Planning a wedding or big bash in the City of Joy? Let’s break down the real costs and set the vibe right!
Kolkata is more than just a city—it’s a mood, a canvas, and the perfect backdrop for your celebrations. But when it comes to capturing those magical moments, the budget question always pops up:
“How much should we spend on photography?”
And the answer is: it depends—but we’ll help you plan it like a pro
Kolkata Event Photography Budget 2025 – Real Costs & Smart Tips
Why Photography Budgeting is a Big Deal
Let’s be real: you can have the fanciest outfits, drool-worthy décor, and a killer venue—but if the photography is off, those memories don’t last.
Budgeting smartly ensures you get the right team, right quality, and zero regrets later.
So how do you do it? Let’s decode
How Much to Budget Based on Event Type
1. Pre-Wedding Shoot in Kolkata
Popular Locations: Princep Ghat, Victoria Memorial, Eco Park
Cost Range: ₹10,000 – ₹30,000
Add-ons: Drone (₹5,000 extra), Gown rental (₹2,000–₹5,000)
2. Wedding Day Photography
Team: 1-2 photographers, 1 videographer
Candid & Traditional
Budget Range: ₹40,000 – ₹1,20,000
Premium Cinematic Packages (with teaser, highlights): ₹1.5L+
3. Haldi, Mehendi, Sangeet
Half-day coverage
Cost: ₹15,000 – ₹40,000 per event
Tip: Bundle all events with the same vendor for discounts
4. Birthday, Annaprashan & Small Functions
2–3 hour shoot
Budget: ₹5,000 – ₹15,000
Ideal for families and kids’ events in areas like Garia, Ballygunge, Salt Lake
5. Reception Coverage
Glam portraits + crowd shots
Cost: ₹20,000 – ₹50,000
Add on: Instant print booth (₹8,000–₹15,000 extra)
Cost Factors You Should Know
Experience Level
Beginner = Budget-friendly
Pro = Premium price tag but worth every rupee!
Deliverables
Edited photos?
Album?
Cinematic teaser?
Each add-on bumps up the price.
Duration of Coverage
Longer hours = Higher cost
Most photographers charge for 6/8/12-hour slots.
Travel Charges
For functions outside Kolkata (like Digha, Bolpur) — travel + stay are extra.
Post-production Quality
Fast edits cost more. Want premium color grading? Be ready to pay a bit more.
Sample Photography Budget Plan (Ideal for a Mid-Size Wedding)
Want to keep it under ₹1L? Focus on wedding + reception, skip extras like teaser and drone.
FAQ: What Couples Ask About Event Photography Budget
Q: Can I get professional photography under ₹50,000 for a full wedding?
A: Yes, with newer teams or smaller setups. But if you want cinematic edits and experienced artists, ₹80k–₹1L is realistic.
Q: Do I really need a cinematic video?
A: Depends on your vibe! If you love storytelling, slow-motion moments, and background scores—go for it. Otherwise, a simple edit works just fine.
Q: Are photo albums included?
A: Not always. Ask upfront. Albums typically cost ₹5,000–₹15,000 depending on quality and size.
Q: How can I save on photography costs?
A:
Book early for discounts
Go for combo packages
Skip drone or teaser if tight on budget
Shortlist local teams to avoid travel charges
Q: Should I pay the full amount in advance?
A: Nope! Ideally:
30% booking
50% on event day
20% after delivery