Dean MacKay Photography


Full wedding (ceremony and reception) pricing

Prices start at $1,275

Elopement pricing

Prices start at $600

Packages

Prices start at $1,275


About Dean MacKay Photography

Dean MacKay Photography

Owner / Lead Photographger

I'm a wedding and fine art photographer, and hopeless romantic, based near Joshua Tree, California, shooting unforgettable couples all over Southern California, western Nevada and Arizona. I can also be found in New York City and New Jersey, Maine, and all along the New England coast, as well as Seattle, Denver, East Texas, Philadelphia, Buffalo, Central Pennsylvania and other destinations! My style is mix of photojournalist, traditional, and an ever evolving creativity for your bridal portraits, to produce images that are beautiful, timeless, and artistic. I love to mix in a little black and white, too.

I go above and beyond to learn every detail, and anticipate every moment. I want you to remember every detail like Grandma's flowers, your sister's surprise visit, or that special gift your soon to be Father-in-law gives you. I want to see the nervous excited expression on your face as your mother helps with your veil, or puts on your bow tie. I want to capture that moment you first see each other, put a ring on each other's fingers, and kiss. I want to celebrate each dance, each toast, and that first slice of cake. I'm passionate about my work. I would love to photograph your wedding.

Best of Zola 2026
Best of Zola 2025
Best of Zola 2024

Services

Services

  • Bride-only session
  • Engagement session
  • Extra hours
  • Image editing
  • Online proofing
  • Printing rights
  • Second photographer

Photo formats

  • Digital
  • Film
  • Hybrid

Deliverables

  • Digital files
  • Digital rights
  • Online gallery
  • Printed enlargements
  • Same/next-day sneak-peek images
  • Video
  • Wedding album

Dean MacKay Photography packages

4 hours

4 hours

Peak pricing $1,275

Description

Having a smaller gathering? Only need the basics? This package is for you. *have a unique need? request a custom quote! *All quotes include photography, editing, and digital delivery and final delivery of all of the images, on a usb drive. *I also offer a videographer, a second photographer, engagement sessions, wedding albums, and prints. If you’re looking for those, let me know and I’ll be happy to provide rates on those.

What’s included
  • photography
  • editing
  • sneak peeks
  • downloadable online gallery
  • final delivery on usb drive

6 hours

6 hours

Peak pricing $1,725

Description

All of the important stuff, without all of the filler. This is my most popular package. *have a unique need? request a custom quote! *All quotes include photography, editing, and digital delivery and final delivery of all of the images, on a usb drive. *I also offer a videographer, a second photographer, engagement sessions, wedding albums, and prints. If you’re looking for those, let me know and I’ll be happy to provide rates on those.

What’s included
  • Photography
  • Editing
  • Sneak peeks
  • Downloadable online gallery
  • Final delivery on usb drive

Full Day Flat Rate

Peak pricing $2,175

Description

Full coverage of your day, all of the details, from the first moment you want captured, until the end of the night. *have a unique need? request a custom quote! *All quotes include photography, editing, and digital delivery and final delivery of all of the images, on a usb drive. *I also offer a videographer, a second photographer, engagement sessions, wedding albums, and prints. If you’re looking for those, let me know and I’ll be happy to provide rates on those.

What’s included
  • Photography
  • Editing
  • Sneak peeks
  • Downloadable online gallery
  • Final delivery on usb drive

Reviews

Write a review
Rating: 5.0

5.0 out of 5

13 reviews

  • WW

    Whitney W.

    Rating: 5
    Dec 17, 2025

    Whitneyan Nikolay Wedding

    Dean MacKay Photography was a fantastic choice for our wedding photographer. Their communication style was really great - they went above and beyond in working closely with us, the bride and groom, to ensure all our photography needs were met. The quality of their work was absolutely beautiful, as Dean took close to 2,000 stunning photos that perfectly captured our special day. From the rehearsal to the wedding ceremony and reception, Dean accommodated every request we had, showing up early and even staying a little longer to make sure they got all the shots we wanted. The price and quality of their services were extremely well worth it, and we highly recommend Dean MacKay Photography to any couple planning their wedding.

    Dean MacKayDec 25, 2025

    Thank you for the kind words. I strive for clear communication, to understand what you want, and to capture it all. And, I had fun, too!

  • AK

    April K.

    Rating: 5
    Feb 23, 2025

    The Best There Is!

    Dean MacKay Photography has been such a joy to work with! Our wedding was back in May 2024, and with a reception do-over happening very soon (due to illness-driven reasons), we are looking forward to working with him again! Dean's communication is timely, professional, and always makes sure his clients' requests are completed (reasonably). Dean puts all of his energy in making sure magical moments are captured along with getting moments that are timeless and elegant. He was absolutely phenomenal to have as our wedding photographer and even got photos of things we don't remember happening! In making sure our special day is everything we could imagine, it was super sweet to meet and discuss locations, ideal shots, and more leading up to the big day (which made the wedding day a bit less stressful). Dean is also very reasonable for travel! If you are looking for someone to make your day feel special and candid, he is your guy!

  • DT

    Daisy & T.

    Rating: 5
    Jan 3, 2025

    Dean is Thee Absolute Best!

