re: Going price for wedding photographer?

That price is about right. As other people said, I found the most valuable thing having copyrights to the photos. I got like six packs of CDs full of my pics with copyright releases from the photog in them.

Also consider whether they will charge you for travel, etc. My package included engagements, bridals, rehearsal/dinner and the entire wedding day (probably about 12 hours because she showed up for EVERYTHING). She didn't charge me to travel from LC to BR for bridals either. She's going to Houston for my sister's.

If you really need to cut, you can always not do engagements or bridals and just look for a day-of package.