You’ve been dreaming of your wedding day for years, and now it’s finally time to start planning! Odds are, you’ll fall into one of two categories: you either thrive on planning or, like many of us, it can feel a bit overwhelming. While there are a lot of vendors to consider when planning your wedding, hopefully this article can help when it comes to picking a photographer.

My husband and I got married almost five years ago, and while it felt a bit daunting at first, picking a North Carolina–based wedding photographer was one of the parts that excited me the most. We knew we wanted high-quality photos that told our story, included our pets, and felt like art—all while staying within our budget. Photography tends to be one of the biggest expenses associated with planning a wedding, and for good reason. It’s the only truly tangible thing you have to remember your day by, aside from registry items and, of course, your shiny new rings. The average wedding photographer cost ranges between $2,500–$6,500, with luxury photographers charging upwards of $10K for their services.

Wedding Photographers 101: Finding the Right Price, Package & Personality 

When picking your photographer, it’s important to consider their style and personality, as well as pricing and packages. Some photographers include videography options, while others are more independent and won’t offer the service, meaning you would need to look into another vendor if that’s something meaningful to you and your fiancé. Some may include full-day coverage but charge extra for an engagement session, bridal portraits, or even a second shooter.

Below are some of our favorite Charlotte-area photographers that piqued our interest, along with options that represent a wide range of prices, styles, and personalities.

Tell Your Love Story with a Documentary-Style Wedding Photographer: Scott Stockton Photography

We used Scott Stockton Photography for our North Carolina wedding, and I must say, we have zero regrets. Scott prides himself on storytelling, much like Rustic & Main does, and truly wants to help tell your love story as a documentary-style photographer. As he says on his website, “The best love stories are told by someone who is obsessed with love.” Scott also uses a wide variety of lenses and lighting, which allows him to capture the unique details of your wedding as well as the energy of each guest at the reception.

Scott’s packages are highly customizable, ranging from $3,500–$5,000. He is a Charlotte local but can travel almost anywhere. With experience shooting at Disney, in Vegas, and even in NYC, he can capture beauty just about anywhere. He does not currently include videography, but he does offer full-day coverage and can contract second or third shooters as needed to achieve what you’re looking for at an additional cost. One of the best parts of working with Scott was our ability to be creative. He trusted what we were hoping to do and helped make it happen.

Capture Your Wild Love with a Pet-Friendly Wedding Photographer: The Lilac Lion

The Lilac Lion is another truly top-rated, Charlotte-based photographer looking to tell the story of “wildly in love” couples. Katie started out as a zookeeper, so you know she’s all about adding your four-legged friends to the shoots and can be quick on her feet when necessary. With a style she aims to make feel like “sunshine on your skin,” her photos are light, airy, and romantic.

Katie’s packages range in price depending on any customizations you choose, but the average couple spends about $4,200 with her. This typically includes engagement photos, eight hours of coverage, a second shooter, an online gallery, and even a keepsake wedding album that she designs.

Katie focuses on North and South Carolina weddings but can travel to capture your big day as part of her custom packages. She also offers maternity and family photography, so she can continue to capture your life together as it grows.

Celebrate Everything You’ve Built Together with an Editorial-Style Wedding Photographer: Moving Mountains Studios 

Moving Mountains Studios (MM) is another phenomenal editorial-style wedding photography and videography option based in Charlotte, NC. As wedding videography has grown in popularity, MM offers packages designed to make the process seamless and simple. Because they are a larger studio with multiple creatives, they can match you with a photographer suited to almost any wedding style you may be interested in.

With packages starting at $2,900, they offer two levels to choose from—Elite Creatives and Pro Creatives—giving you the flexibility to invest in the experience that best suits you. These two tiers also allow you to select a style that leans more editorial or romantic, with Elite Creative packages increasing in cost.

Their Balsam package, which is the entry-level option under their Pro Creatives umbrella, includes six hours of coverage and one photographer on your wedding day. Their Himalayan package, the highest-tier Elite option, starts at $8,900. If you’re looking to include both photography and videography, their base Pro package starts at $9,800.

Moving Mountains also offers additional services that can be added individually, including photo booths for the reception, proposal photography, wedding-focused content creation, and even destination-based packages if desired.

Cherish Each Sweet Wedding Moment Forever with Timeless Carolina Wedding Photography

Timeless Carolina Photography & Videography is our fourth local spotlight, and with packages starting at $1,499, there’s a price point to fit almost every budget. The Simply Photography and Simply Videography packages both include five hours of coverage, a digital gallery (or download), and up to 500 photos.

Their Timeless Photo & Video package starts at $2,299 for those looking to include both services, and each package can be customized to meet your specific needs.

Timeless Carolina’s was founded in 2019 by Cody and Kate, a husband-and-wife team dedicated to creating elegant and meaningful photos for couples, with the goal of capturing the fleeting moments that become timeless memories.

Timeless Carolina’s also offers a Wedding Director and Booking Coordinator who will help ensure you have the best team to capture the energy and personality of each session. With the option to choose photography, videography, or both, you’re sure to love the memories they capture.

Adore Your Wedding Photos for a Lifetime with Sthefanie Carriker

Our final local highlight is Sthefanie Carriker, a luxury wedding photographer based out of Charlotte. While she is local, Sthefanie has experience traveling for destination weddings across the Southeast, with particular expertise in stunning coastal Carolina celebrations. She specializes in capturing classic and candid-style photos that beautifully tell your story.

Sthefanie’s packages start in the $7,000–$9,000 range and can be customized to fit what works best for you. She typically requires a 30% retainer fee and includes an engagement session prior to the big day, as well as a second shooter and eight hours of coverage on your wedding day.

While she is available to travel, any wedding within a 100-mile radius of her home in Charlotte is included in the cost of your package.

In the long term, Sthefanie also offers portrait photography, so as your family grows—or if you’re simply looking to capture life together in the years to come—she’ll be there to document those moments with you.

Choose the Perfect Photographer for Your Charlotte Wedding

Regardless of who documents your big day, it’s important to choose someone who meets your needs and matches your style. Taking the time to meet with them, learn more about their approach, and understand how they work can make all the difference in how your day is captured.

On the hunt for other North Carolina-based wedding vendors? Explore some of our favorite wedding venues in this beautify state or learn how you can commemorate your special day with handcrafted wedding rings from Rustic & Main.