How Much Do Wedding Photographers Cost in Orange County?
How much do wedding photographers cost in Orange County? Couples planning weddings, elopements, or courthouse ceremonies in Santa Ana and throughout Orange County quickly discover that pricing can range anywhere from $1,400 to over $10,000 depending on coverage, experience, and keepsakes. Entry-level packages often include just a few hours of coverage and digital files, while mid-range options may add engagement sessions, albums, or a second shooter. High-end photographers may offer full-day coverage with multiple shooters, premium prints, and even video add-ons. At Last Minute Photoshoot, we make it simple for couples to know exactly what they are getting. Our three transparent packages—Last Minute Love, Timeless Moments, and Forever & Always—are designed to provide more value at every tier. With included keepsakes, GPS pins for stress-free meetups, and non-tangible essentials like honesty, punctuality, clarity, reliability, and peace of mind, we give couples more than photos—we deliver trust, transparency, and timeless memories.
Planning a wedding in Orange County comes with big decisions—dream venues, catering, outfits, and of course, photography. One of the first questions couples ask is: how much do wedding photographers cost in Orange County?Whether you’re booking a luxury estate wedding, a romantic beach elopement, or a simple courthouse ceremony, photography is one of the most important investments you’ll make. After all, when the flowers fade and the cake is gone, it’s your photos that preserve the emotions, details, and story of your day forever.
The cost of a wedding photographer in Orange County varies widely, with packages ranging anywhere from $1,400 to $10,000+ depending on the experience of the photographer, the number of hours of coverage, and what keepsakes are included. Couples searching for wedding photographers in Orange County, elopement photographers, or courthouse wedding photography will often find that most packages cover digital images, online galleries, and sometimes an engagement session—but not all deliver keepsakes or the peace of mind couples truly need.
That’s why we created this guide. In the sections below, we’ll break down what Orange County couples can realistically expect when researching wedding photography pricing, what’s usually included at each price tier, and how our own three-tiered packages compare. From courthouse weddings to intimate elopements to full wedding days, this blog gives you the clarity you need to budget wisely while ensuring your memories are captured with honesty, reliability, and creativity.
Average Wedding Photography Costs in Orange County
When searching for wedding photographers in Orange County, you’ll find a wide range of pricing depending on experience, coverage hours, and keepsakes. Here’s what most couples can expect:
Price RangeWhat’s Included$1,400 – $2,8004–8 hours of coverage, single photographer, online gallery, edited high-resolution images, and basic print rights.$2,500 – $6,0008–10 hours of coverage, second shooter often included, engagement session, album or print add-ons, faster gallery delivery.$3,000 – $10,000+Full-day coverage, multiple photographers, rehearsal dinner coverage, premium albums, drone or film add-ons, keepsakes included.$5,000+Premium collections with both photography and videography, usually 8–10 hours with full production support.
What’s Typically Included in Orange County Wedding Photography
Most couples booking wedding photography in Orange County can expect some or all of the following:
4–10 hours of coverage depending on tier
Lead photographer, with second shooters available in mid-to-premium levels
Engagement sessions, bundled or offered at a discounted rate
High-resolution edited images delivered in a private online gallery
Albums and prints included in higher packages
Delivery timelines averaging 3–5 weeks for full galleries
How Our Three Tiers Compare
While these averages give you a sense of what’s common in the market, our packages are designed to provide clarity, flexibility, and value—whether you’re planning a courthouse wedding, an intimate elopement, or a full-day celebration. Every package also includes a GPS pin to your exact photoshoot location so there’s no confusion day-of.
Tier 1 – Last Minute Love
1 hour of coverage
2 sneak-peek edited photos delivered within 24 hours
Ideal for courthouse ceremonies or quick elopements
Online gallery + 30 edited images
Consultation call and location guidance included
GPS pin included for seamless meet-up
Keepsakes included: 5 enhanced prints (1 12×18, 2 11×14, 2 8×11)
How it compares: At this price point, most Orange County photographers only provide digital files. We go further by including premium prints, giving you tangible keepsakes that most photographers reserve for higher tiers.
Tier 2 – Timeless Moments
2 hours of coverage
5 sneak-peek edited photos deliverd within 24 hours
Perfect for elopements, small weddings, or milestone celebrations
Online gallery + 60 edited images
Consultation call, walk-through call, and location guidance included
We coordinate with your location for photography permits & approvals
GPS pin included for seamless meet-up
Keepsakes included: 10 enhanced prints (2 12×18, 3 11×14, 5 8×11) + 11×14 metal print
How it compares: Mid-range pricing in Orange County often delivers additional coverage but not premium keepsakes. With us, you receive both—personalized planning support and heirloom-quality wall art that brings your memories to life.
