In Illinois, most photographer projects cost between $500 and $5,000 per event, with a typical price near $2,000. Local labour, permits and materials move the final price, so treat the range below as a planning guide.
Typical photographer cost
$500 – $5,000
per event · typical $2,000
A general planning range, not a quotation.
Photographer cost breakdown
- 2-hour session$300 – $800typical $500
- Full-day (8 hours)$1,500 – $4,000typical $2,500
- With second shooter$2,500 – $6,000typical $4,000
At a glance
- Typical range$500 – $5,000
- Unitper event
- Cities covered50
What Event Photography costs
Event photography covers a photographer's time, editing, and typically a set number of digital images. Prices range from $500 for a few hours to $5,000+ for full-day coverage with multiple shooters. Extra costs include albums, prints, and travel.
By city in Illinois
- Addison
- Alton
- Arlington Heights
- Belleville
- Berwyn
- Bolingbrook
- Buffalo Grove
- Calumet City
- Carbondale
- Carol Stream
- Carpentersville
- Champaign
- Chicago
- Cicero
- Crystal Lake
- DeKalb
- Decatur
- Des Plaines
- Downers Grove
- Elgin
- Elmhurst
- Evanston
- Glenview
- Hanover Park
- Hoffman Estates
- Joliet
- Kankakee
- Lombard
- Moline
- Mount Prospect
- Naperville
- Normal
- Oak Lawn
- Oak Park
- Orland Park
- Palatine
- Park Ridge
- Peoria
- Rock Island
- Rockford
- Romeoville
- Round Lake Beach
- Schaumburg
- Skokie
- Springfield
- Streamwood
- Tinley Park
- Urbana
- Waukegan
- Wheaton
Frequently asked questions
How much should I pay for event photography?
Expect $500–$5,000 for most events, with $2,000–$3,000 for a full-day wedding. Hourly rates run $150–$500, with a 2-hour minimum.
What affects the cost of Event Photography?
Hours of coverage, photographer experience, number of images, and product delivery (prints, albums). Travel and overtime also add costs.
How can I save on photography?
Book off-peak dates, limit hours, choose a package with digital files only, and avoid overtime. Also, consider emerging photographers.