Illinois & Wisconsin

Wedding Photography Pricing Guide

Illinois & Wisconsin wedding photographer • Local wedding packages • Micro weddings + elopements • Loose documentary approach • Honest storytelling • Real moments over posed • Engagement session included with local weddings • Coverage from getting ready through open dance • Printing rights included • Online gallery + print shop • Free travel within 40 miles of Hebron, IL. Keywords: Illinois wedding photographer, Wisconsin wedding photographer, Chicago suburbs wedding photographer, Milwaukee wedding photographer, candid wedding photography Illinois, documentary wedding photographer Wisconsin, midwest editorial wedding photographer, engagement session included photographer. Ideal clients: Couples wanting candid, honest photos • connection over production • value story-focused documentary coverage.

How it felt > how it looked

Your wedding day deserves to be documented exactly as it felt — the nerves, the laughter, the in-between moments that make it yours. I photograph local weddings across Illinois and Wisconsin with a loose documentary approach — a mix of candid emotion and editorial storytelling that turns fleeting moments into lasting art. If you’re planning a Midwest celebration and want photos that feel honest, not posed, you’re in the right place.

Transparent, Flexible, All-inclusive

2026 & 2027

Bride holding a colorful bouquet of garden flowers during golden hour in Illinois, wearing a lace wedding gown captured by Nicole Kilday Photography in Northwest Illinois

Local Weddings — The Full Story

$4,595.00

From the final touches of getting ready to one full hour of open dance — coverage flows naturally through the parts of your day that tell the whole story.

  • If you’re planning a full-day celebration and want it photographed the way it felt — not just how it looked — this one’s for you. From those final, chaotic getting-ready moments to one full hour of open dance, nothing staged, nothing stiff — just honest, emotional storytelling from start to finish. You value connection over perfection and want a photographer who sees the in-between stuff — the hand squeezes, the laughter, the deep breaths — because that’s where the real story lives.

  • Once you inquire, I’ll let you know right away if I’m available for your date and send over a few helpful wedding planning + photography resources. From there, you can choose how we connect — some couples love chatting over email (where no question is too small), and others prefer a quick phone call for a vibe check to make sure we’re a good fit.

    Once we settle on your package, we’ll confirm your date and location details, then I’ll send your booking form to sign your contract and pay the non-refundable retainer. That officially locks you into my calendar, and from there, the fun part begins. You’ll get full access to my Wedding Timeline Builder, and we’ll meet up a few times to fine-tune details, walk through your engagement session plans, and make sure everything feels seamless before the big day.

    On your wedding day, I photograph the way it felt — decisive when needed, calm when it counts, and always ready to let the moment breathe. I anticipate the in-between things most people miss and gently prompt when it serves the story. Sneak peeks arrive within 7 days, and your full gallery lands within 4–16 weeks.

    Serving couples across Illinois, Wisconsin, and beyond with a balance of artistry, storytelling, and presence.

    • Up to 10 consecutive hours of wedding day coverage

    • Complimentary engagement session (M-Th)

    • Access to my Wedding Timeline Builder for personalized planning

    • Sneak peeks within 7 days

    • Full gallery delivery within 4–16 weeks

    • Travel included within 40 miles of Hebron, IL

  • Every story looks a little different — which is exactly how it should be.
    Once you’ve chosen your package, you can tailor it to fit your day perfectly.


    Need more coverage? Want a second photographer or an extra session? Let’s build something that fits your timeline and priorities.

    Common ways couples customize their package:

    • Add extra coverage hours ($150/hour)

    • Include a second photographer for more angles + moments (+ $825)

    • Add rehearsal dinner or welcome session coverage (+ $900.00/1 photographer)

    • Remove the engagement session (- $250.00)

    • Add travel - view my full travel pricing here

    Each add-on is optional, transparent, and crafted to make sure your story feels fully told — whether you’re planning a full-day celebration or a smaller gathering.

  • I am always down for an adventure to your favorite place! I offer travel two different ways - a custom travel fee or an all inclusive photography & travel option.

    Learn more about my travel fees here.

    Learn more about my all inclusive travel options here.

Inquire About Your Date
Candid outdoor vow exchange at a Southern Wisconsin micro wedding captured in a natural, documentary style

micro weddings + elopements — the intimate story

$3,950.00

From courthouse vows to lakeside elopements, coverage flows naturally through the parts of your day that matter most — connection over production, meaning over the timeline.