Tier 3 – Forever & Always
3 hours of comprehensive coverage
Designed for couples who want every vow, candid, and detail preserved
100+ edited images + online gallery + all RAW files
10 sneak peeks delivered within 24 hours
Pre-shoot planning, consultation calls, and location walk-throughs
We coordinate with your location for all photography permits & approvals
GPS pin included for seamless meet-up
Keepsakes included:
1 Lay-flat 10-page photo album (8×10)
10 enhanced prints (2 12×18, 3 11×14, 5 8×11)
11×14 metal print
How it compares: In Orange County, this level of coverage and keepsakes can cost $5,000+. Our package includes planning, premium prints, an album, and a metal print, ensuring your memories are preserved at a value-driven price.
What Truly Sets Us Apart
Beyond tangible keepsakes and coverage hours, every one of our packages includes the non-tangibles couples say matter most:
Honesty – Transparent pricing and open communication.
Punctuality – We arrive early and prepared.
Clarity – You’ll always know where to be, when to be there, and what to expect.
Reliability – No last-minute cancellations. We won’t vanish on you the day before your wedding, proposal, or milestone.
Peace of Mind – The assurance that your biggest moments are in safe, dependable hands.
These aren’t optional extras—they’re the foundation of every shoot we do.
Recap
Orange County wedding photography pricing typically ranges from $1,400 to over $10,000, depending on the photographer’s experience, coverage hours, and deliverables. Couples searching for wedding photographers in Orange County, elopement photographers, or courthouse wedding photography will often find packages that include online galleries, high-resolution edited images, and optional keepsakes like albums or prints.
At Last Minute Photoshoot, we offer three tiers designed for transparency and value:
Last Minute Love – ideal for courthouse weddings and quick elopements, with 1 hour of coverage and enhanced prints included.
Timeless Moments – designed for elopements and small weddings, offering 2 hours of coverage, prints, and a metal keepsake.
Forever & Always – our most comprehensive option, with 3 hours of coverage, 100+ edits, a lay-flat album, premium prints, and a metal print.
All tiers also include GPS pins, consultation calls, and peace of mind backed by honesty, punctuality, clarity, and reliability. This ensures couples receive not only beautiful photography, but also stress-free service.
For couples researching “how much do wedding photographers cost in Orange County,” our packages deliver unmatched clarity, keepsakes, and premium service without the inflated cost.
Final Takeaway
So, how much do wedding photographers cost in Orange County? Couples spend anywhere from $1,400 to over $10,000, depending on coverage, experience, and extras. The key is knowing exactly what you’re getting for your investment.
At Last Minute Photoshoot, our three tiers are transparent, value-driven, and flexible—serving couples who need anything from courthouse wedding coverage to a curated elopement to a complete wedding experience. And with honesty, punctuality, clarity, reliability, and peace of mind built into every package, you’ll know your memories are in good hands.
📸 Ready to capture your day with clarity and confidence? View our Wedding & Elopement Packages here
Start Your Journey With Us Here
Why Tuesday Might Be the Most Romantic Day to Get Married in Southern California
There’s a quiet kind of magic in choosing an unexpected day to say “I do”—and Tuesday just might be the most romantic day of the week to get married. This blog dives into why weekday weddings, especially courthouse elopements in Southern California, are gaining momentum with couples looking for intimacy, simplicity, and intention. From wide-open staircases at the historic Santa Ana Courthouse to peaceful strolls after your vows in downtown San Diego or a spontaneous mini-moon in Palm Springs, a Tuesday elopement gives you space to breathe and be fully present. It’s more than a smart choice for parking or price—though those perks don’t hurt. It’s about reclaiming the moment, skipping the chaos, and starting your story your way. If you're ready to sidestep the crowds and stress of weekend weddings, here's why Tuesday might just be the most unforgettable day to begin forever.
Imagine walking into a sunlit courthouse where you’re not just another name on the list. No lines, no noise—just you, your partner, and the beginning of everything. The air feels still, like time is pausing to let you soak in the moment. That’s the magic of a Tuesday wedding.
