How much does an event photographer cost in NZ?
A photographer for the main part of your event, with edited photos. Video usually costs more. Here are rough price ranges for events in New Zealand, by guest numbers, kind of event and region.
AI-generated estimates as at October 2026, in NZ dollars including GST. They are not quotes. About these estimates
General party, 51–100 guests
$600 – $2,000
Up to 50 guests: $400 – $1,300
Free, and no obligation to book.
By number of guests and kind of event
National figures. Prices vary by region: see below.
Up to 50 guests
- General party
- $400 – $1,300
- Wedding
- $1,100 – $3,700
- Work or community event
- $450 – $1,500
51–100 guests
- General party
- $600 – $2,000
- Wedding
- $1,600 – $5,600
- Work or community event
- $650 – $2,300
101–250 guests
- General party
- $900 – $3,000
- Wedding
- $2,500 – $8,400
- Work or community event
- $1,000 – $3,500
More than 250 guests
- General party
- $1,400 – $4,500
- Wedding
- $3,900 – $13,000
- Work or community event
- $1,600 – $5,200
By region
A general party. Choose your town in the budget estimator for other kinds of event.
| Region | Up to 50 | 51–100 |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | $350 – $1,200 | $550 – $1,900 |
| Auckland | $400 – $1,500 | $650 – $2,300 |
| Waikato | $350 – $1,300 | $550 – $2,000 |
| Bay of Plenty | $350 – $1,300 | $550 – $2,000 |
| Gisborne | $350 – $1,200 | $500 – $1,800 |
| Hawke's Bay | $350 – $1,300 | $550 – $1,900 |
| Taranaki | $350 – $1,300 | $550 – $1,900 |
| Manawatū-Whanganui | $350 – $1,200 | $500 – $1,800 |
| Wellington | $400 – $1,400 | $600 – $2,100 |
| Tasman | $350 – $1,300 | $550 – $2,000 |
| Nelson | $350 – $1,300 | $550 – $2,000 |
| Marlborough | $350 – $1,300 | $550 – $2,000 |
| West Coast | $350 – $1,300 | $550 – $1,900 |
| Canterbury | $400 – $1,300 | $600 – $2,000 |
| Otago | $400 – $1,500 | $600 – $2,200 |
| Southland | $350 – $1,200 | $500 – $1,800 |
What affects the price
- Hours of coverage: most photographers charge by the hour or by package.
- Photos only, or video too: video usually costs more because of the editing.
- Editing, prints, albums, and how quickly you get the finished photos.
- Travel outside the photographer’s usual area.
Ways to keep costs down
- Decide which moments matter most and book coverage for those hours.
- Ask how many edited photos you will get and how they are delivered.
- Compare packages with the same hours and the same things delivered.
Common questions
How much does an event photographer cost for a wedding in NZ?
For a wedding of 51–100 guests, our estimate is about $1,600 – $5,600, or $2,500 – $8,400 for 101–250 guests. Vendors often charge more for weddings than for other parties.
How much does an event photographer cost for a work or community event?
For a work or community event of 51–100 guests, our estimate is about $650 – $2,300. Business events are often priced a little higher than private parties, and longer hours or a bigger crowd add to it.
Is an event photographer more expensive in Auckland?
Usually, yes. In our estimates Auckland is about 12% above the national figures: about $650 – $2,300 for a party of 51–100 guests. Smaller places can be cheaper, though some vendors charge to travel.
Are these prices quotes?
No. They are AI-generated estimates to help you plan a budget. No vendor has agreed to them, and real prices can be higher or lower. Post your event on Event Nest to get real quotes from local vendors.
Get real prices for your event
Post your event once with the date, place, guest numbers and budget. Local vendors who match send you quotes, and you compare them in one place. Always free for personal events; free for business and community events until 31 December 2026.
Planning guides
- How to Brief Event Vendors to Get Better QuotesWhat to tell caterers, entertainers and other event vendors so their quotes are accurate and easy to compare, plus what to check before you say yes.
- How to Plan a Wedding in New Zealand: A Step-by-Step GuidePlan your wedding in New Zealand step by step: budget, guest list, venue, vendors, the marriage licence, a 12-month timeline and a weather plan.
- How to Budget for an Event in New ZealandA step-by-step way to set and stick to a budget for a party, wedding or work function in New Zealand, with a worked example and tips for getting real prices.
Other event costs
These ranges are generated by AI from general information about typical event prices in New Zealand and compared with published NZ price lists and guides. They are not based on prices from Event Nest or its vendors, they are not quotes, and they may not suit your area or event. Travel, after-hours and public holiday charges may be extra. Use them only as a rough starting point, and always get quotes before you book. Nothing here affects your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 or the Fair Trading Act 1986.