Booking a wedding photographer isn’t just about the photos—it’s about the experience, the support, and the clarity you get before, during, and after your day. But with so many different photographers offering different packages and price points, it can be hard to know exactly what you’re paying for.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s typically included in a professional wedding photography package—and what you should ask before you book.
What’s Commonly Included in a Wedding Photography Package
1. Coverage Hours
Most packages are based on the number of hours your photographer will be present on your wedding day. This can range from 4 hours (for elopements or micro weddings) to 10+ hours for full-day coverage.
Ask: How many hours of continuous coverage are included? Can we add hours if needed?
2. Edited High-Resolution Images
You’ll receive a curated selection of fully edited images delivered in high-resolution format for printing, and often web-size versions for easy sharing.
Ask: How many photos will we receive? Are they retouched? Are they watermarked?
3. Online Gallery
Most photographers deliver your final images through a password-protected online gallery that you can download, share, and print from.
Ask: How long will the gallery be available? Can guests access it?
4. Timeline Consultation & Planning Support
Experienced photographers often help you craft a custom photo timeline to ensure everything flows smoothly and is captured in the best light.
Ask: Do you help us build the photo timeline? Will you coordinate with our planner?
5. Pre-Wedding Consultation
A planning call or questionnaire is often included to understand your priorities, photo requests, and the unique vibe of your celebration.
Ask: Will we connect before the wedding to discuss details? Can we request certain shots or people?
6. Second Photographer (sometimes optional)
For larger weddings or events with multiple locations, a second shooter can ensure broader coverage.
Ask: Is a second photographer included or available as an add-on?
7. Travel Fees (if applicable)
Some photographers include local travel in their pricing, while destination weddings may incur additional fees for flights, lodging, and transportation.
Ask: Are travel fees included? What destinations do you serve?
8. Print Rights or Usage License
Most photographers include personal usage rights so you can print and share your photos. Be sure to check whether you’re allowed to submit them to blogs or publications.
Ask: Are print rights included? Can we use the photos freely for personal use?
9. Optional Add-Ons
Depending on the photographer, you may be able to add on extras such as:
- Engagement sessions
- Rehearsal dinner or welcome party coverage
- Wedding albums or prints
- Sneak peeks or expedited delivery
Ask: What add-ons are available, and can we customize a package?
What’s Included in My Wedding Packages
While every photographer structures their offerings differently, here’s what you can expect when working with me:
- 8 to 10+ hours of coverage, and multi-day coverage depending on the collection
- Fully edited, high-resolution images delivered in an online gallery
- Timeline creation and planning support
- Personal usage rights
- Optional second photographer
- Travel included
But what’s not always visible in a bullet point list is the depth of support and time investment that goes into every wedding I document.
Pre-Wedding Planning & Support
From the moment you book, I’m here not just as your photographer—but as a creative partner. You’ll receive:
- A detailed onboarding questionnaire to help me understand your priorities, style, and story
- Guidance on how to structure your timeline for the best light and the least stress
- Help identifying photo opportunities you may not have considered (like golden hour portraits, private vows, or first looks with family)
- Advice on styling, wardrobe, and how to prep for portraits
- Ongoing communication and check-ins leading up to the day
If you don’t have a planner, I can help fill in those gaps for the photo portion of the day. And if you do, I’ll collaborate closely with your planning team to make sure everything runs smoothly.
What Goes Into Editing & Refining
The work doesn’t stop after your wedding. In fact, editing and refining your gallery often takes 80+ hours of focused post-production time. Here’s what that includes:
- Culling thousands of raw images to select the most meaningful moments
- Carefully editing each selected photo by hand—this includes color grading, distraction removal, tone balancing, and retouching when needed (such as removing temporary blemishes or background clutter)
- Ensuring a consistent, cohesive look across the entire gallery that reflects your location, lighting, and the mood of the day
- Storyboarding your gallery so that it flows like a narrative from beginning to end
- Preparing web and high-resolution files, uploading to your online gallery, and formatting for easy sharing
This process is meticulous for a reason: I want your gallery to feel timeless, artistic, and emotionally resonant—something you’ll come back to again and again.
Final Tips: What to Ask Before You Book
Before booking your photographer, here are a few final questions worth asking:
- What’s your turnaround time for the full gallery?
- Do you offer sneak peeks?
- How do you back up and protect our images?
- What happens if you can’t photograph our wedding due to illness or emergency?
- Can we see a full gallery of a wedding similar to ours?
Ready to Chat?
If you’re looking for a photographer who brings a calm, editorial eye and a documentary approach—and who helps you feel comfortable every step of the way—I’d love to hear more about your plans.
Reach out here to inquire about availability and collections.
