Photography Studios NAICS 541921

Nov 19, 2025 - Wedding Forecast Shows Decline

• An updated forecast from The Wedding Report projects 1,981,201 weddings in the US in 2025, a 1.5% decrease over 2024; wedding clients are a key customer segment for photography studios. An estimated 1,950,839 weddings are projected in 2026, and an estimated 1,890,110 weddings are expected by 2028. According to the report, the decline reflects a gradual normalization following the post-pandemic wedding surge, affected by demographic shifts and changing life priorities. States where weddings are expected to grow during the 2023-2028 forecast period include Utah (9.6%), Montana (7.5%), and Nevada (3.7%), while Louisiana (30.7%), New Mexico (17%), and Maryland (13%) are expected to experience declines.
• US consumer sentiment weakened in October and November 2025, raising concerns for photography studios that rely on discretionary spending. The University of Michigan’s Index of Consumer Sentiment fell 6.2% month-over-month to 50.3, nearly 30% below last year, while the Expectations Index dropped 36.3% annually to 49. Inflation expectations rose to 4.7% for the year ahead, and the Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index slipped to 94.6, with short-term expectations down to 71.5. With more than half of consumers anticipating higher interest rates, households are likely to delay or scale back non-essential services such as professional portraits, event photography, and studio sessions. For photography studios, this environment points to softer demand, tighter booking volumes, and heightened price sensitivity. At the same time, budget-conscious clients may shift toward lower-cost packages or digital-only offerings, intensifying competition and pressuring margins across the sector.

• According to a report in PetaPixel, a rising trend in AI-generated pre-wedding photography, fueled by Google’s Gemini 2.5 Flash Image model, allows couples to create elaborate engagement photos in exotic locations, without travel or traditional photography services. By uploading a clear image and using text prompts, users can generate customized visuals that reflect personal style and cultural identity. While some studios, such as Photomotion Indonesia, are integrating AI to enhance offerings, the technology poses a disruptive threat to conventional wedding photography. The trend signals a pivotal shift in consumer expectations and service delivery for photography services. As AI tools become more accessible and sophisticated, studios must adapt by incorporating digital capabilities or risk losing relevance. Embracing AI-enhanced workflows could unlock new revenue streams and creative flexibility, while resisting change may lead to declining demand for traditional services.
• According to the Consumer Price Index, pricing for photographers and photo processing services declined 3% in August 2025 year over year and fell 0.8% compared to the previous month. Employment by photographic services fell 3.2% in July 2025 compared to a year ago, according to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The decline continues an overall employment decline over the past decade. Employment by photographic services dropped 12.7% in the past 10 years, compared to 13% growth in overall private employment. Wages at other professional, scientific, and technical services, which include photography studios, grew 8.3% in July 2025 year over year to $36.59 per hour.