  • If you’re keeping it small — maybe just the two of you, a few loved ones, and the open sky — this is for you. You value presence over perfection and want photos that feel honest and full of emotion. You care less about production and more about how it all felt. This collection was built for intimate gatherings, destination elopements, and celebrations that put connection at the center.

  • Once you inquire, I’ll let you know if I’m available for your date and send over helpful wedding planning + photography resources. You can choose to chat over email (no question is too small) or hop on a call for a quick vibe check — whatever feels most like you.

    Once we decide on the best fit for your day, I’ll send your booking form to sign the contract and pay your non-refundable retainer. From there, you’ll get access to my Wedding Timeline Builder so we can shape your coverage around light, travel, and what matters most.

    On the day itself, I photograph quietly and intentionally — decisive when needed, invisible when moments need to breathe. Sneak peeks arrive within 7 days, and your full gallery is delivered within 4–16 weeks.

    Serving elopements and intimate weddings across Illinois, Wisconsin, and wherever your story takes you.

    • Up to 6 consecutive hours of coverage

    • Complimentary engagement session (M-Th)

    • Access to my Wedding Timeline Builder for customized planning

    • Sneak peeks within 7 days

    • Full gallery delivered within 4–16 weeks

    • Travel included within 40 miles of Hebron, Illinois

    For couples who want the emotion of the day captured, without needing the full-day timeline.

  • Every story looks a little different — which is exactly how it should be.
    Once you’ve chosen your package, you can tailor it to fit your day perfectly.


    Need more coverage? Want a second photographer or an extra session? Let’s build something that fits your timeline and priorities.

    Common ways couples customize their package:

    • Add extra coverage hours ($150/hour)

    • Include a second photographer for more angles + moments (+ $825)

    • Add rehearsal dinner or welcome session coverage (+ $900.00/1 photographer)

    • Remove the engagement session (- $250.00)

    • Add travel - view my full travel pricing here

    Each add-on is optional, transparent, and crafted to make sure your story feels fully told — whether you’re planning a full-day celebration or a smaller gathering.

Inquire About Your Date

Wedding Photography Pricing in Illinois, Wisconsin & Destination Locations

Instant Estimate for Wedding Photography Pricing

When couples begin planning their wedding budget, one of the biggest questions is ‘What does wedding photography actually cost?’ Every wedding I photograph — from Chicago to Milwaukee to the mountains out West — is unique, and I believe pricing should be just as transparent. This instant pricing calculator gives you a clear estimate based on your timeline, coverage needs, and travel. Whether you’re planning a local wedding near Hebron, IL or a destination celebration, this tool helps you understand your starting investment before start the conversation or hop on a phone call.

instant wedding quote

Choose the collection that feels most like you, add any extras, and see an estimated total with a breakdown of my payment plan options. This is an estimate only — final quotes are confirmed in your custom proposal.

Base coverage is included (10 hours for full-day / travel, 6 hours for micro / elopement). Extra hours are $150/hour.
Used to estimate monthly payments for Plan Three. Adjust if you’re closer or further out.

Your estimated quote

Selected collection $4,595
Extra coverage $0
Second photographer $0
Rehearsal / welcome coverage $0
Engagement adjustment $0
Estimated travel $0
Estimated total $4,595
This calculator is for planning purposes and reflects my current 2026–2027 pricing. Final quotes, travel, and add-ons are confirmed in your custom proposal and contract.

Plan One — Classic

  • 50% retainer at booking: $2,297.50
  • 25% at midpoint: $1,148.75
  • 25% one week before: $1,148.75

Sneak peeks delivered within 7 days of your wedding.

Plan Two — After Party

  • 50% retainer at booking: $2,297.50
  • 25% at midpoint: $1,148.75
  • 25% one week after: $1,148.75

Sneak peeks delivered within 7 days of final payment.

Plan Three — Monthly

  • 50% retainer at booking: $2,297.50
  • Estimated monthly payment: $191.46
  • Final payment one week before wedding.

Remaining 50% is split into monthly payments based on how many months you are out from your date.

This tool doesn’t replace a conversation (or a good old-fashioned email). If your plans involve multi-day coverage, flights, or unique logistics, I’ll build a custom quote that fits your exact story.

Bride-to-be hugging her fiancé against the Chicago skyline at North Avenue Beach, wind in her hair, photographed in a candid documentary style by Nicole Kilday Photography.

