Who Pays for Wedding Photos? Who Covers the Cost in 2026

When you’re planning a wedding, there are so many bills to track-venue, catering, dresses, flowers, music. But one of the biggest surprises? wedding photography. It’s not cheap. And no one ever sits you down and says, "Who actually pays for this?"

In the UK, there’s no law, no rulebook, no tradition that says exactly who foots the bill. But over the last decade, things have shifted. What used to be the bride’s parents’ responsibility is now a shared decision-sometimes split three ways, sometimes covered by the couple themselves. And the reason? Money. And changing family dynamics.

Tradition vs Reality

Years ago, the groom’s family paid for the wedding, and the bride’s family covered the photography. It was simple. But today, fewer than 1 in 5 couples have parents paying for the entire wedding. According to a 2025 survey by UK Bridal Magazine, 62% of couples pay for their own wedding photography, either fully or partially. That’s up from 38% in 2019.

Why the change? Rising costs. A full-day wedding photographer in Birmingham now averages £2,200-£3,500. That’s more than the average monthly rent in the city. And it’s not just the fee-albums, prints, second shooters, and engagement sessions add hundreds more. Many parents simply can’t afford it. Or they’re helping with the venue and don’t have extra cash for photos.

Who Pays? The Common Scenarios

Here’s what actually happens in most UK weddings today:

• The couple pays 100% - Most common. Especially for couples in their late 20s to early 30s who are financially independent. They book the photographer they love, not the one their parents recommend.
• Parents split the cost - Sometimes the bride’s parents cover the album and prints, while the groom’s parents pay for the main package. Or each side pays half. This works best when families are close and have discussed budgets upfront.
• One set of parents pays - Still happens, but less often. Usually when one side has more financial flexibility, or when the couple is younger and still studying or early in their careers.
• Friends or family chip in - Rare, but growing. Some couples set up a wedding registry that includes photography packages as a gift option. Guests can contribute £50, £100, or even £500 toward the photographer’s fee.

There’s no shame in any of these. But the key is talking early. Too many couples wait until the photographer’s quote comes in, then panic. By then, it’s too late to adjust plans.

What’s Included in a Typical Wedding Photography Package?

Before you decide who pays, you need to know what you’re paying for. A standard package in 2026 includes:

• 8-10 hours of coverage on the wedding day
• Two photographers (one main, one second shooter)
• High-resolution digital files (usually 500-800 photos)
• Online gallery with download access
• 1-2 hours of engagement session
• Basic editing (colour correction, exposure, cropping)
• Print release (you can print anywhere)

Extra costs? They add up fast:

• Album: £400-£1,200 (depending on size, material, number of pages)
• Second shooter for longer coverage: +£400-£700
• Extended hours (beyond 10 hours): £200-£300 per hour
• Drone footage: +£250-£500
• Same-day slideshow: +£300
• Prints and canvases: £15-£120 each

Some photographers offer all-inclusive packages now-£2,800 for everything listed above, plus album and prints. That’s a good deal if you want to avoid hidden fees.

How to Talk About Money Without Awkwardness

Asking your parents for money is hard. Asking your partner’s parents? Even harder. But here’s a script that works:

"We’re so grateful for your support. We’ve looked at photographers and found one we love-£2,800 for everything. We’re planning to pay £1,500 ourselves. Would you be open to helping with the rest? We’d love to include your names in the album credits as a thank you."

That’s direct, respectful, and gives them a way to contribute without pressure. If they say no, that’s okay. You can adjust your package. Maybe skip the album, go for a digital-only option, or reduce the hours.

Don’t assume. Don’t expect. Ask clearly. And be ready to compromise.

What If You’re the Parent?

If you’re wondering whether you should pay for your child’s wedding photos, here’s what to ask yourself:

• Can you afford this without hurting your own financial stability?
• Will this gift make a real difference to their day?
• Do they have a photographer they love, or are you choosing based on price?

Photography is the only thing from your child’s wedding they’ll keep forever. The cake is eaten. The flowers die. The dress is stored. But the photos? They’ll hang on their walls. They’ll show their kids. They’ll look at them 30 years from now.

If you can help, even partially, it’s one of the most meaningful gifts you can give. But if you can’t, say so gently. Offer to help with something else-printing the album, organizing the guest book, or hosting the after-party.

What About Same-Sex or Non-Traditional Weddings?

There’s no "traditional" way anymore. Same-sex couples, blended families, elopements, destination weddings-all of them face the same question: who pays?

Many couples in these situations avoid the "who owes what" debate entirely. They pool resources. One partner saves for six months. The other sells an old car. They use a crowdfunding platform like GoFundMe with a clear goal: "Help us capture our wedding day. Every £50 helps us hire our dream photographer."

Some couples even split the cost 50/50 with their partners. No parents involved. No guilt. Just a shared decision.

What to Do If You Can’t Afford It

Let’s be real-not everyone can spend £3,000 on photos. That’s fine. You don’t need a luxury package to have beautiful memories.

• Book a half-day photographer (4-6 hours). You’ll still get the ceremony, first dance, and group shots.
• Choose a newer photographer. Someone with 2-3 years of experience might charge £1,500 instead of £3,000.
• Ask for a digital-only package. Skip the album and prints. You can make your own later.
• Use a friend with a good camera. Many couples hire a talented friend who’s willing to shoot for £300-£500. Just make sure they’ve done this before.
• Wait for off-season deals. Winter weddings (November-February) often have 20-30% discounts.

One couple in Birmingham hired a student photographer from Birmingham City University for £900. They got 600 photos, a 3-hour shoot, and an online gallery. Their album? They printed it themselves using Shutterfly. Total cost: £1,100. The photos look just as good.

Final Thought: It’s Not About Who Pays-It’s About What Matters

Wedding photography isn’t a luxury. It’s a record. It’s the only thing that will survive when the cake is gone and the playlist is forgotten.

Who pays? It doesn’t matter as long as you get the photos you love. Whether it’s your savings, your parents’ help, or a group of friends pitching in-it’s your story. And it’s worth capturing.