It's the first question most couples have, and most photographers dodge it. So here's a straight answer about what wedding photography costs in San Diego and why.
The range: Most experienced San Diego wedding photographers fall between $3,000 and $8,000 for full-day coverage. Newer photographers start lower; highly in-demand ones go higher.
What drives the price: Hours of coverage, whether a second photographer is included, the experience level of the shooter, and what you get afterward — number of edited images, album, print rights. A low price often means fewer of those things, not a better deal.
What you're really paying for: A wedding photographer works far more hours than the ones at your wedding — culling, editing, and coordinating before and after. You're also paying for the insurance of experience: someone who's shot enough weddings to nail the moments that only happen once.
How to compare fairly: Look past the headline number to what's included and, most importantly, at full galleries of real weddings — not just the ten best shots on an Instagram grid. Consistency across a whole day is the real test.