How Much Should You Budget for a Wedding Photographer in Buffalo, NY?
What does wedding photography cost in Buffalo?
Short answer: most full-day, professional coverage in Western New York falls between $3,500–$6,500+, with premium, product-rich collections going higher.
Below are real-world references from Buffalo photographers and my own packages so you can benchmark fairly.
Wedding at The Statler in Buffalo, New York
What Local Photographers Charge
Here are examples of Buffalo-area photographers and their pricing:
Brittany Ford Photography — Wedding collections start at $6,500 (elopements from $2,500).
Dawn M. Gibson Photography — Wedding collections begin at $4,800 + tax.
Vita Bella Wedding Photography — Pricing starts at $5,200 (elopements from $3,900).
Seventh Arrow Studio — Packages start at $3,500; albums and extras add cost.
Nicole Gatto Photography — Prices ranging from $6500 to over $10k depending on options.
Moonshine Studio of Photography — Coverage starts at $2,400. Average investment is $5,800
Takeaway: In Buffalo, established pros commonly start around $3,500–$5,000 for full-day coverage. Premium collections with second shooters and albums trend $5,000–$7,500+.
What Impacts the Price
Second photographer — more coverage, more editing.
Albums and framed art — heirloom products carry higher costs.
Turnaround speed — rush edits and priority delivery often mean a premium.
Experience and demand — seasoned photographers charge more.
Hours of coverage — in my opinion, hours shouldn’t really be something you’re thinking about. You deserve a photographer who’s there for the story of the day, not watching the clock.
My Buffalo Wedding Photography Packages (Mike Argento)
Package One — $7,000
Engagement shoot
Full-day wedding coverage
Photographed by Mike Argento
Second photographer included
30-page Queensberry matted album
One custom-framed archival fine art print
Private online gallery
Full-resolution digital downloads
Professional-quality print ordering
Package Two — $5,000
Full-day wedding coverage
Photographed by Mike Argento
Second photographer included
Private online gallery
Full-resolution digital downloads
Professional-quality print ordering
Package Three — $4,000
Full-day wedding coverage
Photographed by Mike Argento
Private online gallery
Full-resolution digital downloads
Professional-quality print ordering
Elopements — $2,500
Half-day wedding coverage
Photographed by Mike Argento
Private online gallery
Full-resolution downloads
Professional-quality print ordering
Engagement Shoot — $500
Photographed by Mike Argento
Private online gallery
Full-resolution downloads
Professional-quality print ordering
Crag Burn Golf Club in East Aurora, New York
How Much Should You Budget?
$3,000–$4,500: Basic to solid coverage (often one photographer, digital files).
$5,000–$7,500+: Full-day, two photographers, albums, art prints, faster turnaround.
$7,500+: Premium experiences with heirloom products and top-tier service.
Choosing the Right Fit
Compare what’s included (second shooters, albums, rush edits) — not just hours.
Review full galleries to confirm the style you love.
Ask about turnaround and backup workflows.
Confirm print rights and product options.
Bottom line: Buffalo couples typically invest where coverage, experience, and keepsakes meet their priorities. Use the references above and my packages to choose the level that fits your day.
The most important thing to remember when budgeting for a wedding photographer is that you’re not only investing in professional photos. Experience behind the camera also creates a smoother process, fewer headaches, and a calm presence on your wedding day. The right photographer helps things run effortlessly, so you can stay present, enjoy every moment, and walk away with images that truly reflect the joy of the day.
Hotel at The Lafayette in Buffalo, New York