I'm in Massachusettes and the average price for photographers around here is also in the 2,000 range. We lucked out though and found a really great photographer that offered a package of 1,575 w/ tax. In this package we get: 8 hours of coverage, 120 proofs in a proof album, 20 8*10s in an Art Leather Co. album, a 16*20 framed portrait and the picture for the newspaper. We have the option of changing any pictures to black and white or sepia at no extra charge and they don't charge anything extra for traveling to more than one location. We can also order additional prints such as sheets of wallets, 3*4s, 4*6s, 5*7s, 8*10s, ect...at very resonable prices.
But I deffinately agree with matt_so ~ I would not give them all the money upfront. I don't understand why they are requiring that just because the computer crashed. Is it because of keeping records? Because if so, why can't they kick it old-school for awhile and keep hand written records? lol That just seems a little odd to me. Our photographer only required us to put down 300 to hold our date and the balance is due 4 weeks before the wedding. Whatever you decide, make sure you get a recipt girl ~ and my future father-in-law suggested that we pay for everything with a check when at all possible ~ that way we have like a second recipt for things.