Wedding photograhpy pricing?

what are the guidelines, or questions I should ask a prospective wedding photographer, and what is the going rate? Per hour? Added fees I should expect? We are needing someone reasonable but who does a good job.

Okay, as a professional photographer, here is what you need to do:
1. Schedule a meeting with the photographers (more than 1!)
2. Ask to see some of their work (does is look like it was taken in the last 2 years, do you see more than 5 weddings?)
3. Ask for references (do not be afraid to ask for references, and you should ask for at least 3)
4. Find out pricing on everything you think you will want. I offer wedding packages that include engagement and/or bridal sittings, albums, parent albums, additional prints, cd's, dvd slideshows, all sorts of stuff.
5. What is there curfew. Mine is 10pm. After that, it is $150 per hour later than 15 min over.
6. How many photographers do they have?
7. Do they have backup equipment?
8. What happens if they are sick (wedding photographers in my area step up and help one another in the event of an emergency, does yours?)
9. What is the payment schedule and when is deposit and balance due?
10. Do they allow other photographers? (I don't unless they purchase the rights to the images. I make money off of the pictures I take and if a shutterbug with a professional camera is behind my back taking the same pics, I ask them to stop, it's in my contract that I can).
11. Travel expense. Do you have to pay extra for going a little out of their way?

Keep in mind you will need to set aside a time when your photographer can take a break. Usually this is when everyone else is eating at the reception. Also find out if your photographer can take some of the formals before the wedding. I usually take the ones of the bridal party and the grooms party before the wedding, this helps shorten the time after the ceremony when the bride and groom just want to get to the reception.

Theres by the hour, and theres also a flat rate for a whole day. There shouldnt be any hidden fees; just the downpayment and the bottom line.
Ask about their equipment, film or digital, what happens if they suddenly cannot do the work. Ask how they would describe their work.
You are looking for someone reasonable, but dont forget to look at their work. If you love one photographer but they cost a little more, its worth it in my opinion. Photography is one area you dont want to skimp on.

my mom does weddings shes pretty cheap. i think its like $1500 for it all not by the hour..lol shes really good at it. you can go to her website and check it out. its www.picturetrail.com/serendipityphotogra...

most photographers have packages with set prices that include certain services and particular shots rather than an hourly rate. They then have additional fees for services you want that are not covered by the package.

Ask how they charge. Ask what is included in their package. Ask what their turn around time is (great rates don't work if you never get the pictures back). Ask to see their portfolio with emphasis on wedding shots.

Ask your friends who they used and if you like get 3 estimates from 3 different photographers whose work you like.