Welcome!

Finding the perfect photographer for your wedding is probably one of the most important decisions you will make during the wedding planning process.

I’m here to help. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide to finding a photographer in Austin and how to pick the right one perfect for your wedding day!

With over 15 years of experience photographing weddings from Philadelphia to Austin, I have a keen eye for detail, I love creating beautiful portraits and appreciate the raw moments on a wedding day.

For more information and to check my availability, please “Get in Touch” below.

I look forward to hearing from you and to learn more about you.

Everything You Need To Know About Booking An Austin Wedding Photographer

Welcome! I'm really glad you're here! As an Austin wedding photographer, I'm always excited to share this amazing city with people.

I'm also really excited to share some information with you. Trust me—plenty of engaged couples like you are feeling a bit overwhelmed. Austin, TX, has some incredible wedding photographers, and so many of them are my friends.

So I know how hard it'll be for you to choose.

Whether you book me or not, I want to make sure that every engaged couple finds their perfect match. That might be me—or it might be one of my friends. But what I want to make sure of is that I share as much education as possible, so you can make this big investment with your eyes wide open.

So let's dig into the who, what, where, when, and why of Austin wedding photography.

What Does Wedding Photography Cost?

This is normally one of the first questions engaged couples ask. Photography budgets for everyone is completely different, but I know that anything wedding-related can offer real sticker shock. Especially if you aren't fully aware of what goes into it.

The cost for weddings will vary widely based on location, skill level, experience, and demand. Just like anything else, the better the service, the higher the price.

Why Is Wedding Photography So Expensive?

This seems to be the #1 question searched on Google. Why is wedding photography so expensive???

This is something all wedding photographers have an answer for. Some of them will be different, but let me share some of my thoughts.

The Costs of a Wedding Photographer

• Equipment - We all know tech costs a lot, but cameras and lenses certainly are right up there. They're more than a tricked-out MacBook. I won't bore you with the details but just know most photographers have enough gear. It probably costs a few months of the equivalent of rent.

• Time - When you book a wedding photographer, you aren't just purchasing time on the wedding day. The time it takes to give your memories the gentle lovin' care required to make them last takes hours upon hours.

• Marketing - If they're your dream photographer, I can guarantee it took an enormous amount of effort for them to be findable by you. Austin wedding photographers will spend thousands each year on marketing.

• Experience - For photographers like myself, with over a decade in the wedding industry, it took a lot of mishaps and successes to reach this point. That experience, those hundreds of weddings, ensures I get each and every moment of your joy.

• Taxes and Licenses - Professional photographers do it the right way. Incorporated photography businesses are the ones that take things seriously, but you know the government loves its piece of the monetary pie.

• Insurance - To keep your wedding day safe, wedding photographers in Austin have business insurance to cover any losses. But this does cost hundreds a year.

Real Weddings

click any image to view more photographs and wedding details

 Is $5000 a lot for a wedding photographer?

Since we've touched base on what it costs to run a wedding photography business, I can assure you that $5000 for a wedding is quite reasonable.

Of course, only you can answer that for yourself. You know your wedding budget. But just know that $5000k is the average cost for an experienced photographer that is able to create art from your timeless images.

What Is The Average Cost of a Wedding Photographer in Austin?

Austin, TX, is one of the biggest destination wedding spots in the nation. Thousands of weddings happen here every year. With that comes plenty of options and easily some of the best wedding photographers you can imagine.

For an 8-hour wedding day, you can expect to find averages falling between $5000 and $8500. Yes, you'll find a wedding photographer that falls over or under that amount—just make sure to ask lots of questions about their wedding photography service, no matter what.

Is 6 Hours of Wedding Photography Enough?

Your wedding day deserves every inch of your love story captured. From the candid shots of the wedding guests to the raw emotions between you and your fiancé, you need to make sure you give your wedding photographer plenty of time to capture the images you'll treasure forever.

6 hours of wedding photography can be enough if you want to cut getting-ready time or the reception short. If you avoid a grand exit, then 6 hours might be enough.

But if you're looking for all of the small details and the best images to be crafted, I'd recommend 8 hours.

Always better to have too much than too little.

Wedding Day Photography Timeline

Now let's chat about that wedding day timeline! Of course, every engaged couple and every wedding will have a unique photography experience. Depending on your wedding style, you could choose to focus on posed photos in natural light.

