Nicole Kilday Photography

•Ratings include Zola and Google reviews

Full wedding (ceremony and reception) pricing

Prices start at $5,499

Elopement pricing

Prices start at $1,450

About Nicole Kilday Photography

Nicole Kilday Photography

Illinois Wedding Photographer

Illinois Wedding Photographer — documentary and candid photography for couples getting married in McHenry County, Northern Illinois, Chicagoland, Lake Geneva, Southern Wisconsin, and destinations since 2016. I photograph your memories as proof — that you were here, that you loved, and that every moment mattered. Documentary. Candid. Editorial. 124+ weddings, 180+ families, 10 years in. Raw-hearted and real. I'm not active on Zola — reach me directly at my website.

Quality over quantity — 10 to 12 weddings per year, max. This is how every couple gets 110% of me. Third-generation photographer. Photography ran through my family before it ran through my career. I'm ordained — I can legally sign your marriage license. Courthouse and elopement packages available. I'm more than a photographer on your day. Emergency seamstress, baby holder, wedding party wrangler, timeline backup, transportation — whatever the day needs. Empath first. Friend first. I read rooms, people, and energy all at once. Paying attention is the whole point. 40+ five-star reviews across all platforms.

Services

Services

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

Photo formats

  • Digital

Deliverables

  • Digital files
  • Online gallery

Reviews

Write a review
Rating: 5.0

5.0 out of 5

19 reviews

  • AH

    Amber H.

    Rating: 5
    •Zola
    •Aug 23, 2025

    Nicole is THE BEST

    Nicole Kilday Photography was the perfect choice for our wedding! From start to finish, Nicole’s communication was flawless—always on top of things and incredibly responsive. The quality of her work is stunning: creative, timeless, and truly a work of art. If you are looking for a photographer who has fun with you, helps you step out of your comfort zone, and creates wonderful images to last a lifetime, Nicole Kilday Photography is the one. She makes the entire experience easy, enjoyable, and unforgettable—while delivering photos that are truly works of art. Nicole was so helpful with timeline planning and keeping our lively group in order. She’s down to earth, really listens to your needs and wants, and makes sure every special moment is captured beautifully. Her support both before and during the wedding went above and beyond—we could always count on her for anything we needed. We are so grateful to have had Nicole as part of our day and couldn’t recommend her more highly!

  • MF

    Mallory F.

    Rating: 5
    •Zola
    •Aug 5, 2025

    Since 2017

    Nicole has been behind the lens for my family and I since 2017. From boudoir, to 4 crazy dog portraits, our wedding, gender reveals and back, she’s been our Go-To Gal. The amount of passion and purpose she puts in is unmatched. She doesn’t just show up, snap some pictures and send an invoice. Nicole puts in time and effort to get to know you, your dogs, your family and your story.

    Nicole Kilday•Aug 7, 2025

    I love you guys so much! How time flies. Thank you for being such a rock on this journey & entrusting me with so many seasons of life. To many many many more!

  • AB

    Alison Blumenthal

    Rating: 5
    •Google
    •Sep 3, 2026

    I honestly don’t even know where to start because I love this woman and her work so much. She’s been my friend for many years, but that’s not why I chose her to photograph my wedding. As a photographer myself, I’ve always admired her style, her vision, and the way she captures moments. I truly wouldn’t have wanted anyone else to capture this season of our lives. I can’t wait for our wedding day and to have her there with us to capture all the moments we’ll get to cherish forever.

    Nicole Kilday Photography•Sep 8, 2026

    Alle — I don't even know how to respond to this without crying a little. You've watched me grow into this work, and hearing that from another photographer — means so much more than you know. Getting to be behind the camera for you and Hunter during this season is such an honor & I cannot wait for your wedding day!! 🥹

  • KS

    Kamryn Smith

    Rating: 5
    •Google
    •Apr 3, 2026

    Nicole is such a sweet person. My husband and I are both shy and introverted and she had us laughing and posing like pros in no time. She is very good at what she does, I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to work with her.

    Nicole Kilday Photography•May 12, 2026

    Kamryn, this genuinely made my whole day. You and your husband were so easy to be around — honestly, introverts are my people. There's something really special that happens when someone lets their guard down and just is themselves in front of the camera. That's the whole point. So glad you trusted me with that. 🥹

  • DB

    David Babb

    Rating: 5
    •Google
    •Apr 3, 2026

    after searching long and far for the right type of photography, my wife and I found a diamond in Nicole! She brought the classic and creative taste that we looked for and enjoyed working with her from engagement photos to our wedding day. Nicole went above and beyond to help us both personally and professionally. Could not give a higher recommendation than her!

