Too expensive? Desperately need your advice! Wedding photographer and videographer cost

That's extremely expensive, especially for the budget you quoted. My photography was about 10% of my total budget and videography was about 2%. I realize pictures are important but half of your budget should be allocated to your food and venue. If the photography takes up another 40% that leaves you with 10% for officiant, floral, rentals, etc. this would mean you would likely be skimping on your food which is the one place you shouldn't.

I would do a photographer but not a videographer that's what I'm doing it'll save you a lot of money

How many guests are you inviting? Have you made a detailed budget of how much you want to spend on each aspect of the wedding? (Food/drinks, venue, attire, DJ, photography, flowers, decor, etc.) Can you move enough money around that you can afford to spend that much? If you're having a really REALLY small wedding you might be able to swing it.

ETA: my photographer is a little less than 6% of my total budget and I'm not doing a videographer, but I also have 200+ people on my guest list

The photographers and video people I recommend are all between ****. I agree that you need to figure out the rest of your budget before you commit to this. You have almost two years.....

Nine grand for a photographer in Las Vegas? Only if it was Annie Leibovitz. There are lots of photographers that cost less. Wouldn't you rather spend the money taking multiple photo sessions as your children grow over the years, so you can remember them as they change?

I do highly recommend video but I would think you could find a lower priced option. Look around and maybe try going to some bridal shows to get discounts.

Ours were less than 6k combined, which was around 10% of the total budget. I'd look for someone less expensive.

I think 10% of your budget is a safe amount for photography and videography. $9,000 seems like way too much!

Check small event rates to if you aren't having a particular long ceremony. You might shave some dollars off that way if you are not planning a huge 300 guest endeavor!

Photos are def. important but everyone is right- you need to really think about how you're going to allocate the remainder of your budget in order to still get what you want in those departments as well.

There are many photographers out there that are high quality but don't charge the high price- whether they're still 'new' or just don't believe in gauging bride's eyes out. Keep looking and be sure before you sign any contracts.

If you're having 50 guests your catering bill shouldn't be too high (in theory) but if you have 150 guest that could be another $10,000 in food- including tax, alcohol and tips it could be another couple of grand on top of that.

Also, unless you plan to keep your albums out at all times or view them frequently, consider skipping the albums made by the photographer and use Shutterfly or another service to personalize them yourself.

Our photographer includes digital images, 8 hours of coverage with two shooters and the engagement pics for only $2,500, which is less than 7% of our budget. It's nice to know we can push some of the funds towards other areas or save them for vendor tips and last minute items.

In the end, it is a day for you & your fiancé so choose whatever makes you the most happy

I agree with the comments so far. I think 36% of the budget is too high. My photographer is just under $3K and 10% of our budget. We have chosen not to do a videographer. There are plenty of options out there- I'd keep looking!

There are very few videographers that should be $5000+. Maybe Ray Roman and Joe Simon, a handful of others.

A great photog is often $4000ish.

However, I'll note that you seem to be saying they'd have to travel, so maybe its not all together that expensive, just the fact that travel has to be added to the budget.

Its also unusual for anyone to offer both photo and video on that level of excellence. Any chance you'd share who it is?

You can never replace those photos. If you do nothing else you'll want the photos to remember the day

Were spending $9k combined on photo and video in NY, so I don't find it to be outrageous, and that's also almost a quarter of our budget BUT we are making sure our guests are hosted well. We'd rather have a 100 person wedding and amazing photo and video, rather than 200 people and mediocre photo and video. If you have the money to host your guests properly and still want to spend the money, I'd say go for it.

That's very expensive. I spent $4000 for both, both for 9 hours, 2 separate companies and I'm in San Diego. I searched yelp by highest rated and then researched the top ones photos to see which style we liked and then found some in our budget.

HiThere, you are so wise to look for quality, but you can be wise about where you find it too. It sounds like you have spoken to a talented artist who is also a very good salesperson. I'm sure the quality is very good, but you can also find excellent quality for less, and as Ceila said, you do have time to look.

Especially in such a large area, there should be plenty to choose from. Check YouTube for videos shot at your venue to see how you like them and what company made them. Check the WW vendor listings for the companies that don't have the biggest ads - you may be happily surprised! Ask for referrals from friends and other vendors (that don't get paid to give them). You'll do great, and get fun ideas along the way.

Wow I've found really nice photographers in Cali for $700 for five hours, two photographers. Not including video though. I would definitely keep looking

Where r u from ? I have a great NY recommendation

If you really love the specific photographer I would see if you can work with them on the price. I booked an amazing photog for about $2200 less than I was quoted by letting them know what my budget was and then working from there (ex. We're doing a few less hours and there is no album included)

Get on GROUPON I found a few photographers who retail price is around $2,000 but cost on Groupon is $5-6,000