But you could also choose to focus on reception photos, hoping to catch all of the drunk fun with your loved ones.

The goal of a wedding day is to enjoy yourself from moment to moment, so let's make sure you create the kind of timeline that will capture every photo you'll want.

Great timelines equal happy clients, so let's look at the average 8-hour timeline for weddings.

Getting Ready - If you're looking for the best images and perhaps even capturing some bridal portraits, you'll want to dedicate a good amount of time to this portion of the wedding day.

Time Recommended: 2-3 hours

First Look/Wedding Party Photos - If you're looking forward to spending time with your wedding guests, then I recommend doing a first look to get a portion of your couples portraits doing prior to the ceremony.

The first look is a great way to also capture genuine emotions without an audience.

On top of that, so you can have beautiful photos with friends and family later in the day, you can also do the wedding party images right after. Your wedding party will probably be grateful for this choice, as well!

Time Recommended - 1.5 Hours

Wedding Ceremony - Well, this is entirely up to you! I've seen six-minute wedding ceremonies! But I've also seen 1.5-hour wedding ceremonies.

All love stories are unique, and the joining of you and your partner needs all the time you want to give it. Make sure to pad this part of the timeline to make sure all of the moments are given the time they deserve.

Time Recommended: However much time you need.

Family Portraits - While you read this, I want you to smile. Now hold that smile until you're done with this article. Then hold it a little more, just to be sure.

Do your cheeks hurt? Check the clock when that pain kicks in, and that will probably be the max time you want to set for family portraits. Of course, some folks have huge families! So sometimes, you have to just push past the pain.

Family portraits will definitely be one of your most cherished memories, so you do what feels right.

Time Recommended - Try no more than 20 minutes.

Couples Portraits - On the big day, the couples portraits are one of the only moments you both have together. The pictures will be there to remind you of the beautiful story you both have together.

Good images take time though. For the most stunning images and dramatic portraits, make sure to give this portion of your wedding day some space.

Time Recommended - At least 30 minutes.

Cocktail Hour - A hotbed of candid moments, if you have a second photographer, you can get some of the most beautiful photos of your loved ones at cocktail hour.

Time Recommended - 1 Hour

Reception - This is always a fun time for wedding photographers to whip out their cameras and take all of the pictures you can imagine.

The reception timeline also depends on how many wedding traditions you include, how long the dinner will be, and how many guests give speeches. I've seen speeches go off the rails when a guest gets wrapped up in a story about the couple.

The reception is the final hurrah and can be some of the best wedding photos, so make sure to consider what you want covered.

Also, for the kind of memorable photo you'll cherish forever, make sure to leave some time for dramatic portraits at night! I'd build in about 20 minutes for this.

Time Recommended: 4-6 Hours

Wedding Photography FAQ

Whether you've hired someone already or hoping to hire the perfect Austin wedding photographer for the big day, I'm sure you have some questions. All of my clients do, and that's okay! You're eager to get the best photos and I love that.

I'm always happy to help people make informed decisions. It's important to feel comfortable at every step of the way, and I'm here to help. So let's go over some common questions.

Do I Need to Make a Shot List For My Wedding Photographer?

Unless it's for family photos, I don't recommend making a photo list for your photographer. If you're hiring a photographer experienced in weddings, then you need to trust them to capture all of the important moments.

I know it's tempting to remind them they need to capture you going down the aisle, but I highly recommend you reconsider hiring them if you can't trust them to get those kinds of moments.

Great wedding photographers in Austin will know exactly what to do when it comes to getting the most amazing photography.

Do I Need to Practice Posing?

Absolutely not! I mean, of course, with an experienced wedding photographer, you shouldn't! Great photographers that have 10+ years of experience (like me!) are able to bring out those raw emotions to create intimate portraits that don't feel awkward to pull off.

I know wedding photographs seem intimidating and you're afraid you won't feel comfortable. That's why I also recommend making sure to do an engagement session with them first, to make capturing candid moments a little easier down the road.

My Friend Already Took Engagement Photos. Do I Need To Do Them With You?

Yes, please, and thank you! The best wedding photographers in Austin will always encourage you to take photos with them. Frankly, your friend isn't me! We haven't spent time together in front of (and behind) the camera.

The most captivating images are born from comfort and familiarity with everyone involved—your wedding photographer is no different.

