A photographer’s time and experience are valuable. You’re not simply going to someone’s place of business and asking him/her to “just take a few pictures.” It does not work that way. Even if you only need one shot, it will take time to find the best angle, prepare the lighting, and possibly choose the correct outfit for that one memorable photo. A photographer will give you advice on what to wear, make-up, and so on. They have done this before and guide you as needed. That’s why professional photos look professional and the photos you took using your aunt’s camera with your closet, computer desk, wall, bed, and carpet in the background of a poorly lit photo will not look all that great.
In addition, a high quality camera, specialized lenses, memory cards, digital software, tripods, umbrellas and lighting, and colorful background are professional-grade and are quite expensive. You benefit from the latest professional technology being used in the photographs, and used properly at that.
Can you put a price on lifelong wedding night memories? I’d have to say no (unless you get divorced but that’s a whole other story!). The price of the photos and video might be several thousand dollars but the value is much more since you will get more benefit out of the photos than the paper the photos are printed on will cost.
Let me re-iterate the price versus value issue. The cost of a bottle of water is typically about $1 and its value to you is a dollar because that is what it is worth to you to quench your thirst. If you are walking through the desert, you may be willing to pay a lot more for that bottle of water because its value is now much higher than the cost. How does this relate to photography? Spending a few extra dollars for a photographer who takes an outstanding photo and gets you the acting role of a lifetime is worth more to you than the measly cost of the gig. You should purchase photography services (and anything else you buy) based on value not price. That thinking can change your life, I assure you.