The Average Cost of a San Diego Wedding Photographer: What You Need to Know

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Sep 20

Written By Jessica Ballerstein

photo from above of a couple walking. Bride with lace dress and white sandals and groom with green suit and brown shoes — couple holding hands walking into room photo taken from balcony above

Weddings are a celebration of love and, let’s be real, a bit of chaos. You’ve got a lot to plan, but one of the most important things? Hiring the right photographer. If you’re planning your big day in San Diego, you’re probably asking: How much does a wedding photographer cost, and why is it so damn expensive? Let’s break it down, drop some truth, and explain why this investment is one you’ll never regret.

two gay men sitting across the table from each other wearing beige suits. The one on the left is kissing the hand of his future husband at the guild hotel San Diego California — Gay wedding of Clark and Beau being intimate before their ceremony at The Guild Hotel

two men kissing in front of a green floral alter wearing beige suites and lei. — LGBTQ Wedding of Clark and Beau kissing at their alter

The Average Cost for Wedding Photography in San Diego

intentionally blurry photo of bride sitting on green love sear holding florals — Intentionally blurry photo of bride sitting on green love sear holding florals by Sun Grown Florals

black and white photo of a couple in the elevator at the Lane San diego — Black and white photo of a couple Lauren & Bryson in the elevator at The Lane, San Diego

Decor of mini disco balls at Botanica the Venue

bride at the lane san diego wedding venue — Bride sitting on gold couch with florals by Sun Grown Florals on the arm of the couch. Photo taken at The Lane, San Diego

Alright, here's the scoop: In San Diego, expect to spend anywhere from $2,500 to $6,500 for wedding photography. Why the range? You’re paying for more than just someone with a camera—experience, style, and customization play huge roles. A seasoned photographer knows how to catch every raw, emotional moment without you even noticing they’re there. The real magic happens in the details: the editing, the perfect angles, the quiet moments that might otherwise be missed.

double exposure photo of couple embracing. the bride has dreads with florals in them — Double exposure photo of couple at The Lane, San Diego

Why Wedding Photography is an Investment (Not Just Another Bill to Pay)

photo of bride with pearl earring with a shadow — Profile of Bride wearing Lilly pearl drop earrings

photo couples shadow casted on building during sunset at The Lane, San Diego — Couples shadow casted on building during sunset at The Lane, San Diego

photo of bride standing with long train while bridesmaid walk around her — Jane the bride standing with long train while bridesmaid walk around her

Double exposure of couple embracing at the Lane San Diego — Double exposure of couple embracing at The Lane San Diego

Wedding photography isn’t just another expense on your list—it’s an investment. Why? Because these photos are forever. Long after the flowers wilt and the cake’s gone stale, your photos are what remain to remind you of that incredible day. You want those images to be ones you’re proud to look at and share, not cringe-worthy or cookie-cutter shots that feel staged and awkward.

A professional photographer brings their years of experience to create a visual story—your story—captured in a way that’s real, authentic, and most importantly, timeless. Trust me, this isn’t a part of your wedding budget to skimp on.

Photo of two queer women touching noses at their wedding during sunset — LGBTQ+ Queer wedding of Isabaeu and Amy during sunset

How Much Coverage Do You Really Need?

Photo of youtube personality Andrew Gary at his wedding fixing his sleeve. He is wearing a black suit and gold watch in Palm Springs — Photo of YouTube personality Andrew Gary at his wedding fixing his sleeve.

Andrew and Kristen walking together as Kristin carries her wedding dresses train outside of Agua Caliente Casino in Palm Springs — Andrew and Kristian walking together as Kristen carries her wedding dresses train

photo of couple in elevator looking into each others eyes. Andrew the groom is on the right with black suit and his hair in dreads. Bride is wearing lace dress with long veil in Palm Springs — Andrew and Kristian in the elevator during their wedding at Agua Caliente

Couple standing shoulder to shoulder looking away from each other. Groom is wearing black suit with gold accents with dreaded hair and bride is wearing lace wedding dress in palm springs — Andrew + Kristen at Agua Caliente, Palm Springs

Here’s where things can get tricky. Not every wedding needs wall-to-wall coverage, and you don’t necessarily want or need someone following you around for 12 hours. Think about what you actually want photographed. Do you really need 200 shots of people shoving their faces full of cake, or do you want those real, authentic moments that matter, like the way your partner looks at you when you walk down the aisle or the laughs shared during speeches?

