The Average Cost of Engagement Photos in 2025

Getting engaged can feel like one of the most beautiful moments in the world. Taking pictures of you and your fiancee during that period can help you encapsulate that joy and glow you both share for the future ahead. It’s important to consider several elements though, such as the cost of the engagement photos, the logistics and whether you’re going to get any at all. 

What Are Engagement Photos For?

Engagement photos can simply serve as a remembrance of you and your partner finally choosing to spend the rest of your lives together. However, there are several other creative ways to use this media. For example, you could use these pictures to share the engagement on social media. With a beautiful portrait and witty caption, the public declaration is sure to garner everyone’s attention and support. 

You can also use it for wedding announcements and invitations. Considering the special day is still a while away, you have limited options for couple pictures. A hub of professionally taken photos is the perfect source to share your and your loved one’s wonderful faces. 

You can also treat the engagement photo session as practice for when you’re having wedding photos taken. After all, it’s easier to act natural in front of the camera when you’ve already faced it a few times before the big day. 

What Is the Average Cost of Engagement Photos?

Some people like to include engagement photos in their wedding budget, while others prefer to exclude them. For reference, the average cost of an engagement photoshoot per hour is about $150 to $500 in 2025. The session can total about $300 to $1500, depending on several factors.

For comparison, wedding photos cost much more. A photographer is around $2,000 or so, but it can even reach as high as $10,000. That’s mostly due to the fact that a wedding photographer requires a whole day’s worth of coverage, as compared to the usual engagement photo session.

Factors Affecting the Price of Engagement Photos

The length of an engagement photo session can influence the cost of your engagement photos. Other elements like the experience of your photographer and the location of the photoshoot can also increase the overall price. 

1. Experience

Many photographers have a very specific style that makes them more coveted among couples. It’s much more refined when they have experience. Such background can also help them avoid any amateur mistakes when taking photos. 

As a general rule, the more experienced the photographer, the more premium the price. Commissioning a beginner can be great if you want to minimize the cost of the photoshoot.

2. Location

Location also plays a part in the cost of engagement photos. Some people like to conduct photography sessions within a studio for better lighting. This option can entail additional fees, especially if you are going to rent a space from scratch. 

Shooting in your own private space or a different public space can be much more frugal. However, you may have to cover your photographer’s travel expenses. 

3. Additional Services

Photographers do add a range of additional services to help you get the most out of your service. Try to ask if yours has a specific package that they would recommend. Some of the few that you may expect are:

• Processing and editing: Post-production of engagement photos can be quite intricate. It can be as subtle as changing the lighting to as drastic as adding a filter. This stage is where a photographer’s keen eye truly shines. 

• Printing and framing: The engagement photos will likely be sent to you digitally or through a flash drive. If you want to get physical copies of the engagement photos to display, you can request printing and framing services. 

• Hair and makeup: If you prefer to have your hair and makeup done for you, some photographers are happy to take care of that responsibility. This prep period may extend the session length quite a bit. 

4. Number of Pictures

Engagement photographers will only send the best photos from the shoot unless stated otherwise, especially after processing and editing. However, you can request the unedited ones to be sent after for keepsakes. If you want a larger batch of photos to undergo processing and editing, you will likely pay an additional fee. 

5. Tips

Tipping your engagement photographer can influence the overall cost. For reference, people leave tips of $50 to $200 to thank their wedding photographers. It is reasonable to lower the amount due to the shorter session length. Just giving extra can foster a good relationship between you and them.

How to Prepare for Engagement Photos

With the financial aspects of the engagement photos all sorted out, it’s time to focus on actually preparing for the photoshoot. These tips can help you pull off the most amazing pictures ever. 

1. Get to Know Your Photographer

Getting to know your photographer can help you feel comfortable when the photoshoot happens. It also gives them information about you and your fiancee’s dynamics. If you’re camera shy with each other, they can give directions for a more fluid shoot. If you have a good experience, you can even check if they’re interested in handling your wedding photography. 

2. Figure Out When to Hold the Session

Scheduling the engagement photos and figuring out the rest of the logistics are key steps ahead of the shoot. Keep in mind that it can take a while before you get the engagement photos back, especially if you’re requesting the photograph to edit a larger batch of files. If you want to have them sooner rather than later, an earlier session is ideal. 

3. Think of the Attire and Theme

With a wedding dress or tuxedo still far from the conversation, what are you and your fiancee going it wear? What kind of theme is it going to be? You can get as creative as you want from it. It’s also possible to take inspiration from your engagement ring when thinking about it. If you have a colored stone, you can structure the set around that color palette. 

4. Relax and Get Into the Mood

Some people will tell you to practice your angles and facial expressions when getting ready for a photoshoot. While those are important, it matters more that you are as relaxed as possible when the time comes. Feeling worried will show in how stiff your face is. Focus on the present joy and it will certainly shine through in your smile. 

Get Your Engagement Photos Ready

The cost of engagement photos is quite an investment. However, the portraits that you get at the end of the day can feel priceless. Consider having a professional photoshoot done to commemorate the start of something new.