the biggest one. You should hire a photographer who you not only like their work, but also one you have a similar personality. You should be able to trust that they can get the job done, but you should also get along very well as people. If the cost photography is a roadblock, consider hiring your photographer roughly a year and a half in advance. There are some really good photographers in the Baltimore area that don’t cost an exorbitant amount, but these usually get scooped up pretty quickly.

5 Reasons Why a Photographer is Essential for Your Wedding

1. Capturing Irreplaceable Moments
   • Your wedding day is filled with fleeting, emotional moments—like the first look, vows, or a shared laugh with loved ones. A skilled photographer ensures these memories are preserved forever.
2. Professional Quality and Expertise
   • Unlike amateur or DIY photography, professional photographers bring expertise in composition, lighting, and timing to deliver high-quality images that truly reflect the essence of your day.
3. Telling Your Unique Story
   • A wedding photographer crafts a visual narrative of your day, from intimate details to grand celebrations, ensuring the story of your love is beautifully documented.
4. Relieving Stress and Pressure
   • With a dedicated photographer, you won’t have to rely on friends or family to capture important moments, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the celebration without distractions.
5. Creating Heirlooms and Keepsakes
   • Wedding photos become cherished heirlooms, passed down through generations as a reminder of your love and the people who celebrated it with you. A professional ensures these images are timeless and meaningful.

Finding the right vendors for your wedding can be an exhausting endeavor, and it is very easy to get lost in the budget side of things. Hiring a skilled and professional wedding photographer is a worthwhile investment, as the photos will serve as treasured memories for years to come. By exploring the average cost of wedding photography in Baltimore, MD, and understanding the factors that affect pricing, I hope I have been able to help you make well-informed choices that fit your budget and align with your vision for your special day.

Want some more information on what goes into the cost of wedding photography? Click here for an article from Brides.com.