Wedding Photography Packages: How to Choose the Best Fit for Your Day

Choosing the right wedding photography package doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With so many options, add-ons, and pricing tiers out there, it’s easy to get lost in the details—but once you understand what to look for and what truly matters to you, the process becomes much more straightforward (and even exciting). Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and choosing the right coverage means every meaningful moment is thoughtfully and beautifully preserved.

Whether you’re planning a small elopement, a classic full-day celebration, or a multi-day wedding weekend, this guide will help you find a package that fits your priorities, budget, and overall vision for the day.

1. Determine Your Wedding Day Coverage Needs

Every couple’s wedding day is different, so it’s important to think about the size, pace, and overall flow of your celebration when deciding how much coverage you’ll need. Are you planning a quick elopement, a full-day affair, or an extended weekend with multiple events? Your timeline—and the number of events you’d like documented—will help determine which package makes the most sense.

• Small & Intimate Weddings (4–6 Hours):
  Perfect for elopements, courthouse weddings, or micro-weddings with a more relaxed schedule. This typically includes coverage of the ceremony, a couple’s portrait session, and a portion of the reception. It’s a great fit for couples keeping things simple and who don’t need getting-ready or late-night coverage.
• Traditional Weddings (8–10 Hours):
  This is the most popular option and typically offers full-day coverage—from getting ready in the morning through your ceremony, portraits, reception highlights, and grand exit. It’s ideal for couples who want a well-rounded gallery that captures every major moment of the day without feeling rushed.
• Luxury or Multi-Day Weddings (12+ Hours or Multiple Days):
  If your celebration includes multiple events—such as a welcome dinner, cultural ceremonies, or a farewell brunch—this level of coverage ensures no part of your wedding weekend goes undocumented. It’s a great option for destination weddings or large-scale celebrations where storytelling goes beyond just one day.

Still not sure how much coverage is right for you? Ask your photographer to walk you through a sample timeline based on your vision. They can help break down what each hour typically includes and how to prioritize coverage for the moments that matter most.

2. Decide If You Want Additional Sessions

While your wedding day will provide the core of your photo story, many photographers offer additional sessions that add depth, variety, and personality to your final gallery. These sessions give you more time in front of the camera, allow for different backdrops or outfits, and help you feel more relaxed and confident on your big day.

Most of these can be bundled into your photography package or booked separately depending on your needs and budget.

• Engagement Sessions
  These pre-wedding shoots are a great way to break the ice and get comfortable in front of the camera. You’ll get to know your photographer’s style, practice natural posing, and create beautiful images that feel like you—without the time pressure of a wedding timeline. Engagement photos are also perfect for your save-the-dates, guest book, wedding website, or even décor on the big day.
  
• Bridal Portraits
  Once a Southern tradition, bridal portraits are now loved by brides everywhere who want extra time to capture stunning solo photos in full wedding attire. It’s the perfect opportunity to do a trial run of your hair, makeup, and dress—and walk away with polished portraits in a calm, unhurried setting. Plus, they make for timeless keepsakes and can even be displayed at your reception.
  
• Day-After or Adventure Sessions
  Sometimes the wedding day flies by so quickly that there isn’t much time for relaxed, creative portraits. A day-after or adventure session gives you that space—whether it’s hiking to a scenic overlook, revisiting a meaningful spot, or simply soaking up those “just married” vibes in a more peaceful setting. You’re free to choose any location, wear your attire again, or even bring your pet or favorite bottle of champagne.

Adding one or more of these sessions can truly elevate your wedding gallery. They give you more variety, more emotion, and more opportunities to capture the connection between you and your partner—without the stress or timeline constraints of the big day. Plus, they’re a fun way to make even more memories together in the lead-up (or wind-down) of your wedding celebration.

3. Understand the Value of Albums & Prints

While digital galleries are convenient for sharing online and storing in the cloud, there’s something incredibly special about holding your memories in your hands. Printed albums and wall art offer a timeless, tangible way to relive your wedding day—one that can be enjoyed for years to come and passed down through generations. When choosing a package, don’t overlook the sentimental and long-term value of physical keepsakes.

• Heirloom Albums
  These custom-designed albums feature thick, archival-quality pages and premium cover options like linen, leather, or velvet. Often included or available as an upgrade, they turn your favorite images into a storybook that feels as meaningful as the day itself. An heirloom album is not just for you—it becomes a legacy for future generations.
• Parent Albums
  A thoughtful way to say thank you to your parents or in-laws, parent albums are scaled-down versions of your main album. They can be designed with your photographer to reflect the moments that matter most to them—like family portraits, ceremony shots, or emotional reception moments.
• Wall Art & Prints
  If you want to display your wedding photos at home, ask whether your photographer offers fine art prints, framed wall art, metal prints, or canvases. Some packages include print credit, and many photographers give you access to a professional print lab through your online gallery—ensuring that the quality matches the artistry of the photos.