LGBTQ wedding of two brides in a church being sun kissed while sitting on one of the pews inside of catholic church — LGBTQ wedding of two brides in a church being sun kissed

Tailor your coverage to what’s important. You want your photographer capturing the stuff that matters—those moments of connection, the raw emotion, and the parts of your day you’ll want to remember (because let's face it, you probably won’t remember everything). Cut the unnecessary fluff, and focus on quality over quantity.

What to Look for in a Photographer

Two Queer brides holding hands facing each other while their foreheads touch — Queer wedding of two brides holding hands in Joshua Tree, CA

Here’s the truth: Your wedding photographer should be someone you vibe with. As a queer photographer, I attract clients who are down-to-earth, creative, and value a laid-back approach. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community, an ally, or just someone who wants their wedding to be a good time without the pretension, finding a photographer who fits your energy is key. You want someone who can blend in with your day, not make it feel like a photo shoot.

Lesbian LGBTQ Wedding OF Two femme brides embracing — Lesbian Wedding of two femme brides Katrena and Ruby embracing at The Lane, San Diego

LGBTQ Wedding of Brides Victoria & Beckah at St. Francis Chapel Museum of Us San Diego — LGBTQ Wedding of Brides Victoria & Beckah at St. Francis Chapel

Queer female couple Katrena + Ruby at The Lane, San Diego

Bride Lauren being serenaded by her bridesmaid while she waits in The Lane's bridal suite. The bridesmaid are wearing dark red dresses — Bride Lauren being serenaded by her bridesmaid while she waits in The Lane's bridal suite

Look for a photographer whose work feels authentic, raw, and real. The last thing you want is someone who will spend half the day asking you to do those awkward, overly-posed shots that nobody enjoys. Go for the real stuff, the messy and beautiful moments that make up your wedding day.

What’s Your End Goal? Printed or Digital?

Black and white photo of couple Ariel + Ivan at The Darlington House, San Diego

Here’s a big question: what do you want to do with your photos afterward? Do you want a gallery of digital files to post on Instagram and call it a day, or are you thinking bigger? Maybe you’re dreaming of framing those stunning moments and hanging them on your walls—admiring them every day and letting your loved ones swoon over them when they visit. Not all photographers offer the same packages, so make sure you find one that aligns with your end vision.

Black and white photo of groom holding brides train

Black and white photo of wedding guest from window at The Darlington House San Diego — Black and white photo of wedding guest from window at The Darlington House

Do you want to scroll through your phone, or do you want to frame and hang it on your wall where you can see it every day? Think about your goals for your photos and choose a photographer who can make that happen, whether it’s stunning digital galleries or artwork-worthy prints.

landscape photo of groom wearing a white tux, black lapel and bow tie at wedding venue the lane in san diego. Trees and water in the background — Photo of groom Bryson wearing a white tux, black lapel and bow tie at The Lane, San Diego.

Ready to Capture the Real You?

Bride Lauren's profile at The Lane, San Diego

couple during sunset in san diego california. groom wearing white tux with black lapel and bride with wedding dress with pockets at wedding venue the lane — Couple Bryson & Lauren during sunset photoshoot at The Lane, San Diego

photo of champagne glass with brides veil in the background at wedding venue The Julep — Detail shot of champagne with brides veil in the background at The Julep Venue, San Diego

Bridesmaids wearing deep red dresses sitting with bride in the bridal suite at The Lane, San Diego — Bridesmaids sitting with bride in the bridal suite at The Lane, San Diego

Groom Bryson wearing a white tux, black lapel and bow tie at The Lane, San Diego.

photo of two gay men kissing during their wedding. Both wearing blue suits with different hues. — Gay Wedding in San Diego, CA

Couple sitting on couch at The Julep Venue, San Diego during their wedding — Couple Gabi & Michael sitting on couch at The Julep Venue, San Diego

Your wedding day is going to be one hell of a ride, and you deserve photos that are real, raw, and totally you. Looking for a photographer who gets your style and won’t miss a beat? Contact me today, and let’s create some magic together.