Saw this earlier but just getting to it now. If you're shooting a wedding in a tight spot, that 85mm is gonna feel like a telescope. The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art for Sony E is legendary for portraits but it's a lot of glass to carry all day. The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art for Sony E is more practical for crowded reception areas or small bridal suites. Since you're on a $1k budget, definitely check the used market. You can often find a Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art for around $800 if you're lucky. Another solid budget move is the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8. It's not an Art lens, but the autofocus is snappy and it's basically half the price. Saves you money for other gear which you'll probably need for a wedding anyway. The 50mm is the safer bet for versatility tho.

^ This. Also, UrbanVolt is spot on about the wrist pain. I shot a wedding at a tiny venue in Belltown last year and by hour six, my arm was basically dead from lugging around heavy glass. You really have to be careful with those big Art primes in tight spaces. Since you're worried about the Seattle squeeze, I might want to suggest the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Sony E instead. It's way easier to work with when you're backed into a corner during the ceremony or trying to get shots in a cramped bridal suite. If you want the best bang for your buck, I'd honestly look for a used Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Sony E. It stays right around your $1k limit if you shop around. Having that zoom range is a total game changer when you can't physically move your feet in a crowded reception area. Just make sure to check the serial number to ensure it's a newer copy without the dust issues some of the early ones had. Quick tip: Rent the lens for a weekend before you buy. It's way cheaper to lose fifty bucks on a rental than a grand on a lens that feels like a boat anchor by the end of the night.

Honestly, I was pretty disappointed with how those big Art lenses handled during a long event last year. My wrist was killing me by the reception and unfortunately, they are just too bulky for me to recommend for a full day. While the glass is incredible, the weight of the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Sony E is just a lot when you are moving through a crowded Seattle venue. If you are worried about space and budget, you might actually prefer something from their I-series instead. It sounds crazy to go for a slower aperture, but they are way more practical for real-world use.

• Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Sony E - basically the perfect middle ground between 50 and 85
• Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary Sony E - tiny, sharp, and wont break the bank I found the autofocus on the 65mm surprisingly snappy for weddings... it saves a ton of space in the bag too. Youll definitely appreciate the lighter kit after eight hours on your feet. Good luck with the wedding!