Last updated: January 15, 2024
After photographing 600+ weddings in St. Augustine, we've seen how much couples typically invest in wedding photography. Here's what you can expect to pay in 2024:
| Package Type | Budget ($2,500-$3,500) | Mid-Range ($3,500-$5,000) | Premium ($5,000+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage Hours | 6-7 hours | 8-9 hours | 10+ hours or all-day |
| Photographer Experience | Newer or part-time | 5+ years, established | 10+ years, premium brands |
| Edited Photos | 300-500 | 500-700 | 700-1,000+ |
| Second Photographer | Not included | Often included | Always included |
| Engagement Session | Add $400-600 | Sometimes included | Usually included |
| Online Gallery | Basic sharing | Full download rights | Premium galleries + print store |
| Total Investment | $2,500-$3,500 | $3,500-$5,000 | $5,000-$8,000+ |
Our packages start at for hours of coverage. This includes edited high-resolution gallery, online sharing, and pre-wedding consultation. View our complete package details.
Photographers with 10+ years experience and extensive St. Augustine portfolios typically charge $4,000-$6,000+. We've been photographing weddings here since 2009, and that local expertise with lighting, permits, and venue logistics does command higher pricing.
Most couples need 8-9 hours of coverage for a full wedding day. Additional hours typically cost $200-400 per hour. If you're planning a courthouse ceremony followed by a reception, you might only need 4-6 hours total.
Peak wedding season (March-May and September-November) commands premium pricing. Many photographers offer 10-20% discounts for off-season weddings. Saturday weddings cost 15-25% more than Friday or Sunday celebrations.
Historic venues like Casa Monica or Fort locations require special permits and timing considerations. Beach ceremonies need backup plans for weather. These factors can increase pricing by $300-500 for permit fees and extra planning time.
| Venue Type | Typical Permits/Fees | Photography Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Historic Downtown | $ permit fee | Tourist crowds, limited parking |
| State Parks/Fort | $ entrance + permit | Specific hours, no artificial lighting |
| Beach Locations | Usually free (check local rules) | Weather backup needed |
| Private Venues | Included in venue fee | Varies by location |
Perfect for intimate weddings or courthouse ceremonies. These photographers are often building their portfolios but can deliver beautiful results. Expect 6-7 hours coverage, 300-500 edited photos, and basic online galleries.
Budget Tip: Ask to see full wedding galleries, not just highlight reels. Make sure they have experience with your specific venue type and lighting conditions.
This is where most St. Augustine couples land. Experienced photographers with established businesses, often including second shooters and longer coverage. You'll get 500-700 edited photos and professional online galleries.
Top-tier photographers with 10+ years experience and luxury service. Expect all-day coverage, multiple photographers, styled galleries, and often printed products included. These photographers typically book 12-18 months in advance.
Most St. Augustine photographers don't charge travel fees locally, but destination weddings 50+ miles away may include $200-500 travel costs. For multi-day celebrations, overnight accommodation is typically covered by couples.
Watch Out: Some photographers quote low base prices but charge extra for basic services like online galleries, high-resolution files, or specific shot lists. Always ask what's included before signing contracts.
Engagement sessions typically cost $400-800 as add-ons, though many mid-range packages include them. These are especially valuable in St. Augustine—we use them to scout your wedding venue and build rapport before the big day.
Book Off-Season: November-February weddings (excluding holidays) can save 10-20%. The weather is actually beautiful, and you'll avoid tourist crowds in photos.
Consider Friday or Sunday: Many photographers offer 15-25% discounts for non-Saturday weddings. Friday evening weddings have the same great light as Saturday.
Shorter Coverage: If you're having a courthouse ceremony and casual reception, 4-6 hours might be plenty instead of full 8-hour packages.
Skip the Second Photographer: For weddings under 100 guests or intimate celebrations, one experienced photographer can cover everything. This typically saves $500-800.
Bundle Services: Many photographers offer better rates when you book engagement sessions and weddings together, or if you're planning multiple events (rehearsal dinner, day-after session).
After over a decade here, we know which spots have the best light at 4pm in March, where to position couples during tourist season, and how to handle St. Augustine's unique weather patterns. That experience is worth the investment.
Trying to squeeze a full wedding day into 6 hours creates stress and missed moments. Most couples are happier investing in 8-9 hours of coverage rather than rushing their timeline.
Make sure you get full-resolution images with printing rights. Some photographers charge extra for this, but it's essential if you want to create albums or large prints later.
Experienced photographers have backup equipment, insurance, and partner networks for emergencies. This peace of mind is worth paying for, especially for destination weddings where re-booking isn't possible.
Don't Compromise On: Image quality, photographer reliability, and having enough coverage time. These are the foundations of wedding photography that you can't fix after the fact.
Pros: Perfect weather, gorgeous lighting, comfortable temperatures
Cons: Premium pricing (+15-25%), books up fastest, tourist crowds
Average Cost: $4,000-$6,000+
Pros: Discount pricing, fewer crowds, still beautiful weather
Cons: Shorter daylight, potential for cool weather
Average Cost: $3,200-$4,800
Thanksgiving through New Year's often includes holiday surcharges of $300-500, even though it's technically off-season. Valentine's Day weekend also commands peak pricing.
Most St. Augustine couples invest $3,500-$4,500 in wedding photography and feel good about that decision. This typically gets you an experienced local photographer with 8 hours of coverage and 500+ edited images.
The key is matching your priorities to your budget. If you're having an intimate courthouse wedding, a $2,800 package might be perfect. If you're planning a 150-person celebration at a historic venue, investing $4,500-$5,500 ensures you have adequate coverage and experience.
We'd love to chat about your St. Augustine wedding plans and create a package that fits your budget and vision. Our package includes hours of coverage and has been our most popular choice for over a decade.
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