Do You Tip Wedding Photographers? A Guide to Tipping Etiquette

Photographer taking pictures at wedding.

Your wedding day creates countless special moments, and your photographer works hard to capture every single one, so do you tip wedding photographer afterward?

But when the wedding night ends, and you get those beautiful photos, you might wonder: “Should I tip them?” It’s a common question that makes many couples pause while planning their wedding budget.

While tipping wedding vendors is common, there’s that one wedding vendor who’s often in the gray area: the photographer.

Let’s break down when you should tip your wedding photographer, how much to give, and other great ways to show your appreciation for their exceptional service.

Should You Tip Your Photographer?

A tip will always make your wedding photographer happy, but you aren’t required to give one.

Most wedding pros disagree on this subject. One side claims that photographers include service fees in their prices, making extra tips unnecessary. The other side argues that tipping shows good manners and appreciation for their hard work.

Your choice to tip or not will come down to several factors. The next sections will help you figure out if you should pull out that extra cash or save it for your honeymoon instead.

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Is the Photographer a Business Owner?

Wedding photographer taking pictures

Most wedding vendors and photographers run their own successful businesses and make a solid income from their work. In these cases, you don’t need to tip and some might even find it awkward if you do.

Look at it this way: You wouldn’t slip an extra $100 to your dentist after a cleaning, right? The same idea applies to established wedding photographers. They set their own rates and price their services to make a good living.

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You can spot a business owner easily. Check their website or Facebook page. Do they have a strong brand, multiple services, and years of experience? Do they own a studio? If yes, they probably don’t expect tips. Their prices already reflect what they want to earn from each wedding.

Are There Additional Photographers?

Main photographers often bring a team of helpers to capture your big day. These might include second shooters, lighting assistants, junior photographers, and other wedding vendors who want to build their portfolios.

While you still don’t have to tip these team members, a little extra cash would mean a lot to them. Most assistants earn less than the main photographer and work just as hard to get those perfect shots. They’re usually starting out in their careers or working part-time in the industry.

So, if your wedding photography team includes extra hands, you may tip wedding vendors to thank them for their efforts. It could really make their day, and they’ll probably tell other couples how awesome you were!

Did They Go Above and Beyond?

Some photographers just do their job, while others turn your wedding photos into pure magic. Maybe they spotted perfect moments you didn’t even notice, fixed every tiny flaw in post-production, or made everyone look their absolute best.

If your photographer went the extra mile and gave you photos that took your breath away, a tip shows how much you value their hard work. It’s like the difference between a standard wedding cake and one that makes your guests gasp. Both are good, but one deserves special praise.

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Plus, if they stayed late to catch that perfect sunset shot, rushed to send you previews, or handled your picky aunt with endless patience, a tip is a great way to say “thanks for being amazing.”

How Much to Tip Wedding Photographers?

If you decide to tip your photographer, most couples give between 5% and 10% of the total bill. So for a $3,000 photography package, that’s $150 to $300.

For the extra team members, $50 to $150 per person works well. Just hand each person their tip directly; they’ll appreciate the personal touch.

Money isn’t your only option. A nice gift can work, too, especially if you know what they like. Some photographers might enjoy a gift card to their favorite camera store or a basket of local treats.

Wait until after the wedding to give any tips. This gives you time to see your photos and decide if the service matches your hopes. If you got stunning shots that made you smile, cry, or both, you might want to bump up that tip a bit.

In the end, pick an amount that feels right to you. Your photographer will appreciate any extra thanks you send their way, big or small.

What Else Can You Do for Your Wedding Photographers?

It’s not always about money, you know. There’s more you can do for your photographer besides extra cash:

Extra things to do for your wedding photographer

Write Glowing Reviews

A detailed five-star review helps your photographer attract more clients. Share your experience on Google, Facebook, and wedding sites. Talk about what made them special — their personality, skills, or how they handled specific moments at your wedding. Future couples read these reviews closely when picking their photographer.

Spread the Word

Tell your engaged friends about your photographer. Share their social media posts. Show off your wedding album to anyone who asks. Personal recommendations mean more than any online review, and photographers get most of their work through word of mouth.

Send Them Your Best Shots

Once you start using your wedding photos on social media, tag your photographer. They love seeing their work shared and appreciated. Plus, many photographers use these posts to build their portfolios. Your beach ceremony shot or sunset portrait might help them land their next client.

Share Wedding Features

If your wedding gets featured in magazines or on wedding blogs, let your photographer know right away. These features boost their reputation and bring in new clients. Many photographers submit their best weddings to publications, so your big day might end up inspiring other couples, too.

A Few Extra Words

Tipping wedding photographers isn’t as straightforward as tipping other wedding vendors. Each situation differs based on who owns the business, their team size, and the quality of their work.

While a tip always shows appreciation, sending a heartfelt thank you note, writing great reviews, and recommending them to other couples can mean just as much.

In the end, pick the method that best fits your budget and best shows how much you value their work in capturing your special day. 

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