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While photography remains the most popular way to capture wedding day memories, many couples are opting for live painting instead. Live painting is a unique service that captures the emotions and energy of the event as it unfolds, resulting in a one-of-a-kind piece of art that can be enjoyed for years.
A live wedding painter costs between $1,000 to $3,000 depending on the artist’s experience, the complexity of the painting, and the wedding location. Travel and material costs can also add up, pushing the total price tag higher.
Get quotes from multiple artists before hiring a live wedding painter to compare costs for your area.
Although the initial investment might be higher than traditional wedding photography, a live wedding painting is a unique way to commemorate your special day. Read on as I explore everything you need to know about live wedding painting, including what live painting entails, factors that affect price, and how to find the right artist for your big day.
Cost of Having a Live Wedding Painter
Before hiring a live wedding painter, it’s essential to understand the factors that affect its cost. This will help you budget for this unique service and ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. Here are some of the most critical ones:
The Artist’s Experience
The artist’s level of experience is one of the biggest factors affecting cost. A seasoned artist who has been painting for years will charge more than a novice artist that’s just starting out.
However, an experienced artist will likely provide a higher quality painting and be more efficient in their work. They will also be better equipped to handle challenges like bad lighting or a difficult angle.
The Complexity of the Painting
Generally, a complex painting with lots of detail will cost more than a simple painting with fewer elements. For example, a painting with many people will be more complex and expensive than a painting with just the couple.
The size of the canvas can also affect price, with larger canvases typically costing more. A bigger canvas costs more and requires more materials, but it also gives the artist more room to capture all the details of the wedding.
If you have a specific vision for your live wedding painting, discuss it with the artist beforehand so they can give you an accurate quote. Ask the painter the number of people they include in their package price, what size canvas they use, and how many hours of painting time are included.
Wedding Location
The location of the wedding will also contribute to the cost of the painting. Wedding locations closer to metro areas will typically be more expensive than those in rural areas. This is because painters living in or near cities have a higher cost of living and therefore charge more for their services.
If you’re planning a destination wedding, remember that the artist will likely need to cover their travel expenses in addition to the cost of the painting. This can significantly add to the overall price, so ask the artist about their travel policy before booking.
Date and Time
This one might seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. The date and time you book the artist will affect the cost of the painting. Artists typically charge more on weekends, as these are the busiest days for weddings. Saturday is the most expensive day to wed and ultimately the costliest to book a live wedding painter.
If you’re flexible with your date, consider booking for a weekday or Sunday. You might also be able to get a discount by booking for an off-peak wedding season, like winter or early spring.
This is just one of the many reasons how a weekday wedding can save you money. Read more about weekday wedding cost savings here.
Medium and Materials
Whether you’d like an oil painting, acrylic portrait, or watercolor masterpiece will have an effect on the price. This is due to how long it takes to work with that medium and the cost of materials. Oil paint takes a really long time to dry and is not usually a preferred medium for live paintings. So if you have your heart set on an oil painting, that will cost the most. Acrylic is similar-looking to oil and dries much faster. The paints are also less expensive. Watercolor is the least expensive since the paintings can usually be rendered extremely quickly and painted on paper instead of canvas.
What Is Live Wedding Painting?
Live wedding painting is a form of event entertainment in which an artist captures the energy and emotions of your wedding day as it unfolds through a live painting.
The painter will bring their own supplies, including a canvas, paints, and brushes. They will set up their easel in a spot with a good view of the wedding ceremony and reception and begin to paint.
During the wedding ceremony, the painter will capture the couple’s expressions as they exchange vows. They will also paint other key moments, like the first kiss or the lighting of the unity candle. As the reception gets underway, the painter will continue to work, capturing the joy of the guests as they dance and mingle.
At the end of the night, the newlyweds will have a one-of-a-kind piece of art they can hang in their home as a daily reminder of their special day, all the beautiful moments that unfolded, and the people who were there to celebrate with them.
To learn more ways how to make your wedding a special event, read my article on 15 Ways to Make Your Wedding More Memorable.
How To Find a Live Wedding Painter
Finding a live wedding painter who fits your style, budget, and availability is the trickiest part of the process. Luckily, there are a few tips to make your search easier.
Ask Your Venue for Recommendations
Many venues have a list of preferred vendors, including live wedding painters. This is a great place to start your search, as the venue will only recommend vendors they’ve worked with before and know to be reputable.
Search Online for Live Wedding Painters in Your Area
Once you have a few options, look at their websites and social media pages to get a feel for their style. Make sure the artist’s portfolio showcases paintings you like, as this will give you an idea of what to expect from your own painting. Etsy actually has a large selection of live painters to choose from.
Read Reviews From Past Clients
This is one of the best ways to gauge an artist’s quality and customer service. Look for reviews on the artist’s website and wedding vendor directories like The Knot or WeddingWire. You can also Google the artist to find previous projects and events they’ve worked on.
Schedule a Consultation
Once you’ve narrowed your options, reach out to the artists you’re considering and schedule a consultation. This is your chance to ask questions, see examples of their work in person, and get a feel for their personality. It’s also an opportunity for the artist to get a sense of your wedding vision and give you a more accurate quote.
Compare Quotes and Book the Artist
After your consultations, you should have a good idea of which artist you’d like to book. Compare their quotes and ensure you’re comfortable with the price before signing a contract.
Weddings are already expensive, so you might be hesitant to spend another few thousand dollars on a painting. However, if you go for the lowest bid, you might end up with a not-so-happy reminder of your special day.
Ready to purchase?
Did you know that you can find a live wedding painter on Etsy? Take a look at the amazing live painters at reasonable prices available here. Type your location at the end of “live wedding painting” for painters in your area. For example “Live wedding painting New York City” gives me a ton of results in my area. And I see plenty of options for places like Ohio, Illinois, Florida, Arizona, etc. I can compare photos and prices in no time at all and message the painter for availability.
Final Thoughts
Live wedding paintings are a unique way to commemorate your special day. The cost of a live wedding painter can vary depending on several factors, but you can expect to pay between $1,000 to $3,000 for most packages.
When searching for an artist, ask for recommendations from your venue, search online for local artists, read reviews from past clients, and schedule a consultation. The best way to save money on booking a live wedding painter is to have flexibility with date, time, and location.
Looking for other unique touches of luxury for your wedding? Try serving steak, lobster, or even having fireworks!
