If you are planning a wedding in Metro Vancouver, the first question is almost always the same: how much does a wedding photographer actually cost?
The honest answer is that it depends on how many hours you need, where you are getting married, and what you want delivered afterwards. At Mandana Rostami Photography, wedding packages start at $900+ for an elopement, $1,600 for 4 hours, $2,400 for 6 hours, $3,200 for 8 hours, and $3,800+ for full-day coverage.
In this 2026 guide I will break down what each package really covers, what drives the price up or down, which hidden costs to watch for, and which questions to ask before you pay a deposit. I have photographed weddings for 18 years, across North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Vancouver and beyond, so this comes from real experience with real couples and real timelines.
Quick Answer: Wedding Photography Prices in Vancouver (2026)
Here is the short version. These are my starting prices, and the final quote depends on your specific day.
| Coverage | Starting price | Best for |
| Elopement | $900+ | Intimate ceremonies, small guest lists, short focused coverage |
| 4 hours | $1,600 | Ceremony, family photos, couple portraits, and a short celebration |
| 6 hours | $2,400 | Preparation through the ceremony, portraits, and the start of the reception |
| 8 hours | $3,200 | Most of the wedding day, from getting ready to key reception moments |
| Full day | $3,800+ | Extensive coverage from getting ready to the reception and major celebrations |
Important: these are starting estimates. Location, travel, guest count, the number of venues, and any video or drone work will change the final figure. I always send a custom quote after we talk about your plans.
You can always see the latest numbers on my photography pricing.
What Does Each Wedding Package Actually Include?
Price alone does not tell you much. What matters is the coverage you get for those hours. Here is how I think about each option.
Elopement Photography: $900+
Elopements and micro weddings do not need eight hours of coverage. This package is built for a ceremony, portraits of the two of you, and the small details that make the day personal. It works beautifully at a mountain viewpoint, a beach, a garden, or a small restaurant venue.
If you are comparing locations, my guide to choosing the perfect wedding photography location can help you pick a spot that looks great and works logistically.
4-Hour Wedding Photography: $1,600
Four hours is ideal when you want the essentials: the ceremony, family formals, couple portraits, and some of the celebration. It suits smaller weddings, courthouse or city hall ceremonies followed by a dinner, and weddings where the ceremony and reception are at the same venue.
The key is a tight timeline. If your ceremony starts late or your family photo list is long, four hours can feel rushed. I will always tell you honestly if I think you need more time.
6-Hour Wedding Photography: $2,400
Six hours is the sweet spot for many couples. It usually allows me to start during final preparations, cover the ceremony, take relaxed portraits, photograph family groups, and stay for the start of the reception, including entrances and the first dance if the schedule fits.
8-Hour Wedding Photography: $3,200
With eight hours, we can cover most of the wedding experience without watching the clock. This is a great choice for weddings with a separate getting-ready location, a ceremony in one place and a reception in another, or a longer program with speeches, cake, and dancing.
Full-Day Wedding Photography: $3,800+
Full-day coverage is for couples who want everything documented, from the first details in the morning to the reception highlights at night. It is also the best choice for multicultural weddings and multi-event celebrations, where the traditions deserve unhurried coverage.
As someone who photographs Persian and multicultural celebrations, I know these days often include more ceremonies and moments than a standard timeline allows for. If that sounds like your wedding, ask me about full-day coverage.
8 Factors That Affect Wedding Photography Cost in Vancouver
Two photographers can quote very different prices for what sounds like the same wedding. These are the main reasons.
1. Hours of coverage
This is the biggest factor. More hours means more time on location, more images to edit, and a larger share of your calendar. Choosing the right number of hours is the most effective way to control your budget.
2. The photographer’s experience and style
Experience affects price for good reason. A photographer who has handled hundreds of weddings knows how to stay calm when the schedule slips, how to light a dark church or a rainy day, and how to guide nervous couples so the photos look natural. After 18 years, I build that reliability into every wedding.
3. Location and travel
Vancouver weddings happen in very different settings: a North Shore mountain venue, a downtown hotel, a waterfront garden, or a forest ceremony. Multiple locations on the same day, longer drives, and ferry or mountain travel can all affect the quote. My studio is in North Vancouver, so I know the North Shore intimately. You can read more about wedding photography in North Vancouver and West Vancouver.
4. Date and season
Summer and early fall Saturdays are the most requested dates in British Columbia, and the best photographers book up early. Off-peak dates and weekdays can sometimes offer more flexibility.
5. Guest count and timeline complexity
A 30-person wedding and a 200-person wedding need different planning. Large family group photos, a tight venue schedule, or several ceremonies make coverage more complex.
6. Photo and video together
Many couples now want both photographs and film. My event video starts at $800+, and photography and video can be combined for selected weddings so your day is planned by one creative team.
7. Drone photography
Aerial images are a stunning way to show a venue, a coastline, or a mountain setting. Drone photography starts at $300+, and drone video at $500+, subject to location, weather, and applicable regulations. If you want to understand what aerial work can add, see my article on drone photography for construction and industrial projects, which explains how it works in practice.
8. Editing, delivery, and usage
Professional editing takes real time. Ask how many edited images you should expect, how they are delivered, how long the gallery stays online, and whether you receive print rights.
