How Much Are Engagement Photos? A Guide

In decades past, engagement photos were a bit more low-key and not necessarily a must-have for couples planning to get married. But in the age of social media and wedding websites, engagement photography has become pretty standard.

Of course, this can add to your total photography costs and shouldn’t be overlooked when planning your wedding budget. So, how much are engagement photos? We’ll break it down for you below.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Engagement Photos

Just like the cost of weddings, engagement photography prices range drastically. The price you pay will depend on several factors, including:

• Photography session duration: Some professional photographers charge by the hour or have a similar pricing structure, like $500 for two hours.
• Photographer experience: As with most wedding vendors, a more experienced engagement photographer in high demand with a stacked portfolio will likely charge more than someone with less experience.
• Wedding photography packages: Your photography package might include photography of your proposal, elopement, wedding ceremony, or reception. You may also be able to choose from digital download options, image retouching, and the number of wedding photos or poses you get.
• Location: The cost of engagement photos may be higher in big cities where prices are higher in general. Beyond that, if your photoshoot requires the photographer to drive to a remote area, meet you at multiple locations, or hike up a hill to a lookout spot, they might charge more.

Average Price Range for Engagement Photoshoots

The average price for engagement photoshoots ranges from about $300 to $1,000. For a two-hour session, you might be looking at $500 to $1,500.

Of course, this is just an estimate of the average cost across most cities in the U.S. You might be able to find a photographer for less than $300—and likely someone for upwards of $1,500.

Tips for Saving on Your Engagement Photoshoot

Looking to save on your engagement photos? Here’s what you can do:

• Keep it short: At the risk of stating the obvious, an hour-long photo session will cost less than a three-hour session. Preparing for engagement photos ahead of time to keep it short could cut your total costs in half.
• Stick with one location: Taking engagement pictures at one location will help you keep the session short and simplify things for the photographer, so they may not charge as much.
• Consider proximity: Choosing a location close to your home and not too far of a drive for the photographer will cut down on time and travel fees for everyone involved.
• Ask about photography packages: Some wedding photographers offer free or very discounted engagement photos if the engaged couple signs up for a full photography package for their big day.
• Choose a less demanding time: Deciding when to take engagement photos can impact the cost. To get a better rate, try to opt for a less busy time of year for your photographer.

When to Invest in Premium Packages

Is it worth investing in a premium package for your engagement photoshoot? It can be if you have a very specific vision in mind and are set on multiple locations or a scenic backdrop, like a mountaintop or oceanside cliff.

That said, you definitely don’t have to spend a lot of money on high-quality engagement photos. You’ve got options like Simply Eloped.

Simply Eloped makes it easy to plan and save money with every part of your wedding planning while still making it feel like the most special day. We offer a variety of customizable services, including photography and videography for proposals, engagements, and elopements.

You can even get financing for your photography and elopement package with a 0% installment payment plan.

How Simply Eloped Can Help You Capture Perfect Moments

Cherishing this time as an engaged couple is not only fun but also special as you look ahead to your wedding day. You want to capture it to share with your loved ones and look back on in years to come.

Simply Eloped is here to help with engagement photography. We can help you book a seasoned photographer for a personalized engagement shoot.

And if you’re planning to propose and want to capture the moment with pictures or a video without spoiling the surprise, we can assist with that too. Simply Eloped will ensure everything goes smoothly based on what you envision and can even arrange for flowers or musicians. You can invite others to share the occasion with you, as our packages include up to 20 witnesses.

Our experienced team is here to guide you through each step of the process, from selecting a romantic location, figuring out the perfect timing to pop the question, and making sure things go off without a hitch.

Find a venue in your area, choose a date, and book your engagement photo session today!

Written by Janessa White

Janessa White is the co-founder of Simply Eloped and has helped thousands of couples plan elopements. As an expert in the field, she has been featured on Brides.com, Vox, and HuffPost. Janessa thinks elopements are the ultimate way to tie the knot.