    Dean is an amazing Photographer! Working with him is a pleasure! He is focused, knowledgeable and any couple or vendor will be thankful to work with him. His work speaks for itself.

  • MG

    matthew g.

    Rating: 5
    Dec 18, 2024

    Dean MacKay Photography

    We could not have been happier with Dean MacKay Photography! From our very first interaction, Dean was receptive to our suggestions and highly communicative, ensuring we were on the same page every step of the way. On the day of the wedding, he was kind, diligent, and punctual - qualities that really shone through in the amazing photos he captured. Dean did a great job of taking many beautiful, creative shots while also fulfilling our specific requests for certain photos all the while blending into the background whenever possible. We are thrilled with the final product and would highly recommend Dean MacKay Photography to any couple looking for an exceptional wedding photographer.

  • H

    Hannah

    Rating: 5
    Dec 5, 2024

    Above and Beyond

    Dean MacKay Photography was an incredible choice for our wedding photography. From the very beginning, their communication was clear, punctual, and consistent, which put us at ease throughout the entire planning process. The quality of their work was truly stunning - personal, detailed, and capturing all the special moments of our day. They were communicative and thorough, providing a level of service that felt like they were a friend of the family. The personal touch and great value they offered made them the perfect fit, and we are thrilled with the beautiful photos that will allow us to relive our wedding day for years to come. Dean photographed both my bridal shower and my wedding. I felt at ease knowing he was taking the photos. I truly wanted and his editing was immaculate. Everything was delivered on time, and as I was delivered photos, he kept me in constant communication when the rest would be delivered. I cannot recommend enough. I no longer live in California, but would happily pay to have him fly to photograph any event I may have in the future.


I'll suggest adding a second photographer, depending upon your needs. If the couple are getting ready in spaces that are far from each other and you want coverage about, you may need one. If you want photos of cocktail hour at the same time as family formals and couple photos are scheduled, you may need one. If you are having a large wedding and want coverage of the ceremony from more than one angle, you may need a second photographer. With proper planning, I can, and have handled weddings of all size, by myself.
It includes as many hours as you need up to an entire day! I've had people request as many as 14 hours of coverage. I enjoy being part of your whole day and capturing the full experience, so if you're looking for 8 hours or more, I highly recommend this package.
I personally go through all the photos making adjustments to color, lighting, saturation, sharpness, etc. I also will convert some to black and white. Often, I go through them more than once to ensure that they are the best that I possibly can make them. I welcome any suggestions you want to offer. I want you to happy with the results and incorporate these suggestions into my work. If more intensive "photoshop" type work is needed, I can sometimes do that as well, but occasionally it may require an additional fee.
When the work is completed and to your liking, I will deliver a USB thumb drive contain jpeg versions of the edited photos, as well as those I did not edit. In most cases the unedited photos are other versions of those which I edited, but may not be of satisfactory quality either in content (eye closed, unattractive expression, etc.), or for technical reasons (flash misfire, exposure error, etc.) RAW files can be delivered, upon request, but that may require an additional fee as those files are larger and a USB drive and the appropriate shipping, may not be satisfactory. You paid for these photos, you should have them all!
When videography services are needed, as well, I can find you one that meets your needs, and budget, and partner with them, putting everything in one tidy package.
I do! I love it when I can get to know a client prior to their wedding. I also understand that not every client is looking for these things, so they are not included in my packages. I do, however, offer discounted rates when they are booked with the wedding. If you're interested in those things, let me know and i'll be happy to provide more details.
I do! I love the book making process, and seeing images in print. I also understand that not every client is looking for these things, so they are not included in my packages. I do, however, work to keep those costs to minimum charging you only for the time it takes. If you're interested in those things, let me know and i'll be happy to provide more details.
I will deliver some "sneak peeks" within a week. At that point, I will open a "gallery" for you and populate as I make progress. Depending upon how busy I am, it can take between 4 - 12 weeks to complete the editing process.
You can expect between 50 to 100 images per hour of photographing. That being said, I neither promise a certain number, nor limit the number that you will receive.
Yes. If there is one, and I'm available, I will attend your rehearsal. I find that it's helpful to walk through the ceremony with everyone involved, so that I can put myself in a position to capture the best photos and all of the important moments, as you want them.
All rates include the photography, editing, and digital delivery via my website, as well as final delivery of all images, on a USB thumb drive. They also includes a consultation either in person or over FaceTime (or something similar), and attendance at the rehearsal. I find the consultation, which usually takes place in two parts, to be one of the most important things to our success. It includes a phone call to go over all of the details of the day. I want to know everything that's happening and who is involved, so that I can be sure to capture it. In also includes a meeting, at the location of the wedding, if at all possible.
Many of my travel markets are areas where I have family and friends, so I can keep costs like hotels, rental cars, and flights, to a minimum. If you're in one of these areas, and I invite you to "inquire", I'll be honest about those expenses and will work to include them in my standard rates, or only just slightly above, if at all possible.
My payment structure is 1/3 up front, along with a signed contract. The second 1/3 is due one month prior to the event, and the final 1/3 is due upon completion of the online gallery prior to any changes.
I prefer Zelle and Venmo. I can accept PayPal and even set up an invoice through Stripe, for an additional fee of 3%, to cover their costs.