Photographer Prices California/LA (2024/2025)

Hi everyone! I'm about to hire a photographer for our engagement shoot in 2024 & wedding in 2025, and needed to make sure I'm not being overcharged based on this quote we received...

We interviewed a team of two photographers who are relatively local (1-2 hours driving distance from where we plan on having our engagement shoot and our wedding for them).

We were quoted $22,500 (excl. approx. $2.5k in taxes/fees, and even more for any additional photographers, faster gallery turnaround than their normal 8-10 weeks, prints/albums we may want, etc.)

We realize it's 2 different shoots in 2 different (but nearby) SoCal locations, with 2 photographers, and that the main photographer has credentials like being featured in Brides magazine etc., but we're struggling to wrap our heads around this quote.

We have a relatively high budget for the wedding - most of which we already put towards the venue/food/drinks - but we understand how important photography is and just want to make sure we're not being taking advantage of...