    Nicole Kilday Photography•May 12, 2026

    David, you and Nina were such a joy — from your engagement session all the way to the wedding day. The fact that you two searched that hard and still landed here means everything to me. Thank you for trusting me with both chapters. Wishing you guys all of it. 🤍

Preferred vendors of Nicole Kilday Photography

Venue
The Venue at Goebbert's
Pingree Grove, IL
Quick responder
Venue
The District
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)
Richmond, IL
Starts at $6,000
Venue
Kilbuck Creek
Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)
Monroe Center, IL
Venue
The Ellery
Reach out through the contact form on my website. Tell me your date, location, and what you're looking for — and I'll get back to you within 48 business hours. If it's a "heck yes, it's you we want, Nicole" situation: a signed contract and 40% non-refundable retainer officially lock your date on my calendar.
A 40% non-refundable retainer is due at booking, alongside a signed contract. The remaining balance is split into two equal payments: one at the midpoint between your booking date and your event, and the final payment due one week prior to your date. For The First Year Collection, the remaining balance is split into three equal payments — one due one week before each of your three sessions.
Yes — always. Nicole Kilday Photography is a solo brand. I am the photographer at every single wedding and session I book, from the first email to the final gallery delivery. A second photographer is available as an add-on, but they are there in support of me — not as a replacement.
In nearly a decade of photographing weddings, I have never missed one — and I don't intend to start. I carry full insurance, redundant gear, and maintain a trusted network of photographers who could step in if a true emergency ever happened. You will not be left without a photographer on your wedding day.
Yes — as an add-on (flat fee for the entire contracted time on a single event date). Most weddings are documented solo, which creates a more present, less scripted experience. A second photographer is a preference, not a requirement, and makes the most sense for larger days, split locations, or tighter timelines. Every second photographer I bring is hand-selected — trusted industry friends or photographers I've personally trained. You're not getting a stranger.
Local wedding photography (within 60 miles of Hebron, IL) starts at $4,795 for 6 hours of coverage — this is the Full Story collection. You can view full pricing details on my website. Travel weddings 61–250 miles away start at $5,745 for 6 hours. Destination weddings 251+ miles start at $6,745 for 6 hours with all-inclusive travel. All collections are adjustable from 6–12 hours at $365/hour. Weekday courthouse weddings and elopements start at $1,450 for 2 hours. Add-ons across all wedding collections: Additional continuous coverage — $365/hour, Second photographer — $825 flat fee, Welcome/rehearsal dinner coverage (up to 2 hours) — $1,450.
Every tier of The Full Story includes: all-day wedding photography coverage, a complimentary engagement session (Monday–Thursday only — Friday through Sunday are reserved for weddings) or a complimentary additional coverage hour — you choose at booking. Also included: sneak peeks within 7 days, full print release, Print Shop access, and full gallery delivery within 4–16 weeks. Travel and destination tiers include accommodations (hotel and, for destination, flights and transportation) built into the starting rate. The complimentary engagement session must take place within 60 miles — travel beyond that radius is available with a travel fee.
6–10 hours covers the range of most weddings. For intimate settings and micro-weddings, 6 hours is solid. For a larger gathering in one location, 8 hours is the standard. For church ceremonies, multiple getting-ready locations, or weddings spanning different venues, 10 hours is often the better fit. I recommend starting with less and building from there — we'll put together your photography timeline together, and we can always add time as the day takes shape.
Documentary. Candid. Editorial — and whatever a specific moment needs. The through-line is "paying attention." Each scene gets a unique perspective to tell a true story. Editing style is vibrant, true-to-life, film-adjacent, and nostalgic — deep hues consistent with the reality of a scene, slightly punchy. I edit for the emotion of an image overall, not just what looks polished on a screen. View my portfolio & full galleries on my website.
Yes — a complimentary engagement session or a complimentary additional hour of wedding day coverage is included with every wedding collection. You choose which at booking. Engagement sessions take place Monday–Thursday only — Friday through Sunday are reserved for weddings. The session must take place within 60 miles of Hebron, IL — if you'd like it outside that radius, travel is available with a travel fee. Standalone engagement sessions for non-wedding clients book as The Warm-Up, starting at $725/hour (Monday–Thursday only).
Yes — easy answer. The Full Story collection travels. Destination weddings (251+ miles from Hebron, IL) start at $6,745 for 6 hours of coverage with all-inclusive travel (flights, hotel, transportation) built in. I've photographed all over the Midwest and beyond — Ohio, Michigan, Tennessee, the East Coast, Martha's Vineyard, and out West. If you're dreaming of it, we can talk about it.
A rough rule of thumb is around 50 edited images per hour of coverage. An 8-hour wedding typically comes back with 400–800+ final images. I don't cap deliverables — every wedding is different, and I don't cut images to hit a number. If it's worth keeping, it's in your gallery.
I'm lighting-agnostic. Harsh midday sun, pitch-black reception halls, deep backlit shadows — none of that is a problem. It's just a different puzzle to solve. Praise the highlights. Utilize the shadows.
Sneak peeks arrive within the first week after your wedding. Full gallery delivery is within 4–16 weeks depending on the season — my average turnaround runs around 6–8 weeks. You'll never be left wondering where your photos are.
Your images are backed up from the moment they're created. I shoot with cameras that utilize dual card slots — every image is saved to two memory cards simultaneously as I take it. Once home, images are backed up again in redundant storage systems. I also carry multiple camera bodies, lenses, and emergency backup gear to every wedding. Your memories are safe.
Yes — fully insured with professional liability coverage. Many venues require proof of photographer insurance; I can provide that documentation as needed.

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