How much did you pay for a photographer?

Our photographer is $850. He used to do wedding (and other events) photos, then he owned a coffee shop (which was our absolute favorite go to place) and did wedding photos, and now he's back to events photos. Because we are one of the first couples to hire him since he closed his coffee shop, we got the introductory price of $850 for a package he plans to charge $1200 for. We get him for the whole day (he likes to give his clients his full attention for the day, so there's no hourly options), plus an assistant, a disk with every photo, some editing, and he will help us get prints. He has done plenty of work, so we have seen many examples of his work indoor & outdoor. We know we're getting quality. In fact, he's currently working with a touring ballet company while they are here performing for the summer. I feel we were quite fortunate to be able to hire him.

$550 unlimited hours and untouched digital copy of all photos.

We are paying $1100 for 7 hours including engagement session and rights to all photos and unlimited photos!

I think it's a regional thing.... we're paying $1600 for a husband / wife team (so 2 photographers) for: engagement photos, engagement photo cd, 10 hours photography on wedding day, wedding photo cd, 90 day online viewing and a $50 print credit. I have heard that's about the average of the cost in our area for professional wedding photography. I had received quotes that began at $1500 or $1200 (for 6 or 8 hours). Obviously closer to larger cities it's going to be more expensive too but if you're willing to take a chance you can always put out a notice at a local community college / undergraduate college for graphic design or photography students and get super cheap rates. (I know because I used to work at a University

The ones I contacted ranged from $1200 to $2500 for 4-6 hours.