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Search "Chicago wedding photographer cost" and you will mostly find gorgeous galleries and a button that says "inquire." We read the public websites of five Chicago wedding photography studios in November 2026 so you don't have to. Here is the honest answer on what a wedding photographer costs in Chicago, what moves the price, and where we sit.
The Short Answer
It depends on hours, team size and what you get back, and many studios would rather talk before they show you a number. Of the five we read, only two publish a starting price. One starts at $7,950 for a full wedding, and one starts at $10,000 for wedding collections. The other three publish no price at all and ask you to inquire or fill in a form for a guide.
So the published floors at these high-end studios run roughly $8,000 to $10,000. That is a small sample of top-ranked studios, not the whole Chicago market, and studios that do not rank at the top may charge less. We are not going to hand you an average, because with this much hidden pricing, nobody honest can.
What Chicago Studios Charge
- Two studios show a starting price. One at $7,950 for a full wedding, one at $10,000 for collections.
- Three studios show nothing. You inquire, wait for a guide, and learn the number later.
- Starting means starting. A published floor is the smallest package. Extra hours, a second photographer and albums usually sit on top.
What Changes the Price
- Hours of coverage. The biggest factor. Getting ready through the first dance is a long day, and every hour is a photographer's time on your wedding plus editing afterward.
- A second photographer. Two people means two angles, and someone catching your guests while the lead is with you. It is one of the most useful upgrades and a common line item.
- Number of edited photos. Some packages promise a set count, others say "a full gallery." A clear number is easier to compare.
- Engagement session. Sometimes included, often sold separately. It is also a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera.
- Travel. A venue out of town, a flight or a hotel night can add cost.
- Print rights. A gallery you can download is not always a gallery you can print. Ask whether a print release is included.
- Albums. Many studios sell them separately, and they can add a lot to the total. Ask what is included and what is extra.
Questions That Keep the Price Honest
- What is the full price for my date, with everything I need on it?
- How many hours are covered, and what does an extra hour cost?
- Is a second photographer included, or an add-on?
- How many edited photos will I get?
- Do I get downloads and a print release?
- Is travel included for my venue?
- When will I get my gallery, and is that in the contract?
For the full checklist, read questions to ask before you book, and see the fees that show up after the quote.
Where Love & Moore Sits
We publish every price on one page. Our photo packages are priced by hours, with more edited photos as the day gets longer:
- Portrait: 4 hours, $1,000
- Timeless: 6 hours, $1,250
- Keepsake: 8 hours, $1,450
Our packages include 200+, 300+ or 400+ edited photos, from the smallest to the largest. Want a second angle on the ceremony and the room? A second photographer is +$500. Your digital gallery comes with downloads and a print release, and it is delivered within 6 weeks, in writing.
Travel inside the Chicago metro is included. Beyond it, travel is a flat +$150, plus flights or lodging if the trip needs them. You can see what each package includes, hour by hour, on our pricing page.
Why Our Prices Are Lower
Our prices are well below the starting prices those studios publish. We price by the hour and keep it simple: no investment guide behind a form, no surprise fees, a small deposit and easy monthly payments.
A low price only matters if the work is good, so please don't take our word for it. Look through our portfolio and ask to see full galleries, not just highlights, from any photographer you are considering, us included. That is the fairest way to compare.
Still weighing photo against film? Read photography vs videography. Want a number for your own day? Try the cost calculator, then check if we're free on your date.