As a documentary wedding photographer based in Oxfordshire and working UK-wide, I want to be honest with you—not just about what I charge, but about what you’re actually getting when you invest in professional photography.


Planning a wedding comes with a lot of decisions—and a lot of expenses. From the dress and flowers to the venue and catering, the costs can add up fast. So when couples are looking at where to save, wedding photography sometimes ends up on the “maybe we can cut back here” list.


But here’s the thing:

Your wedding photography is one of the only things that lasts beyond the day itself.


Photos aren’t just pictures. They’re your memory bank.

The flowers will wilt. The food will be eaten. The music will fade.

But the photographs? They’re forever.

Long after your wedding day, your photos will be what bring it back to life. They’ll remind you how it felt to see each other for the first time, the way your friends threw their heads back laughing, or how your parents looked at you with pride. These aren’t just images—they’re emotional touchpoints you’ll return to for years.


You’re not just paying for one day of work.

When people see a photographer’s fee—say, £2,495—it’s easy to think, “That’s a lot for one day!”

But what you’re really paying for is:

  • 10+ hours of non stop on-the-day coverage
  • Pre-wedding planning, location scouting, and communication
  • Culling over 2000 images and editing 500+ images by hand
  • Professional gear, backup systems, insurance, storage, gallery hosting
  • Years of training, experience, and the ability to perform under pressure—because you only get one chance to capture this right.


Most wedding photographers spend 30–50 hours on each wedding, start to finish. It’s not just turning up with a camera. It’s turning up with intention, skill, and a deep understanding of how to tell a story that’s completely personal to you.


Cheap photography usually comes at a hidden cost.

I’ve heard it too many times:

“We went with a cheaper photographer and now we regret it.”
Whether it’s missed moments, over-edited images, or worse—files lost altogether—it’s heartbreaking to hear.

You don’t get a second chance to photograph your wedding. That’s why couples who truly value their memories choose someone they trust, not just someone they can afford.


The photos are for you—but they’re also for everyone who comes after.


One day, these photos will be passed down.

Your children (and grandchildren) won’t care about what canapés you served.

They’ll care about seeing the joy on your face. The connection in your eyes. The way you held each other when you thought no one was watching.


Investing in your photography is investing in a legacy.


Final Thoughts: It’s not about price. It’s about value.

Wedding photography isn’t a cost—it’s a value driver.

It’s the only part of your day that grows more valuable over time.


If you’re planning your wedding in Oxfordshire or anywhere across the UK, and you want natural, emotional, storytelling photography that lasts long after the confetti settles—I’d love to hear from you.


Let’s capture something real, together.


Looking for a wedding photographer in Oxfordshire, the Cotswolds, or beyond? I specialise in relaxed, documentary wedding photography for couples who value honest moments over posed perfection. Get in touch to check availability for your 2025 date.