If you’re planning a courthouse wedding or elopement in Southern California, there’s one decision that could quietly shape your entire experience: what day of the week you get married. While Fridays and weekends get most of the attention, more couples are discovering the magic of Tuesday weddings—and it’s not just about availability.
Whether you’re exchanging vows at the Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana, the San Diego County Administration Center, or the Larson Justice Center in Palm Springs, weekday weddings—especially on a Tuesday—offer a peaceful, stress-free alternative to the busy courthouse scene you’ll find later in the week. And beyond logistics, there’s a quiet romance to marrying on a Tuesday. It’s unexpected. It’s intentional. It’s the kind of decision that says, "This moment is just for us."
Last Friday, we were shooting at the Santa Ana courthouse and by 11 a.m., it was completely packed. The iconic staircases were swarming with couples and families, and getting clean, quiet shots became almost impossible. It was a clear reminder that if you're planning a courthouse elopement, Tuesday is the day to beat the crowds and keep your ceremony stress-free. Here’s why:
Just married at the historic Santa Ana Courthouse in the heart of Orange County—timeless, intimate, and unforgettable. Ready to plan your courthouse wedding? Let’s make it beautiful. Book your session today.
Midweek weddings in Southern California come with quieter beaches, better light, and a slower, more romantic pace. Whether you're eloping, heading to the courthouse, or planning something intimate—we’re here for it.
👉 Start Planning Your Tuesday “I Do”
1. Tuesday Courthouse Weddings Are Quieter and More Intimate
Courthouses in Orange County, San Diego, and Palm Springs see the most foot traffic on Fridays and at the end of each month. Tuesdays, on the other hand, often feel like a well-kept secret. That means shorter wait times, more privacy during your ceremony, and better photo opportunities without having to dodge other couples and their families.
2. Better Lighting and Photo Opportunities
With fewer people using the same spaces, you’ll have more flexibility to explore angles, take your time on the staircases, or shoot near your ceremony room without being rushed. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially at busy locations like the San Diego County Administration Center.
3. Midweek Elopements Are Budget-Friendly
Tuesday weddings are typically more affordable—not just at the courthouse, but for your mini-moon too. Hotels and Airbnbs in Palm Springs, Julian, or Laguna Beach often offer better availability and lower prices midweek. It’s a win-win for your wallet and your memories.
4. Easier Parking and Smoother Travel
Parking in places like Santa Ana and downtown San Diego can be a nightmare on Fridays. On Tuesday mornings, you’ll often find parking closer to the entrance and less traffic on the road. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference on your wedding day.
5. You’re More Present With Each Other
Fewer distractions and a slower pace mean more time for connection. There’s no pressure to rush through photos or squeeze into a packed schedule. The whole day feels like it belongs to you—and that’s romantic in itself.
6. The Element of Surprise
A Tuesday wedding catches people off guard—in the best way. It makes your love story stand out. It’s a twist no one saw coming, and that’s what makes it so uniquely yours.
7. Vendors Are More Available and Flexible
Photographers, florists, and officiants tend to be more available and relaxed on weekdays. You get more of their attention, creativity, and care—which can elevate the entire experience.
8. Courthouse Logistics Are Simpler
From witness sign-ins to ceremony coordination, the entire process is smoother when the courthouse isn’t overwhelmed. That means less waiting and a better overall experience.
9. More Room to Celebrate
A post-ceremony lunch downtown, drinks by the beach, or even a spontaneous midweek getaway—Tuesdays give you the space to do it all without the weekend chaos. More availability, more flexibility, and fewer crowds.
10. You Set the Tone for Your Marriage
Choosing a weekday wedding says, "We’re doing this our way." It sets the tone for a relationship built on intention, meaning, and shared priorities—not expectations.
🧡 Make Tuesday Yours
There’s something poetic about choosing a random Tuesday to become the day you’ll celebrate forever. No big stage. No pressure. Just you, your person, and the commitment you’re making to each other.
If you're looking for a way to make your courthouse wedding feel a little more intentional—and a lot more you—a Tuesday elopement might be your perfect answer.
📍 Let’s capture your weekday wedding in its purest, quietest form. Whether it’s the staircases of Santa Ana, the coastal breeze in San Diego, or a desert kiss in Palm Springs—we’ll help make Tuesday feel like the best decision you’ve ever made.
👉 Book your courthouse elopement photography with us today — and let Tuesday be the most unforgettable surprise in your wedding journey. Because sometimes, doing it differently makes it even more meaningful.