Engagement sessions are about way more than photos. They’re our chance to hang out, shake off the nerves, and build trust so that by your wedding day, it feels like I’m just your professional third wheel (snacks and dog stories included). No stiff posing, no judgment—just time to laugh, be yourselves, and get comfy in front of the camera. Whether you want to keep it short and sweet or run around until the sun sets, each session is tailored to your story. Complimentary with all local wedding collections, or available separately (+$500 + travel if applicable) if you didn’t book me for the big day.

The Warm-Up

Engagement Session

  • 30 min – 2 hour session (Mon–Thurs)

  • 1 Photographer

  • Posing direction & guidance

  • Location guidance

  • Online digital gallery & print shop

  • Printing rights included

  • 2–4 week turnaround time

  • Free travel within 40 miles of Hebron, IL

  • (additional travel fees vary case by case)

Black and white photo of a couple sharing a kiss outside the Wrigley Building in downtown Chicago, captured in a timeless, documentary style by Nicole Kilday Photography.
Couple sitting close together on North Avenue Beach during their Chicago engagement session, skyline behind them, captured by Nicole Kilday Photography.
Bride-to-be looking back and smiling while walking hand-in-hand with her partner through downtown Chicago near Michigan Avenue, captured by Nicole Kilday Photography.
Couple holding hands on North Avenue Beach with Chicago skyline — by Nicole Kilday Photography.
Couple standing back-to-back in front of the ornate gold doors of the Wrigley Building in downtown Chicago during their engagement session, photographed by Nicole Kilday Photography.

 Next Steps - How to Book Your Wedding Date

Once you’ve found the package that fits your story, here’s what happens next. My booking process is simple, transparent, and built to make things feel easy — no guessing games, no pressure. Whether we chat over email or hop on a quick call, I’ll walk you through every detail. When you’re ready, a signed contract and 50% non-refundable retainer officially lock you in on my calendar. From there, we start planning your timeline, engagement session, and all the beautiful little details that make your day yours.

Three flexible payment options are available below — because your experience should feel seamless from day one.

  • Inquire using the form below or send an email directly — I’ll respond personally to confirm availability for your date. Once I know I’m open, I’ll send over helpful planning + photography resources so you can feel confident before booking. You can choose to chat entirely via email (no question is too small!) or hop on a call for a quick vibe check to make sure we’re the perfect fit.

    No pressure, no fluff — just real connection and clarity from the start. Finding the perfect fit photographer for your wedding day is my top priority; so if it’s not me, that is okay.

  • Once your contract is signed and non-refundable retainer is paid, you’re officially locked into my calendar.

    From there, you’ll get access to my Wedding Timeline Builder — the same tool I use to plan every wedding day around light, first looks, and meaningful flow.

    We’ll meet a few times throughout your planning season to fine-tune details and prep for your weekday engagement session (included with all local packages).

    On your wedding day, I photograph with intention — decisive when needed, quiet when it matters most.

    Sneak peeks arrive within 7 days, and your full gallery lands within 4–16 weeks.

  • option one:

    • 50% non-refundable retainer at booking

    • 25% due at the midpoint

    • 25% due one week prior to your event

    Sneak peeks delivered within 7 days of your wedding.

    option two:

    • 50% non-refundable retainer at booking

    • 25% due at the midpoint

    • 25% due one week after your event

    Sneak peeks delivered within 7 days of final payment.

    option three:

    • 50% non-refundable retainer at booking

    • Remaining balance split into monthly payments (depending on how far out your date is), with the final payment due one week prior to your event.

    Sneak peeks delivered within 7 days of final payment.

  • When it feels right, fill out the form below to inquire about your date.

    Once you’re locked in, we’ll start planning your story together — timeline, engagement session, and all the quiet, meaningful parts in between.

Inquire about your wedding photography here!

A bride and groom cutting their wedding cake at reception with guests in background in Naperville, Illinois
Bride and groom holding hands in a park, walking away, surrounded by trees, with fallen leaves on the grass in Rockford, Illinois
Bride getting ready in her parents’ farmhouse in Springfield, Illinois, with her bridesmaid helping fix her veil — captured by Nicole Kilday Photography in a quiet, documentary moment.
A bride in a white wedding dress holding a bouquet of white flowers stands in front of a large window, with sunlight shining through and floral decorations on the floor.
Bride and groom walking down the aisle during their lavender toss recessional at a family farm wedding in Springfield, Illinois