How Much Do Engagement Photos Cost?

Once the rush of being newly engaged has worn off, it's time to think about your engagement photography session. This may be the first of many pre-wedding decisions you make together as an engaged couple—and the first question that comes to mind is how much do engagement photos cost?

With hundreds of photographers here on The Bash, we guarantee you’ll be able to find the perfect professional to capture your engagement photoshoot at a price that fits your budget. The information below will help you determine engagement photo prices.

Here are some things to consider regarding how much engagement photos cost.

Engagement Photos Prices

Photo: Dmytro Voinalovych/shutterstock.com

As you might guess, pricing for an engagement photo shoot tends to be higher in major metro areas. However, you should be able to find a wide range engagement photos prices in most locations. After talking to photographers on The Bash, average prices generally range from $100 to $500 at the lower end, $600 to $2,000 in the midrange, and $3,000 to $12,000 at the higher end. 

Comparing photographer prices for engagement photos isn’t always straightforward. Some photographers include it in their wedding photography packages, others allow you to apply the cost to a print credit at your wedding, and some offer discounts on engagement sessions when you sign on for your big day. Some photographers offer wedding photos and prints, while others are strictly engagement photographers.

Find a Photographer

Questions to Ask

Photo: Nilanka Sampath/shutterstock.com

There's a world of difference between an engagement photo session that costs $500 and one that costs $10,000. And, like many things in life, paying more doesn't necessarily mean it’s the best option for you. 

The most important thing is finding a photographer that you and your fiance connect with and whose work you really love. Take the time to look through their photos before you talk with them. When you're ready to talk, here are some questions to ask to get to know them better and to understand the photographer’s engagment photos prices:

• What do you like about photography? (This really gives you insight into their passion for photography and how they work with clients)
• How long have you been doing weddings and engagements, and what sort of training do you have? (Many of the best photographers are self-trained, so don't worry about what school they went to, but more on how they went about their training, apprenticeships, etc.)
• How many engagement sessions do you do a year? 
• What trends are you seeing in engagement photography?
• Does your rate include travel time if shots are done at multiple locations or is that billed separately?
• Will there be any other costs outside of the rate quoted? (Things like permits, props and rentals may be additional.)
• Does the rate include any photo editing, touch-ups or printing?
• Does the rate include digital copies of images?
• How have your past clients used their engagement photos?
• Is there a discount if the photographer also shoots the wedding?
• Will you be submitting the photos to blogs or magazines?
• Who owns the rights to our photos? Can we submit them to blogs or magazines?

If having your photos published is important to you, you may also want to ask your photographer for examples of blogs or magazines where his or her work has appeared.

Photography Packages

Photo: meatbull/shutterstock.com

Many photographers do not include actual prints in their rates; instead they have separate rates for packages that include printed photos. When comparing the engagement photos prices from two different photographers, make sure to think about how many photos you are likely to order. Some photographers may charge less per hour and more for each photo. 

You'll want to have a general idea of how much the entire bill (shoot plus photos)  for engagement photos will be before signing that contract.

Other Benefits

Remember, the photos from engagement shoots are so much more than just a one time use. You can use the pictures as save the dates, for decor at your rehearsal dinner, and to display on your wedding day. 

Find an engagement photographer with customized pricing here on The Bash.