How Virginia compares
The median for photographers in Virginia is $46,550, 4% above the national median of $44,660, ranking #14 of 49 states with published data. About 1,580 people work in this occupation in Virginia.
What this means for wedding work
Federal wage data covers everyone in the occupation, including salaried staff in studios, media and corporate roles. Wedding photographers are usually independent contractors paid per event, so what you take home depends on your rate, your role and how many weddings you work.
In Virginia, the busiest wedding months are April–June and September–November. Spring and fall carry the calendar, with summer weekends close behind. Most of the year's income for wedding specialists is earned in those months.
Our rates
We pay wedding photographers a flat rate per wedding: flat rate per wedding, shared on your intro call. Second shooters and editors are paid at their own rates. There are no sales or admin duties, so your time goes into shooting.
Ways to earn more
- Move from second shooter to lead
- Offer both photo and video coverage
- Edit in the off-season
- Add drone, Super 8 or content-creator coverage
- Take Friday and weekday weddings
Frequently asked
How much do wedding photographers make in Virginia?
Photographers in Virginia earn a median of $46,550 a year, with most earning between $31,200 and $91,060 (BLS, May 2025). Wedding specialists are usually paid per event, so earnings depend on how many weddings you work in the season.
Do wedding photographers in Virginia get paid per wedding?
Most do. Studios and contractors typically pay a flat rate per wedding for leads and second shooters, while editors are paid per project or hour. Salaried studio roles are less common.
When is the busiest wedding season in Virginia?
April–June and September–November. Spring and fall carry the calendar, with summer weekends close behind.
How can I earn more as a wedding photographer?
Move from second shooter to lead, add both photo and video skills, take on editing in the off-season, and work weekdays and Fridays, which are increasingly popular for weddings.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Occupation 27-4021 Photographers. Annual wages.