Destination pricing can feel like a black box. Here’s how it actually works, from a team that prices it every week.
Typical price ranges
Every market is different, but for experienced photographers you’ll commonly see:
| Type of day | Common range | Zibetti starts at |
|---|---|---|
| Local elopement (up to 4 hrs) | $1,800–$4,000 | $2,400 |
| Local full wedding (8 hrs) | $3,000–$6,000 | $3,600 |
| Stateside destination | $4,500–$9,000 | $5,200 |
| International destination | $6,000–$12,000+ | $6,500 |
Ranges are general market observations, not quotes. Build your own estimate in our pricing estimator.
What drives the price
- Travel days. A destination wedding often means two or three days away from home, not one.
- Flights, lodging and rental cars. Some photographers bill these separately; others (like us) include them.
- Hours of coverage and whether a second photographer is needed.
- Film, which can be bundled at a discount with a single team.
- Albums and prints.
What should be included
Ask every photographer for a written list. A good destination collection should include coverage hours, edited image count (we guarantee 300+ for short days and 500+ for full days), an online gallery, travel and lodging (or a clear estimate), and a turnaround time.
Comparing quotes fairly
- Convert every quote to an all-in number, including travel.
- Compare hours and image counts side by side.
- Ask about overtime rates — ours is $200/hour beyond the first hour of grace.
- Check the retainer and payment schedule (we take 50% to book, the rest a month before).
- Look at full galleries, not just highlights.
Ways to save
- Choose an off-peak month or a weekday.
- Combine your welcome party and wedding into fewer coverage hours.
- Book photo and film from the same studio.
- Skip the second shooter for guest counts under about 75.
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