Randall and Dwane
Owned and operated by fellow New Yorkers, Le Image understands that hosting your wedding in NYC is costly. Getting married in the Big Apple can set you back around 86K (the average cost for a New York wedding) so we make sure to be as transparent (and affordable) with our photography and wedding pricing as possible.
Our photography packages start as low as $1499 for six hours of coverage, professionally edited photos and full printing rights to your images. If you want video coverage as well, the starting rates are as low as $2099. You can use our unique Build Your Own package tool to create the perfect package for you. The only additional costs are very affordable travel expenses (only $120 per hour of travel) if you are getting married outside of the boroughs of NYC or an overtime rate ($150 per hour) if we are asked to stay late the day of the wedding. While hidden fees are not something you have to worry about with our photography and video team, there are a few unexpected costs you should keep in mind when planning other aspects of your big day.
Stamps: From creating beautiful Save the Date cards from your fun engagement shoot with us to sending out RSVP’s and wedding invitations, the cost of mailing is often forgotten. Depending on where your guests live and the size and weight of your invitations, mailing out several cards to 100 guests or more can get pricey! Be sure to consider your mailing costs when creating your budget.
Taxes and Gratuities: Once again the costs of being a New Yorker will bite you in the “apple” when it comes to taxes. Sales tax is currently almost 9% so that gorgeous $5,000 Vera Wang wedding dress will actually run you around $5400 once you tack on the tax.
We are lucky that most of our amazing couples remember to budget for tips, but many couples don’t factor in the costs of gratuity for their vendors. The going rate is around 10-20% but most vendors (including us) appreciate any gratuity that is extended.
Meals on the Wedding Day: Sure, every couple knows they have to feed their guests! You may even go to a menu tasting at your venue for entrée choices for your reception, but couples often forget to budget for food and drink before the reception gets started and for their vendors. You, your honey and your Bridal Party start your day pretty early to get ready for the ceremony. Consider ordering a simple breakfast of bagels and fruit for everyone to be delivered to the hotel room. Be sure to have some bottled water on hand as well so no one will be encouraged to raid the minibar too early!
While everyone is enjoying the steak or chicken meal at the reception, remember your vendors need to eat too (taking photos for 8 hours straight can create a big appetite!) Venues often give discounted prices for vendor meals so be sure to check with them about the costs.
This smart couple, Randall and Dwane made sure to budget for all expected and even some unexpected wedding costs when they hosted their big day. They exchanged vows at the uptown wedding venue, Harlem Stage Gatehouse. A one-of-a-kind 19th century landmark, the venue hosts musical and art performances and also offers their space for events.
We started with the couple as they got ready for their ceremony. The groom wore a black tuxedo and bow tie and his beautiful bride was stunning in a strapless gown with a lace top. They exchanged vows in a Christian ceremony at Emmanuel Baptist Church before heading to the venue for portraits.
The reception was decorated with fresh flowers on every table. Everyone (including us) had a blast and we were honored to share in their big day!