Weekend wedding photographer

Photograph a small number of weddings a year on weekends, alongside your day job.

Photographer taking pictures of a couple during their wedding ceremony.
Startup costA$3k to A$9k
Monthly revenueA$400 to A$3k
Time needed6+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • A$3k-9k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

Photographing a handful of weddings a year, usually on Saturdays, then editing the images at home and delivering them online. Good for building a portfolio while you keep your main income.

Your first three steps

  1. Assist or second-shoot for an established wedding photographer to learn the flow of a day and build portfolio images
  2. Put together a simple package and price list, plus a contract with a deposit, and set up an ABN as a sole trader
  3. Build a small website or Instagram portfolio and offer a discounted first wedding to someone you know in exchange for permission to share the photos and a review
Who pays

Couples planning smaller or budget-conscious weddings, often found through word of mouth, social media and friends of friends.

How it makes money

A fixed package fee agreed in advance, often with a deposit to secure the date. Extras such as a second hour of coverage or a printed album can add to the price.

Skills that help
  • Confident with a camera in low or mixed light
  • Photo editing
  • Calm with people on a big day
  • Good at organising and meeting deadlines
Watch out for
  • Public liability insurance, as many venues ask for proof before you can shoot
  • Insurance for your gear and a backup plan if a camera fails or you are sick on the day
  • Back up every wedding's photos in at least two places until delivery is done
  • Check whether you need to register for GST once turnover reaches the threshold
  • Some venues and churches set rules on where photographers can stand, so check before the day

Deep research report · Australia

Everything you need to start: weekend wedding photographer

Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

  • Startup costs with real prices
  • Licences, registration and rules
  • Pricing: what others charge
  • Break-even example
  • Finding your first customers
  • 30-day launch plan
  • Risks and how to reduce them
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start wedding photography as a side hustle?

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $9,000, depending on the camera gear, editing software and backup equipment you already have. Insurance for public liability and your gear is also worth budgeting for.

How much can a weekend wedding photographer earn?

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $400 to $3,000, depending on how many weddings you shoot and what you charge. Estimates assume about 6 hours a week, including editing and admin.

What should I check before photographing weddings?

Check public liability insurance, as many venues ask for proof, and insurance for your gear. Also check venue and church rules on where photographers can stand, whether you need to register for GST once turnover reaches the threshold, and keep backups of every wedding.

Other ways to run this business

Similar creative ideas

Photo: yrcca on Pixabay

More ideas →