The cost of hiring a photographer is a one-time cost which you will be able to earn back eventually. What this means is not necessarily to forgo the cost of getting a professional wedding photographer, it simply means acquiring the services of one who will give you the most value for your money.  Here are some tips on how to do just that.
When looking for the most affordable or reasonable wedding photography prices, it is always good to make a canvas of the fees professional photographers are offering.  This will accomplish two things:  (1) it will give you a good idea of the price range of professional photography services; (2) it will help you find the photography service which is most reasonably priced.
When canvassing the prices of wedding photography services, it is best to use all sources at your disposal.  The more choices you have will increase your chances of finding reasonably priced photography services increases. Besides the Yellow pages and the Internet, try to get some referrals from your married relatives or friends.
Professional photography services often offer their services in packages.  These are as set of services and products which you will be receiving for a certain set price.  Take a look at the packages they offer and evaluate whether you really need or want all of the items or services they are offering in it.
Try to see if the professional photography service is open to negotiating a lowered price for services or products in a package which you do not want or a service which you do not wish to avail of.
If you are using the services of a wedding coordinator, he or she may already have prospective professional wedding photographers in mind.  Look at his or her suggestions and evaluate whether the packages and the prices at which they are being offered seems reasonable to you.
One last word on professional wedding photography services:  Always make sure you look at a photographer’s portfolio before deciding which photographer to get.  If you do not, you may end up with a photographer who charges a very low price but does not come up with the wedding photos you want.