Wedding Photography FAQs
for Michigan Couples
How much is a down payment for a wedding photographer?
At J&B Patton Photography, we make the booking process simple and transparent so you can lock in your Michigan wedding date and focus on the fun stuff. We charge a retainer of $600 to reserve any date for any package.
What is the average wedding cost?
The average wedding in Michigan hovers around $30,000. In Metro Detroit, most weddings land somewhere between $20,000 and $60,000 depending on the venue, size, and services.
What is the average price for a photographer at a wedding?
Here in Michigan, experienced Detroit-area wedding photographers typically charge between $3,000 and $8,000 depending on the level of coverage, second shooter availability, and whether extras like albums or engagement sessions are included. At J&B Patton Photography, our packages reflect the full experience you get—not just the hours of shooting.
How many pictures per hour for a wedding photographer?
On average, most professional photographers deliver 50 to 100 edited photos per hour of coverage. So for an 8-hour wedding, you can expect 400 to 800 final images. It depends on the pace of your day and the flow of events. We occasionally deliver as many as 1,200 from an action packed day, but if you’ve never had to sort through that many images please understand that it can be overwhelming.
Who normally pays for the photographer at a wedding?
Traditionally, the bride’s family paid for wedding expenses, including the photographer. But today, couples in Metro Detroit often split the cost with family or budget for it themselves. Photography is typically one of the top three priorities right alongside the venue and catering.
Are wedding photographer prices negotiable?
We use fixed pricing based on time, value, and experience. But on occasion we may be offering discounts or wedding show specials. At J&B Patton Photography, we’re happy to guide you to the right package without compromising quality.
Why are wedding photographers so expensive?
You’re not just paying for someone to show up with a camera. You’re paying for years of experience, professional gear, insurance, editing time, and someone who knows how to stay calm even when your Detroit venue’s timeline goes sideways. At J&B Patton Photography, we don’t just document weddings. We guide you through them. Every hour a photographer spends at a wedding is often multiplied by 3-5 hours of support work that you never know occurs.
Do you tip a wedding photographer?
Tipping isn’t expected, but it’s always appreciated—especially if your photographer went above and beyond. A cash tip, heartfelt thank-you note, or glowing review is always meaningful to us.