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

Wedding & Elopement Photography Pricing for Illinois & Wisconsin Couples

Behind the scenes of Nicole Kilday photographing the bride getting ready before her church ceremony in Chicago, Illinois

Wedding Pricing & Service Guide

Here for the marriage & how it felt

I’m a sucker for the finer details you only see when you’re truly paying attention & how they make you feel. I’m constantly looking for the small, ordinary moments you want to hold onto — the unprompted yet unavoidable affection while you sign on the dotted line, fixing your lover’s tie as you swoon, the singular tear while your favorite human confesses their most vulnerable love to you, and the loud love during your reception.

Ten years in the making, I’ve learned when to stand back and allow your story to unfold as it is — and when to guide seamlessly where it’s necessary. My wedding photography collections cover all of the above & then some, offering calm guidance, intentional storytelling, and images that become part of your family’s history.

Full Day Wedding Pricing / Elopement Pricing / Travel Pricing
Joyful wedding party photos at Michael and Aidan's classy summer barn wedding at Oak Hill Farm in Galena, IL
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
Nicole Kilday Photography provides documentary and editorial wedding and elopement photography for couples across Illinois and Wisconsin, including Chicagoland, Chicago, Milwaukee, and Madison. This page outlines wedding photography pricing, elopement options, and what’s included when working with a candid, emotion-forward wedding photographer focused on connection, storytelling, and how it all felt. Wedding photography and elopement collections begin at $3,950 and include intentional timeline guidance, sneak peeks, and full wedding galleries delivered within 4–16 weeks. This service page covers local wedding and elopement photography; destination wedding coverage and travel pricing are outlined on a separate travel page.

More than photography

After 10 wedding seasons, I’ve learned that photographing a wedding is rarely just about the photos. It’s about staying calm when plans shift, fixing what breaks, and knowing when to step in — and when to quietly step back. This work grew with time, lived experience, and a deep respect for how meaningful these days are.

Nicole Kilday Photography is an experienced documentary and editorial wedding photographer serving Illinois and Wisconsin couples. With over ten wedding seasons of experience, Nicole provides full-day wedding photography, elopement photography, and timeline guidance designed to support couples throughout their entire wedding day. Her approach goes beyond photography, offering calm direction, problem-solving, and collaboration with planners, videographers, and families to ensure weddings run smoothly and feel authentic. This page outlines wedding photography services, coverage options, and the experience couples can expect when working with a seasoned Midwest wedding photographer.

    • Creative director when photo + video need gentle guidance

    • Seamstress for broken straps and popped buttons

    • Calm presence when plans shift (because they always do)

    • Timeline + family navigator when emotions and logistics collide

    • Coordinator’s right hand — or lead when there isn’t one

    • Stain remover (thank you to my bridal industry friends for walking me through those panic moments)

    • Floral installer when zip ties break (thank you, husband, for the emergency stash)

    • Backup transportation with a complimentary jam session when timelines run late

    • Professional corset buttoner — mastered after 10 years

    • Professional crier (double-time after becoming a parent myself)

    • Grandparents’ new best friend — I miss my grandpa, thank you for sharing yours

    • Dinner-break babysitter when a baby needs a quiet nap

    • Boudoir & couples boudoir photographer mid dress change

Classy and elegant black tie fall wedding at The Crawford in Naperville IL by Nicole Kilday Photography

Wedding Photography Packages

Full-Day Wedding Photography Packages

Getting Ready to Dancing the Night Away

This collection is designed for couples who want their day documented honestly, without interruption or performance. I work quietly and intentionally, focusing on real moments, relationships, and the way the day actually felt — not just how it looked.

Includes:

  • Up to 8 hours of continuous coverage

  • Timeline guidance & planning support

  • Sneak peeks delivered within 7 days

  • Full wedding gallery delivered within 4–16 weeks

  • Preferred engagement session pricing for booked couples

À La Carte Options

Available to customize your coverage as needed.

  • Additional coverage — $150 / hour

  • Second photographer — $825

  • Engagement session — $395 (preferred rate for booked couples, regularly $750)

  • Rehearsal dinner or welcome coverage — $1,795

$4,795.00
Check Your Date 
Non-refundable retainer & Signed Contract Required to book.
Couple getting ready together before their marriage at their campground boho elopement in Starved Rock State Park in Illinois

Elopement Photography Packages

Weekday & Courthouse Elopements

For intimate Weddings

  • Mon-Thurs only

  • Up to 2 hours of coverage

  • Portraits to follow

  • Travel within 40 miles

  • Timeline guidance & support

  • Sneak peeks in 7 days

  • Full gallery in 4–16 weeks

A la Carte

  • Additional hours — $235/hr

  • Second photographer — $825

  • Engagement session — $395 (regularly $500.00)

  • Rehearsal / welcome coverage — $1,190.00

$1,795.00
Check Your Date 
Example Timeline

Intimate Elopement

12 PM – Meet at elopement location
12:15 PM - Ceremony (I am ordained - wink, wink -
12:30 PM - Celebrate with anyone who joined & portraits
12:45 PM - Portraits of just the two of you

 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 a 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.

    This booking process applies to both full-day wedding photography and weekday courthouse elopements.

  • Once your contract is signed and non-refundable retainer is paid, you’re officially locked into my calendar. From there, the party begins!

    We’ll meet a few times throughout your planning season to fine-tune details and prep for your engagement session. Engagement sessions only take place Monday through Thursday due to my Friday-Sunday schedule prioritizing my couples wedding days.

    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 — Split Payment Plan

    • ⅓ non-refundable retainer due at booking

    • ⅓ due at the midpoint between booking and your wedding date

    • Final ⅓ due one week prior to your wedding

    → Sneak peeks delivered within 7 days of your wedding.

    Option Two — Extended Monthly Payments

    • ⅓ non-refundable retainer due at booking

    • Remaining balance divided into monthly payments, based on how far out your wedding date is

    • Final payment due one week prior to your wedding

    → 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!

None of these wedding packages fit? Build your own with my instant wedding estimator.

Custom collections are available for unique timelines, extended coverage, and non-traditional wedding days.