The Real Cost of Wedding Photography in the North West (2026 Guide)
One of the first things couples ask is: “How much should we actually set aside for photography?” It’s a valid question. In Manchester and Cheshire & North West, you will see quotes ranging from £500 to £4,000. Why is the gap so big? And what are you actually paying for?
The “Hidden” Hours When you pay £899 for my Gold Package, you aren’t just paying for the 8 hours I spend at your venue. You are paying for the 20-30+ hours of editing that happens after the confetti has settled. Professional editing—colour grading, cropping, and refining—is what turns a “snap” into a piece of wall art.
Why “Too Cheap” is a Gamble in Manchester
In a city like Manchester, it is easy to assume you need to spend thousands to get a “good” photographer. That simply isn’t true; often, those high price tags are just covering expensive city-centre studio rents or flashy marketing campaigns. Expensive doesn’t always mean better.
However, there is a dangerous flip side to this. In 2026, I am seeing a flood of “budget” photographers in the region offering full days for as little as £300. While you shouldn’t overpay for a brand name, you do need to pay for security.
Those rock-bottom prices usually come from hobbyists using single-slot cameras (which means if a memory card corrupts, your photos are gone forever) and operating without insurance. My pricing sits in the professional sweet spot: you aren’t paying for my ego, but you are paying for the safety net of dual-slot cameras that back up every image instantly, and the reassurance of full professional indemnity insurance.
The “Hybrid” Value Traditionally, you’d pay £1,500 for a photographer and another £1,500 for a videographer. By booking my Hybrid Coverage, you save over 50% because one professional handles both. You get the cinematic memories without the cinematic price tag—and without a camera crew crowding your dance floor
3. The “Full Works” (The Ultimate Package)
For those booking grand venues like Merrydale Manor or Arley Hall, the Ultimate Package (£1699) It includes everything: photography, videography, a selfie booth for the evening, and three luxury wedding albums.
The Heirloom Factor: In 50 years, the digital files might be on a hard drive you can’t open, but those luxury albums will still be on your coffee table.
4. The “Hidden” Costs to Avoid
When comparing prices, always ask these three questions:
How long until I see my photos? (If it’s months, that’s a “cost” to your happiness!)
Is travel included? (I include all travel within Manchester Cheshire).and upto a 60 mile radius.
Is the photographer insured? (19 years of professional standing means I don’t take risks with your day).