Wedding Tips
July, 2025
Toronto Wedding Photography Prices: What You Can Expect to Pay in 2026 and 2027
Understanding wedding photography prices is essential to planning your perfect day. Most couples in Toronto will spend between $3,500 and $8,000 for their base package in 2025 and 2026. This typically accounts for about 10% of a $35,000 to $80,000 wedding budget. However, wedding photography prices vary greatly based on a photographer’s experience, the location, and your coverage needs.
Wedding photography packages across the industry range from $1,000 to $25,000. At our studio, we’ve simplified things for couples by offering packages starting at $5,000, tailored to each client’s specific needs and wedding timeline. This guide will walk you through the various levels of wedding photography pricing and help you understand what to expect to pay for wedding photography in 2026 and 2027.
Understanding Wedding Photography Prices in 2026 and 2027
Key factors influencing prices
Wedding photography prices are driven by multiple factors, including :
- Photographer experience
- Location and region
- Wedding size and timeline
- Additional services and customizations
Regional Differences in Wedding Photography Costs
Your location plays a significant role in determining wedding photography prices. Major cities, like Toronto, typically see higher rates due to demand, while smaller towns tend to have lower prices. Here’s a breakdown of regional pricing variations:
- Northern Ontario: Offers outstanding value without compromising on quality
- Niagara Region: Higher prices due to a higher demand for weddings.
- Toronto & GTA: Base packages range from CAD 3,500 to CAD 7,000 for 8 hours of coverage.
- Rest of Canada: Average prices range from CAD 3,000 to CAD 5,000.
Factors Affecting Prices
The significant variation in wedding photography prices is driven by a photographer’s expertise and the specific services offered. Here’s a look at typical pricing brackets:
- New Photographers: CAD 1,400 to CAD 2,000
- Beginner/: CAD 2,000 to CAD 3,000
- Professional Photographers: CAD 3,000 to CAD 5,000
- Luxury Photographers: CAD 5,000 to CAD 20,000
- Ultra Luxury Photographers: CAD 20,000+ and above
Wedding photography costs can fluctuate based on the demand during peak wedding season (May to September). Additionally, photographers’ business costs, including gear maintenance, software, and studio space, often contribute to price increases.
What’s Included in Wedding Photography Packages?
Wedding photography packages often vary depending on the photographer and your requirements. At our studio, we offer a starting package at $5000 which includes comprehensive coverage of your wedding day, from getting ready to the reception. We also provide professional editing, colour correction, and high-resolution images in a digital gallery.
Key services typically included in wedding photography packages:
- 8-10 hours of continuous coverage
- Pre-wedding consultation
- Professional editing and retouching
- Online gallery for easy sharing
- Print release for personal use
Additional Wedding Photography Add-Ons
Wedding photography prices can also be influenced by additional services and products. Common add-ons include:
- Second Photographer: For capturing multiple angles and more images
- Engagement Sessions: For getting comfortable with the camera before the big day
- Premium Albums: High-quality, professionally designed albums as keepsakes
- After-Wedding Sessions: Capture romantic, stress-free photos outside of the wedding day
These extras enhance your photography experience, but they also affect the overall cost.
Often-overlooked costs
Wedding photography prices can seem high at first, but there are often overlooked costs involved in running a professional photography business. These include:
Equipment Costs: Professional cameras, lenses, and lighting can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Maintenance: Regular servicing, sensor cleaning, and equipment repairs ensure everything performs reliably.
Insurance: Camera and liability insurance protect both the photographer and the couple in case of unexpected issues.
Post-Production Time: The time spent editing your photos (often 30+ hours for an 8-hour wedding) significantly affects the cost.
Travel Costs: Destination weddings may involve additional travel fees for airfare, hotel stays, and ground transportation.
Backup Systems: Extra memory cards, backup cameras, and hard drives are essential to protect your wedding day images.
Gallery Hosting, Storage and Software: Long-term hosting, image storage, and delivery platforms have ongoing subscription fees.
Client Communication & Prep: Time spent on consultations, planning calls, shot lists, timelines, and logistics adds value well beyond the shoot itself.
Taxes & Business Costs: Professional photographers operate registered businesses that incur tax and legal fees.
Team Wages: Second shooters, assistants, and editors.
Ongoing Education: Workshops, conferences, and portfolio-building sessions ensure photographers stay creative and current.
Understanding these costs will give you a clearer picture of why wedding photography prices can seem high but are ultimately an investment in preserving your wedding day memories.
How to Choose the Right Wedding Photography Package
Choosing the right wedding photography package involves aligning the coverage with your wedding timeline and prioritizing the photos that matter most to you. Typically, couples choose between 8-10 hours of coverage, but smaller events may only require 6 hours, while larger celebrations might need 12+ hours.
Things to consider when selecting your package:
- Coverage Time: Choose a package that matches the flow of your day.
- Additional Products: Consider if you want albums, prints, or digital-only options.
- Engagement or After-Wedding Sessions: Decide if these add-ons are right for you.
Your photography package should reflect your wedding style and budget, ensuring you receive the value you expect.
Additional Resources
For a deeper dive into luxury wedding photography trends and inspiration, we recommend visiting Martha Stewart Weddings’ Expert Wedding Photography Tips. Here, you’ll find insights into selecting top-tier photographers and making your wedding day extraordinary.
More tips about Pricing, Packages and photography costs below in the following links
