What Wedding Photography Really Costs in the PNW
- Carrie Talent-Schlecht
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
(And Why It Varies So Much)
If you’ve started looking into wedding photography in the Pacific Northwest, you’ve probably noticed one thing pretty quickly: pricing is all over the place.
Some photographers charge a couple thousand. Some charge significantly more. And somehow, everyone includes something different.
It’s confusing — and honestly, it’s one of the most common things couples ask me about. So let’s talk about it in a way that actually makes sense, without making it awkward or overwhelming.
Why wedding photography pricing varies so much
Wedding photography pricing in the PNW isn’t random. It usually reflects a mix of experience, approach, and how involved the photographer is before, during, and after your wedding day.
You’re not just paying for someone to show up with a camera. You’re paying for:
Experience handling fast-moving, emotional days
The ability to work in unpredictable lighting (hello, Oregon weather)
Editing time that often takes weeks
Backup gear and preparation
Someone who stays calm when timelines shift or plans change.
Because they almost always do.
Lower cost doesn’t mean “bad”
This part matters, so I want to say it clearly. A lower price doesn’t automatically mean lower quality. Many talented photographers price lower when they’re newer, building their portfolio, or offering simpler coverage. Higher pricing often reflects consistency, experience, and the ability to deliver reliably no matter what the day throws at them.
Neither is wrong — they’re just different. What matters most is understanding why someone charges what they do, and whether that aligns with what you’re looking for.
What actually affects the cost
A few things tend to influence wedding photography pricing more than anything else:
Number of hours of coverage
Whether a second photographer is included
Engagement sessions
Editing style and turnaround time
Level of support leading up to the wedding
If you’re comparing photographers, it helps to compare similar coverage — not just the final number on the page.
The question I wish more couples asked
Instead of asking, “Is this expensive?” I think a better question is:
“Do I trust this person with our day?”
Your photographer is with you during moments that are emotional, unscripted, and sometimes a little chaotic. When things move quickly — and they will — having someone who feels steady and present makes a huge difference.
That’s hard to measure on a price list, but you feel it immediately when it’s there.
An honest perspective
Most couples tell me after their wedding that photography was one of the things they were most glad they invested in. Not because every moment was perfect — but because the photos brought them back to how the day actually felt.
The nervous excitement.The quiet pauses.The in-between moments you didn’t even realize were happening.
That’s the value.
Final thoughts
Wedding photography in the Pacific Northwest comes in many forms, styles, and price points. The right choice isn’t about finding the cheapest option or the most expensive one — it’s about finding someone whose work you connect with and whose presence feels right.
If you’re looking for wedding photography that focuses on real moments, movement, and documenting your day as it naturally unfolds, I’d love to talk.
Carrie Schlecht
Carrie Schlecht Photography
Oregon + Pacific Northwest
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