Ask your photographer to bring sample albums or printed products to your consultation. Seeing the textures, materials, and print quality in person can inspire you—and help you envision how your wedding story might live beyond the screen.

4. Know What’s Included in Videography Packages

If you’re considering adding videography to your wedding package, it’s worth taking the time to understand exactly what’s included. Photography captures beautiful stills, but video brings your day to life in a different way—through movement, sound, emotion, and atmosphere. The way your partner’s voice trembled during vows, the sound of laughter during speeches, the music during your first dance—these are moments that video captures best.

Not all videographers offer the same types of films, so it’s important to ask questions and clarify what each package entails, how it complements your photography coverage, and what the final deliverables will look like.

• Highlight Reels (3–7 Minutes)
  These short, emotional films are set to music and feature the most memorable moments from your day. Think of them as the cinematic trailer to your wedding—ideal for sharing on social media or watching again when you want a quick dose of nostalgia. Highlight reels are perfect for couples who want a beautiful, concise summary of their day with all the feels.
• Full Wedding Films (10–30 Minutes)
  A longer, cinematic edit that weaves together moments from throughout the day—usually including audio from your vows, toasts, or ceremony. This option gives a deeper, more immersive retelling of your story and is perfect for couples who want to relive the day in greater detail, from getting ready to the final dance.
• Raw Footage
  Some videographers offer the option to purchase raw, unedited footage. This might include your full ceremony, all the speeches, or even behind-the-scenes moments that didn’t make the final film. While it’s not polished or color-corrected, raw footage can be a valuable add-on if you want everything preserved just as it happened.

In addition to the style of video, be sure to ask:

• How many videographers will be present?
• Is drone footage included or available as an add-on?
• Will the video be delivered digitally, on a USB, or both?
• What’s the estimated turnaround time for the final film?

Understanding the difference between your options—and how they align with your photography coverage—will help you invest in a film that complements your memories and feels like a true reflection of your day.

5. Explore Customization & Add-Ons

Every wedding is unique, and your photography (and videography) package should reflect that. Many photographers offer customizable packages, giving you the flexibility to tailor your coverage based on your timeline, guest count, and priorities. So if you don’t see the exact combination you’re looking for on their website, don’t hesitate to ask—most professionals are more than happy to create a package that fits your vision without adding services you don’t need.

Customizing your package not only gives you more control over your investment, but it also helps ensure that the final result feels truly personal and complete. Here are a few popular add-ons to consider:

• Additional Hours
  If your celebration includes a late-night afterparty, cultural ceremonies, a sparkler exit, or any extended activities, adding extra hours ensures your photographer won’t miss a moment. This is a great option for couples who want full-day storytelling without feeling rushed or limited by the clock.
• Second Shooter
  A second photographer allows for greater coverage, more candid guest moments, and the ability to capture simultaneous events—like both partners getting ready in different locations. It also provides alternate angles during key moments like the ceremony or first look, adding variety and depth to your final gallery.
• Photo + Video Bundles
  Many studios offer bundled packages that include photography, videography, and sometimes even DJ or photo booth services. Booking everything through one team can simplify the planning process, improve coordination on the wedding day, and often result in cost savings compared to booking vendors separately.

If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry—your photographer can usually help recommend a base package that fits your day, then adjust it based on your needs. Whether you want to scale up for a multi-day celebration or pare down for something more intimate, having a flexible, customized package ensures you get exactly what matters most to you.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right wedding photography (and videography) package is all about aligning your priorities with the experience you want to have—and the memories you want to hold onto. Think beyond just the number of hours or the shot list. Ask yourself how you want to feel when you look back at your photos years from now. What moments matter most? What story do you want them to tell?

The good news is, you’re not alone in figuring it out. Your photographer is there to guide you, answer your questions, and help shape a package that fits your day, your budget, and your love story. Whether your celebration is simple and sweet or a multi-day event, there’s a perfect package out there for you.

Ask questions, explore your options, and don’t be afraid to customize what you need. The right package will give you more than just beautiful images—it’ll give you peace of mind and a meaningful way to relive the joy, love, and magic of your wedding day for years to come.