Photographer on a tight budget

I would for sure get a photographer, I wouldn't make that a "maybe" for vendors to hire. Could you reach out to a local community college with photography programs? In our area, there are a ton of photographers just starting out in their careers (usually you see them on Facebook) that would charge around that.

Yes, try finding someone who's still building a portfolio! We found one on FB Marketplace who happened to also be running a special at that time. $150 for ceremony and formal photos ( 1 1/2 hours total). Without the special it would still have been only about $300.

I would ALWAYS recommend hiring a photographer!!! It's an important day and you want to make sure you have photos to capture the big moments. I know someone who relied on family and friends to take photos, didn't hire a photographer, and she now says that's the one thing she wishes she did differently. Maybe find other places to cut costs (flowers, or favors, or decorations or whatever) and figure out how to find a photographer within your budget. Also, I recommend you look on Thumbtack, The Bash and post on facebook. You might have friends who are amateur photographers just getting started or know someone who is. Facebook Marketplace is another place to look or even a local newspaper.

He will absolutely regret not having pro photos on your wedding day. Go to the local art school and ask to see portfolios of some students or ask pros what their half day fee is. Especially since you're doing an AM ceremony this shouldn't be too much.