I know, I know - "price isn't a sign of quality." But when it comes to the world's most expensive wedding photographers, it very well may be. At the very least, it's a sign of genius marketing.
When I set out to find the most expensive wedding photographer in America (and possibly the world), I did so by scouring the internet and getting in touch with some insiders who could point me in the right direction. But there is a warning here - this list was not composed based on average rates, it was based on the top rates. In other words, the most expensive service isn't necessarily the average expense of hiring that specific photographer. Instead, it is (usually) the most expensive package each photographer offers. These photographers may actually offer industry average rates. So hold on to your hats, because these prices are about to blow you away.
Sonny LaFave
By a long shot,
Sonny LaFave has the highest rate package of any photographer I could discover. It's fair to say his work often borders on fine art. And for your money, he will show up with four other, hand-selected professional photographers, travel anywhere in the US or Canada, include up to 2,000 prints, and make your wedding day one to remember. But get ready to dig deep into your pocket book if you want the top of the wedding photography world, because all this will set you back a cool $175,000.
The crazy thing about Sonny is that he offers one of the most unique secure wedding photography services in the world. Each of his photographers will sign a non-disclosure agreement which holds them legally responsible if any of your photos are ever released to the public. In addition, members of his team won't only follow you the day of your wedding - they'll hand-deliver your photos to you after it's all said and done, no matter where in the US or Canada you are. In other words, Sonny's package markets him as a celebrity wedding photographer and also caters to the ultra rich. Who has he photographed? Because of the non-disclosure agreement, we can't be sure...
Gary Fong
I have it on good word that Gary Fong charges $100,000 for a wedding - and that's the starting price. But I was unable to track down anybody who has ever actually paid Gary Fong $100,000 for a wedding. Word on the street is that Gary has set his price this high simply because he has no desire to do weddings. Gary has a profitable business
selling camera equipment, making a bit silly for him to travel the world taking snapshots.
