Wedding Photography Packages and Pricing

Honestly? It feels less like having a photographer — and more like having a friend who happens to be really f⌁ckin' good with a camera.

My goal is to feel like I belong there. Not as a vendor — as a part of your guest list. Someone invested in the way your day unfolds, not just pressing a button.

I'm not there to manufacture moments. I'm there to pay attention to them.

Past couples have called me their "wedding angel," their hype woman, their calm in the chaos. One bride said I'm "not only your photographer, but a therapist, a guide, a treasure in every step of your journey." Another said my presence gave her "a sense of calm and reassurance." A bride whose surprise elopement I photographed said the day "would not have been possible" without me.

That's not a sales point. That's just who I am & I pride myself on the friendship I give.

Your memories become a part of my memories too — and I don't take that lightly. If you're getting married in McHenry County, Lake Geneva, or anywhere in Northern Illinois, I'd love to hear from you.

Wedding photography pricing varies — and honestly, that's a good thing.

There is a photographer for every budget. But budget alone shouldn't be the first filter. The real starting point is connection — does their style move you? Does their energy feel like someone you'd want next to you all day? Does the way they talk about their work make you feel something?

Art is subjective. There is a perfect photographer for every couple — and finding yours means finding the one whose work, personality, and investment in your day align with what matters most to you. Even if that photographer isn't me.

Once you've narrowed it down by feel, then look at pricing. Reach out to photographers whose stated starting prices fall within your range — that transparency matters and saves everyone time.

At Nicole Kilday Photography, all current pricing is listed openly and up front on my wedding services pages. No forms to fill out just to see a number. You can explore everything at nicolekildayphotography.com/weddings and reach out when you're ready.

Most couples booking a wedding photographer in Northern Illinois, Chicago, Lake Geneva, or Southern Wisconsin reach out 8–12 months before their date — and that's a solid window.

But here's what sets Nicole Kilday Photography apart: last minute doesn't scare me.

I've helped plan and photograph elopements, micro-weddings, and full weddings with less than a month to go — handling the moving pieces alongside couples who needed not just a photographer, but someone who knew how to pull it all together fast. I'm an all-in kind of human. Photography is the deliverable, but showing up fully for people is the point.

That said — if you want me specifically, sooner is better.

I intentionally cap my wedding bookings — not just to leave room for last-minute couples, but because I refuse to be a quantity photographer. Every wedding I take on gets my full investment, full attention, and full capacity. That's not something I'm willing to compromise. My books open for each new year beginning in January of the year prior, and I'm typically fully booked by June of that same year.

So whether your date is two years out or two weeks away — reach out. I'll tell you exactly where things stand.

If it's a "hell yes, it's you we want Nicole" — a signed contract and 50% non-refundable retainer lock your date on my calendar. The remainder is due in 2 split payments: 1 at the midpoint between booking and your event, and the final due 1 week prior.