3 Reasons You Shouldn’t Hire a “Cheap” Wedding Photographer (And 3 Reasons You Should!)

Let’s be real—wedding photography can be expensive. 

When couples start planning, one of the first things they Google is “affordable wedding photography” or “budget-friendly wedding photographer.” And hey, I get it! Weddings are a huge investment, and finding ways to save money where you can makes total sense.
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But here’s where I want to be really honest with you. I market myself as an affordable wedding photographer, and I know that what I offer may not be the perfect fit for every couple. If you’re wondering whether hiring someone in my price range is the right choice, here are three reasons why you might want to reconsider—and three reasons why it could be exactly what you need.

3 Reasons NOT to Hire a “Cheap” Wedding Photographer
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1. You Want All-Day Coverage

If you’ve been dreaming of having a photographer with you from the moment you wake up to the final send-off at the end of the night, an affordable photography package might not be the best fit. Many budget-friendly photographers (myself included) offer shorter coverage—sometimes 2 to 5 hours instead of full-day options.
That doesn’t mean you won’t get amazing photos! But if you want getting-ready shots, ceremony coverage, cocktail hour, reception, and every detail in between, you’ll either need to:
• Book a photographer with a full-day package (which often comes with a higher price tag)
• Be strategic about what moments you want photographed
If every single moment matters to you, you may want to invest in an all-day photographer.

2. You Want a Second Shooter

Hiring a photographer on a budget usually means you’re booking a solo shooter. If you love the idea of multiple angles—like one photographer capturing your partner’s reaction while another focuses on your walk down the aisle—you might need a photography team.
A second shooter is fantastic for big weddings with lots of guests or elaborate setups. But for small, intimate weddings and elopements, one experienced photographer (like me!) can capture everything beautifully without the added cost of a second shooter.


3. You Want Highly Stylized or Luxury Editing

If you love dramatic, heavily edited images with tons of retouching, composites, or cinematic effects, an affordable photographer might not be the best choice. Most budget-friendly photographers focus on natural, true-to-life edits that enhance your images without making them look overly processed.
Personally, my style is about keeping your photos timeless—I want you to look at them 20 years from now and still feel like they reflect your wedding day exactly as it was. If you prefer high-fashion, editorial-style photography, investing in a high-end photographer might be worth it.

3 Reasons TO Hire an Affordable Wedding Photographer

1. You’re Having an Intimate Wedding or Elopement
Not every wedding needs 8-10 hours of photography! If you’re having a small, intimate wedding or an OKC elopement, a shorter package can be perfect. You’ll get coverage of your ceremony, portraits, and key moments—without paying for hours you don’t need.
That’s exactly why I offer my 3-hour, $700 wedding package—it’s designed for couples who want beautiful, professional photos without breaking the bank.


2. You’re Prioritizing Budget Without Sacrificing Quality
Hiring an affordable photographer doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. It just means you’re paying for what you actually need instead of extras that may not matter to you.
A photographer in my price range still delivers high-resolution, professionally edited images—we just focus on providing shorter, streamlined packages to keep costs low. So if you want stunning photos without the luxury price tag, an affordable option is a great choice.


3. You Want a Personal, Relaxed Experience
When you hire a budget-friendly photographer (especially one who specializes in smaller weddings), you’re often getting a more personal and relaxed experience.
I work closely with my couples, making sure they feel comfortable in front of the camera. You’re not just another booking on my calendar—you’re a couple I genuinely want to capture in the most authentic way.

For couples who prefer a more laid-back, stress-free vibe, an affordable photographer can be the perfect match.

So… Should You Hire a “Cheap” Wedding Photographer?

It all comes down to what matters most to you. If you want all-day coverage, multiple shooters, and dramatic edits, it’s worth investing in a higher-end photographer... But if you’re planning a smaller wedding, want great photos without the luxury price tag, and value a personal, stress-free experience, an affordable wedding photographer (like me!) could be exactly what you’re looking for.
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If that sounds like the right fit for you, let’s chat! My 3-hour, $700 package is perfect for intimate weddings and elopements, and you can secure your date with a small deposit.
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Ready to book? Get in touch using my contact page!