What to Budget for Wedding Photography in Vancouver
A common rule of thumb is that couples set aside a meaningful share of their overall wedding budget for photography, because photos and film are what remain after the day is over. Flowers fade, food is eaten, and the dress goes back in the closet, but your images are the one thing you keep and share for decades.
A practical way to plan:
- Start with your guest list and venue. This tells you how long the day will realistically be.
- Choose your coverage length. Use the table above as a starting point.
- Decide on video and drone. Add these early so the photographer can plan the schedule around them.
- Leave room for extras. Engagement photos, an extra hour on the day, and prints or albums are easy to add if you plan for them.
If you are also thinking about a pre-wedding session, my couple and family sessions start at $550, which gives you a relaxed practice run in front of the camera before the big day.
Sample Wedding Timelines by Package
Timelines vary, but these examples show what different coverage lengths can look like.
4 hours (ceremony and portraits)
- Arrive 30 minutes before the ceremony
- Ceremony and family photos
- Couple portraits at a nearby scenic spot
- Reception entrance and first moments of the celebration
6 hours (preparation to the start of the reception)
- Final preparations and details
- First look or ceremony
- Family formals and wedding party
- Couple portrait session
- Reception entrance, toasts, and first dance
8 hours (most of the day)
- Getting ready for both partners
- Ceremony
- Family and wedding party photos
- Extended couple portraits
- Dinner, speeches, cake cutting, and the first dances
Full day (everything)
- Morning details and preparations
- Ceremony and all family traditions
- Portraits at golden hour
- Complete reception highlights and the dance floor
Want more ideas for what makes wedding photos feel timeless? Read 10 secrets behind truly elegant wedding photos.
Hidden Costs and Extras to Ask About
The price on a website is not always the price you pay. Before you book anyone, ask about these items.
- Travel fees: Are there extra charges for locations outside the photographer’s usual area?
- Overtime: What does an extra hour cost if your day runs late?
- Second photographer: Is one included, or priced separately?
- Albums and prints: Are they included or sold separately?
- Gallery access: How long will your online gallery stay available?
- Print rights: Can you print and share your images freely?
- Taxes: Is the quoted price before or after GST?
- Payment schedule: What is the deposit, and when is the balance due?
I am happy to walk through every one of these with you in a free consultation, so there are no surprises on your final invoice.
Why the Cheapest Photographer Is Not Always the Best Value
A low price can be tempting, especially when wedding costs add up fast. But a wedding happens once, and it cannot be repeated. Here are some warning signs worth noticing:
- No full wedding galleries to view, only a handful of highlight images
- No written contract, or a vague one
- No clear backup plan if the photographer is sick or equipment fails
- Very slow delivery times with no commitment
- No reviews or references from recent couples
A good photographer will show you complete weddings, explain how they work, put everything in writing, and carry backup equipment. That peace of mind is part of what you are paying for.
10 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Wedding Photographer
- Are you available on my date?
- How many hours of coverage do you recommend for my timeline?
- Can I see a complete gallery from a recent wedding at a venue like mine?
- How many edited images will I receive?
- How long until I get my photos?
- What happens if you are unable to attend?
- Do you carry backup cameras and memory cards?
- Do you offer video and drone coverage?
- What is your payment schedule and cancellation policy?
- Will I receive print rights?
For a step-by-step look at the booking process, see my guide on how to book a professional photographer.
When Should You Book Your Vancouver Wedding Photographer?
For peak-season weddings (June to September), couples often start looking 9 to 12 months ahead, and popular photographers can fill their calendars even earlier. For smaller elopements and off-season dates, you may have more flexibility, but it is still wise to secure your photographer soon after you book your venue.
If you are already thinking about 2027 dates, reach out as soon as you can so we can check availability.
Final Thoughts: Invest in Memories That Last
Wedding photography is not just a line on your budget. It is the visual story of one of the biggest days of your life. The right photographer helps you feel relaxed, protects your timeline, and delivers images you will treasure for decades.
My wedding packages start at $900+ and go up to $3,800+ for full-day coverage, with custom options for video, drone, and multi-location weddings.
Ready to talk about your wedding? Visit my wedding photography to see recent work, check the full pricing , or call 604-765-5353 for a free consultation. Tell me your date, venue, and vision, and I will create a custom quote for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wedding photography in Vancouver varies by coverage length, experience, and location. My packages start at $900+ for elopements, $1,600 for 4 hours, $2,400 for 6 hours, $3,200 for 8 hours, and $3,800+ for full-day coverage.
My elopement photography starts at $900+, designed for intimate weddings that need shorter, focused coverage.
Most couples choose between 6 and 8 hours. Choose 4 hours if you want the essentials, 6 hours to include preparations and part of the reception, 8 hours for most of the day, and full-day coverage if you want everything documented.
Yes. Event video starts at $800+, and photography and video can be combined for selected weddings.
Yes. Drone photography starts at $300+ and drone video at $500+, depending on location, weather, and regulations.
Yes. I photograph weddings across Metro Vancouver and beyond. Travel requirements can affect the final quote, so please include your venue details when you contact me.
The prices shown are starting estimates. Final pricing depends on location, duration, number of guests, production requirements, deliverables, and usage rights.
Yes. I love documenting cultural traditions, and I have a deep appreciation for the rituals and family moments that make these celebrations special. For a personal look at identity and celebration, read From Christmas to Nowruz: a visual story of family, identity, and new beginnings.