So if you're dedicated to letting your photographer capture the best moments on your special day, make sure to do an engagement session!

Can I Print The Images On My Own?

This is a really important question to ask. Austin photographers, like any business owner, do things that make sense to them. That means every photographer in Austin might do something completely different than another.

So make sure to clarify before you book your wedding photographer if printing your wedding photographs on your own is really important to you.

Don't Pay Attention To Photography Trends

Everyone loves candid moments and allowing their photographer to capture the story of their special day. But sometimes, it can be easy to get wrapped up in what everyone else is doing.

I blame Pinterest. It's a great tool, but doesn't facilitate the idea of creating timeless photographs.

One of the coolest parts of hiring Austin wedding photographers is that we know what it means to create art out of your love story. But that means you need to avoid copying someone else's wedding photos!

Sure, we can pull inspiration from poses, but I highly recommend you lean more on the custom services your photographer offers and let them help you create the timeless photographs you're craving.

Some of My Favorite Austin Wedding Venues

Austin and the surrounding Hill Country have some of the most beautiful wedding venues you can fathom. In downtown Austin, we have gorgeous industrial venues that add so much historic character to a wedding.

To the south of Austin, you can find gorgeous barns and modern spaces that provide a blank canvas for your wedding vision.

All love stories deserve a backdrop and gorgeous photography—so let me tell you about some of my favorite Austin wedding venues. Now, keep in mind these aren't all of my favorites (I have a separate blog for that!), but it's a good start!

Springdale Station

Located in East Austin, this stunning converted train station is easily most Austin wedding photographers' favorites. With an acre of outdoor space, two distinct spaces inside one, and plenty of parking, this is a fabulous contemporary wedding venue you'll fall in love with.

Head on over to see some of my favorite Springdale Station weddings to see the charm!

Brazos Hall

Located in downtown Austin, TX, this industrial wedding venue offers a perfect backdrop to your love story. With a rooftop bar and a space to seat hundreds of guests, there's little to not love about this space!

Make sure to check out some of my weddings at Brazos Hall and fall in love like I have!

Hotel Van Zandt

If you're hoping to plan a hotel wedding in downtown Austin, TX, you should really check out Hotel Van Zandt. It's quintessential Austin, bringing the feel of fun to your big day with curated designs with a focus on the musical history of this glorious city in Texas.

The Arlo

I wouldn't be a good friend if I didn't share the venue most Austin wedding photographers adore—The Arlo! It's more South of Austin and is a newer venue with a beautifully modern feel. It's quite easy to take beautiful photos here, to be sure.

It has an outdoor staircase perfect for dramatic portraits and huge windows that allow all of the natural light you want. Oh, and the bridal suite is easily one of the best in Austin!

Prospect House

Talk about a blank canvas for ideas! This event venue offers gorgeous backdrops of fields, a very unique ceremony site, and an interior that is perfect for your vision to come to live without being overpowered. 

Two Wishes Ranch

When I tell you this stunning gray barn will make your jaw drop, I mean it! Two Wishes Ranch is a 420-acre ranch that is a quick drive from Austin, located in Lockhart, and brimming with natural light that will make your heart happy! 

Martindale Schoolhouse

You wouldn’t think that a school house, of all things, would make a stunning venue, but this Lockhart wedding venue is perfection. You are able to rent the whole space for the weekend, which is a dream for engaged couples looking for a space to host the rehearsal dinner, brunch, or just a spot to chill with loved ones. 

Canyonwood Ridge

This wedding venue in Dripping Springs is a luxurious space, perfect for large weddings. You can have your entire wedding inside this climate-controlled venue. Canyonwood Ridge can accomodate 299 guests, with plenty of parking, and indoor chapel.

Final Thoughts

Sure, my photography skill travels worldwide, but Austin has my heart. This is where my life is and where my camera is glued to my hand the most. While I live in Lockhart now (and absolutely adore it there), weddings in Austin bring me joy and fuel my passion.

But I also know it can be difficult planning a wedding in Austin, TX, with all of the wonderful options available. Weddings are such a huge event to plan, so I'm hoping that this has helped you figure out how to facilitate the best images on your big day.

As one of the top Austin wedding photographers, I'm excited at the prospect of hearing from you and working together to create some of the most beautiful photography and art possible.