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Candid Photography Cost in India and Dubai: What goes into the price of priceless memories
- Merrygohearts Weddings
- Oct 16
- 5 min read
When you’re planning a wedding, there are a few things everyone tells you not to compromise on, and photography is always at the top of that list. Years later, it won’t be the décor or the food you’ll flip back to, it will be the photos. That’s why understanding candid wedding photography cost in India and candid wedding photography cost in Dubai matters so much. In 2025, couples are becoming more mindful about where they invest, and knowing what drives prices can help you make the best decision for your big day.
Why candid photography costs what it does
Candid photography is very different from traditional staged shots. It’s about capturing fleeting emotions, the laughter during haldi, the teary smiles during vidaai, or the groom’s stolen glances during the pheras. To get those perfect candid wedding pictures, a photographer needs the right mix of experience, equipment, and time.
Costs are usually shaped by a few big factors:
• The photographer’s expertise and reputation
• The city or country where the wedding takes place
• The scale of the event (guest list, number of ceremonies, etc.)
• Add ons like videography, albums, and drone shots
Candid wedding photography cost in India
In India, prices vary widely depending on where you’re getting married. On average, candid photography costs per day can start from ₹70,000 and go up to ₹20,00,000 with well-known names.
Candid wedding photography prices in Bangalore generally range between ₹200,000 to ₹5,00,000 a day, thanks to the city’s booming luxury wedding scene.
Mumbai, with its premium venues and celebrity clientele, sees costs higher, anywhere between ₹2,50,000 to ₹10,00,000 a day.
Chennai and other South Indian cities are often more affordable, averaging between ₹60,000 to ₹3,00,000 per day.
When looking at candid wedding photography package inclusions, couples often choose bundled deals that combine photography with cinematography. In 2025, popular candid photography packages with videography are priced anywhere from ₹2,50,000 to ₹20,00,000 for multi day weddings, depending on the team size and deliverables.
Candid wedding photography cost in Dubai
Dubai has become a hotspot for destination weddings, and prices here reflect both the luxury market and logistical costs. The candid wedding photography cost in Dubai usually starts from 10,000 AED (approx. ₹2,25,000) per day for mid-level photographers and can go up to 50,000 AED (₹5,50,000) or more for top-tier international names.
Most candid wedding photography packages with videography in Dubai include drone coverage, cinematic films, and luxury albums, which explains the premium. For couples choosing Dubai as their wedding destination in 2025, it’s important to set aside at least 8–10% of the wedding budget for photography alone.
Luxury vs affordable packages: finding your balance
Not every couple needs the same level of coverage. While some want the best wedding candid photos with a full team of photographers, videographers, and editors, others prefer affordable candid wedding photography packages that focus on just the essential ceremonies.
Affordable candid wedding photography packages in India start around ₹2,00,000 for a two-day wedding with basic coverage and edited images.
Luxury candid wedding photography cost, especially in metros and Dubai, often goes above ₹15,00,000 for multi-day, multi-shooter teams that deliver cinematic films, premium albums, and same-day edits.
This candid wedding photography price comparison 2025 shows how flexible packages can be, it really comes down to your priorities.
Hourly rates and hidden costs to know
For smaller events or intimate ceremonies, many professionals now offer candid wedding photography price per hour. In India, rates start around ₹25,000–₹35,000 per hour, while in Dubai it’s closer to 2,000–5,500 AED per hour.
When setting your candid wedding photography budget guide, remember to ask about:
• Extra charges for outstation travel and accommodation
• Drone and special equipment fees
• Album printing and design costs
• Overtime beyond agreed hours
These add-ons can significantly change your final bill if you don’t clarify upfront.
What to expect in 2025 and 2026
Photography trends in 2025 and 2026 are leaning toward hybrid storytelling, where candid wedding photos are combined with cinematic videography, social-media-ready reels, and even 360-degree experiences. Couples in Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Dubai are especially investing in teams that can deliver both timeless albums and quick digital highlights.
This means most packages now include:
• Photography + Videography
• Edited highlights for social media
• Cloud storage delivery
• Luxury photo books or albums
So when you’re comparing options, don’t just look at the candid photography cost per day, check exactly what the candid wedding photography package inclusions are.
Final word: investing in memories
Weddings come and go in a blur, but photos stay forever. Whether you’re choosing affordable candid wedding photography packages for an intimate celebration in Chennai, or going for a luxury candid wedding photography cost in Dubai, the value lies in having someone skilled enough to freeze emotions you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Think of it less as a cost and more as an investment, in your own memories. If you found this guide helpful, don’t miss our other blogs where we dive deeper into wedding photography tips, trends & inspiration.-link
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average candid wedding photography cost in India in 2025?
In 2025, the average candid wedding photography cost in India ranges from ₹70,000 to ₹3,00,000 per day for mid-range photographers and can go up to ₹20,00,000 for premium names, depending on location, experience, and event scale.
How much does candid wedding photography cost in Dubai?
In Dubai, candid wedding photography packages start around 10,000 AED (₹2,25,000) per day and can go up to 50,000 AED (₹11,00,000) depending on the crew, venue, and cinematic add-ons like drone and film editing.
Are candid wedding photography packages customizable?
Yes. Most studios offer fully customizable candid photography packages from single day coverage to multi day cinematic shoots, allowing couples to pick what fits their style and budget.
What’s the difference between affordable and luxury candid wedding packages?
Affordable packages focus on essential event coverage and edited photos, while luxury packages include multi camera setups, cinematic videos, drone shots, and premium albums.
Do photographers charge extra for travel and accommodation?
Yes, travel and stay are usually charged separately for destination weddings or outstation shoots, especially if the team travels with heavy gear or drones.
How do hourly rates work for candid wedding photography?
Hourly rates are ideal for small functions and range between ₹25,000–₹35,000/hour in India and 2,000–5,500 AED/hour in Dubai, usually excluding travel and post-production costs.
What should I ask before finalizing my candid photography package?
Always confirm inclusions like number of shooters, hours of coverage, deliverables, editing style, and drone permissions to avoid last-minute surprises.
Is candid wedding photography really worth the cost?
Absolutely. These photos preserve raw emotions and stories that no staged image can recreate a priceless investment in lifelong memories.
What is the best time of day for candid photography?
Golden hour offers soft, romantic light, while indoor prep near windows creates dreamy bridal portraits.
What’s trending in candid bridal photography for 2025?
In 2025, candid bridal trends revolve around cinematic storytelling, slow-motion reels, emotional candids with family, and aesthetic close-ups using natural window light. Documentary style bridal prep moments and “first look” candids are also gaining popularity. Brides are moving away from over-edited poses to more emotional, filmic narratives.
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