Vancouver Island Wedding Photographers: Pricing + How to Choose
A practical guide to photographer pricing, what to ask,
and how to compare local options on Vancouver Island. No fluff.
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Typical Wedding Photographer Cost in BC
Your wedding photos are one of the few parts of your day that truly last. On Vancouver Island, professional wedding photography commonly ranges from about $2,700–$7,000 depending on coverage and experience.
TL;DR:
6 hours often starts around $2,700–$3,500; 8 hours around $3,200–$5,500; 10 hours from $4,500+.
Typical price ranges by coverage
| Coverage | Entry-level | Professional | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 hours | under $2,000–$3,000 | $2,700–$3,800+ | Covers prep or early reception: great for smaller timelines. |
| 8 hours | $2,500–$3,000 | $3,200–$5,500+ | Most popular: fits majority of your big day. |
| 10 hours | N/A | $4,500–$7,000+ | Ideal for multi-location or full-day coverage. |
These bands reflect a mix of local insights from Vancouver Island photographers. Many Nanaimo and Ucluelet/Tofino photographers quote around $3,000 for mid-range 6–8 hour coverage.
What drives price up or down
How to choose the right Vancouver Island wedding photographer
If you're scrolling through dozens of portfolios and thinking, “How do I actually know who's right for us?”, you're not alone. Here are the things that matter most.
What to look for
- A style that matches your vibe. Light and airy, dark and moody, documentary, classic.
- Real wedding experience. Weddings move fast with timelines, lighting shifts, and high-pressure moments.
- Comfort and chemistry. You'll spend most of your day with them. If the vibe feels awkward, it can show.
- Backup gear and systems. Cameras fail. Memory cards corrupt. Professionals plan for this.
- Clear packages and pricing. Know what's included: hours, edited images, albums, usage rights, add-ons.
TIP:
If a photographer can clearly explain their package in plain language, that's usually a good sign they run a well-organized business.
Social media vs real galleries
Instagram and TikTok are highlight reels. What you see there is often a photographer's absolute best work, not the full story.
- A full wedding photo gallery, start to finish
- A complete wedding film, not just a 2–3 minute teaser
A realistic expectation: out of a full gallery of 600–900 images, not every photo will be frame-worthy. But around 80% should feel consistent, well-edited, and emotionally solid.
Bottom line: reviewing full deliverables shows how a photographer handles lighting changes, real timelines, and unscripted moments.
Red flags to watch out for
- No written contract. This is non-negotiable.
- Very few real weddings shown. Styled shoots don't reflect real-day pressure.
- Slow or vague communication. If it's frustrating now, it won't improve later.
- Every photo looks identical. Heavy presets shouldn't replace thoughtful editing.
- No backup or contingency plan. Weather, illness, and gear issues happen.
- Over-curated social media only. If full galleries aren't available, proceed carefully.
Questions to ask before you book
- How many weddings have you photographed on Vancouver Island?
- Have you shot at our venue or somewhere similar?
- What's included in your packages, and what costs extra?
- How do you handle low light or rainy weather?
- What's your typical delivery timeline?
- Can we see a complete wedding gallery from start to finish?
Browse by region
Photographer travel is common on the Island, but it's still smart to start your shortlist locally, then expand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is wedding photography so expensive?
It's not just about showing up with a camera. You're paying for the photographer's experience, storytelling skill, and the many hours spent preparing and editing after your wedding. Most professionals spend 30–50+ hours editing a single 8-hour wedding, ensuring lighting, color, and emotion are perfect. They also invest heavily in equipment, insurance, backup systems, and professional-grade gear to handle unpredictable Island conditions. More than anything, you're paying for their ability to capture fleeting, once-in-a-lifetime moments that can't be redone.
Is 6 hours enough?
For compact timelines or single-location weddings, yes. You'll likely capture ceremony, portraits, and part of prep or reception.
Do I need a second shooter?
Recommended for larger guest lists, split prep, or when you want extensive detail and reaction shots.
Do photographers charge more for peak dates?
Some do. Summer Saturdays can book far in advance; inquire early.
What's the difference between 8 and 10 hours?
8 hours often covers prep through key reception moments. 10 hours is better for multiple locations or full-day storytelling.
Related Resources
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