The short answer
For a full multi-day South Asian wedding in Orange County or Los Angeles, couples typically invest $5,000 to $15,000+ in photography, and $9,000 to $20,000+ when video is added. My photography collections start at $6,500, and photo + video collections start at $8,500, depending on how many events we cover and how many team members are on the team.
A little about me: I'm Aishia, the photographer behind Lumière by Aishia, an Orange County studio specializing in South Asian and Indian weddings. For nearly a decade, I've documented celebrations from Haldi and Sangeet to the ceremony and reception across Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, the Bay Area, and destinations beyond, with a candid, editorial style. Every collection is tailored to your events, your venues, and the families celebrating with you.
If you want to know why that number is different from a single-day wedding quote you may have seen elsewhere, keep reading. I'll walk through exactly what you're paying for, what changes the price, and how to compare photographers fairly.
Why South Asian wedding photography costs more than a one-day wedding
When a couple tells me they got a quote of a few thousand dollars from a general wedding photographer, I understand the confusion. But a South Asian wedding is a different kind of day, and often a different kind of week.
More events. A single wedding weekend can include a Mehndi, Haldi, Sangeet, Baraat, ceremony, and reception. Each one has its own look, lighting, timing, and family moments that matter.
More people to photograph well. Family portraits at South Asian weddings often involve large extended families, multiple generations, and several rounds of formals. Doing that smoothly without eating up your celebration takes planning and experience.
Longer coverage. Ceremonies can be long, and the energy of the Baraat and the dance floor doesn't follow a neat schedule. Coverage often runs far longer than a standard eight-hour wedding day.
Cultural knowledge. Knowing when the pheras are about to happen, where to stand during the Jaimala, or how to move around a Haldi without getting in the way is what separates a photographer who has seen these moments from one who is guessing. That experience is part of what you're paying for.
Editing time. For every hour I shoot, there are many more hours of culling, color work, and editing. A multi-day wedding means thousands of images to go through carefully.
What affects the price
1. Number of events
Pricing is based mostly on how many events you want covered and for how long. A two-event weekend (ceremony and reception) will be priced very differently from a full Mehndi-to-reception celebration.
2. Hours of coverage
Most couples underestimate how long Indian weddings run. I'll help you build a realistic timeline so you aren't paying for hours you don't need, or running out of coverage before the Sangeet performances start.
3. Number of photographers
Having a second (or third) photographer lets us capture the groom's side and the bride's side at the same time, or the ceremony and the guests' reactions at the same time. For larger weddings, this is the difference between catching moments and missing them.
4. Location and travel
Weddings in Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Diego are part of my regular service area. Destination weddings and locations beyond that usually include travel and lodging. I'm happy to quote travel and lodging for your date in your custom proposal.
5. Photographer experience and style
An established photographer with a deep background in South Asian weddings will charge more than someone just starting out. You're paying for experience, a consistent editing style, reliable backup equipment, and a smooth process from inquiry to delivery.
6. Add-ons
Common extras include engagement sessions, albums, prints, rush delivery, and additional hours. Tell me what you'd like to add and I'll build it into your proposal so there are no surprises.
What's usually included in my package
When you compare photographers, make sure you're comparing the same things. Here's what I include with my collections:
A fully edited, high-resolution digital gallery
A second or third shooter
An online gallery for sharing with family
Engagement Photography
A print release so you can print your favorites
Help building a realistic timeline for your events
A custom proposal built around your events, guest count, and venues
How to compare quotes fairly
Two quotes that look similar on paper can be very different in practice. Ask every photographer:
How many events and how many hours are included? Some quotes cover a single day only.
Is a second photographer included? It matters a lot for large families and simultaneous events.
How many edited images should I expect? Quantity and consistency both matter.
What's the delivery timeline? Ask for a specific timeline in writing.
Have you photographed this type of wedding before? Ask to see full galleries, not just highlight reels.
What does overtime cost? Indian weddings often run long.
Is travel included?
What's your payment schedule and cancellation policy?
Be cautious of quotes that look much cheaper than everything else. They may leave out events, hours, or editing.
How much should you budget?
A helpful starting point is to decide how much of your overall budget you want to set aside for photography, then work backward to the coverage that matters most to your families. Many couples tell me their photos are the one thing they still have long after the flowers, food, and decor are gone, so it's worth giving it real thought.
If your budget is tight, here are a few ways to make it go further without losing the moments that matter most:
Prioritize your must-have events and consider lighter coverage for the rest.
Build a smart timeline so every hour of coverage is used well.
Choose a smaller collection now and add hours or an album later, if your photographer allows it.
Skip add-ons you don't need, such as extra prints you won't use.
When should you book?
Popular dates, especially fall and winter weekends during peak South Asian wedding season, book out early. I recommend reaching out as soon as you have your date and venue. The sooner you reach out, the better the chance I can hold your date.
Frequently asked questions
Do you charge per event or per day? -My collections are built around the events you want covered, so your quote reflects the number of events and hours rather than a flat day rate.
Do you offer payment plans? -Your payment schedule is outlined in your proposal. Reach out and I'll walk you through the options.
Is videography included? -Video is available as an add-on to any collection. Photography collections start at $6,500, and photo + video collections start at $8,500.
Do you travel for weddings outside Orange County? -Yes. We regularly photograph weddings across Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Bay Area, and we travel for destination weddings. Travel details are included in your custom proposal.
What if I only need coverage for one or two events? -Yes. Tell me which events matter most and I'll recommend a collection that fits, whether that's a ceremony and reception or the full weekend.
Do you photograph Pakistani, Sikh, Gujarati, Tamil, Bengali, and interfaith weddings? -Yes. I photograph South Asian weddings of many traditions, including Hindu and Pakistani-American celebrations, and I'd love to learn about the customs in yours.
Let's talk about your wedding
Every wedding is different, so the best way to get an accurate quote is to tell me about your celebration. Share your date, venue, the events you're planning, and a rough guest count, and I'll put together a custom proposal.
You can also browse real South Asian weddings in my portfolio or read What to Wear for Each Event of Your Multi-Day Indian Wedding while you plan.
Related reading: 5 Reasons You NEED Flower Petals at Your Haldi · View my services
