Weekend wedding photographer
Shoot a handful of weddings a year alongside your day job and edit the photos from home.
- C$3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
Photographing weddings on weekends, usually a small number each season. You cover the ceremony, portraits and reception, then edit and deliver the images in an online gallery.
Your first three steps
- Build a small portfolio by second-shooting for an established wedding photographer or doing a few styled or discounted shoots
- Write a simple contract and package list, and set up a basic website with an enquiry form
- Register your business name with your province if needed and get insurance quotes for equipment and liability
Who pays
Engaged couples, often found through word of mouth, venues and local wedding websites.
How it makes money
A fixed package fee agreed in advance, with a deposit to secure the date. Extras like a second shooter, engagement session or printed album can add to the price.
Skills that help
- Strong camera skills in low light and fast-moving situations
- Photo editing
- Staying calm and friendly with nervous couples and large groups
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability insurance, which many venues ask for, plus equipment cover
- A written contract covering deposits, cancellations, delivery times and image rights
- Backing up files in two places, since losing a wedding's photos is a serious risk
- Check whether you need to register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold
- Check with your municipality whether working from home needs a home-based business licence
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: weekend wedding photographer
Researched with live web search for Canada: 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
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start as a weekend wedding photographer?
Estimates for this side hustle are typically around $3,000 to $12,000 to start, depending on your cameras, lenses, lighting, editing software and insurance. Equipment cover is worth pricing alongside liability insurance.
How much can a weekend wedding photographer earn?
Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on how many weddings you shoot and what you charge. Estimates assume at least about 6 hours of work a week, including editing.
What should I check before shooting weddings on weekends in Canada?
Check commercial general liability insurance, which many venues ask for, and use a written contract covering deposits, cancellations, delivery times and image rights. Also check GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and whether a home-based business licence applies.
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