Choosing your wedding photographer is one of the biggest decisions you will make while planning your wedding. Long after the flowers are gone and the cake has been eaten, your photos are what remain. Once couples find a photographer whose work they love, the next question usually becomes: How do we choose the right photography package?
This is something I help couples navigate all the time. If you are unsure how much coverage you need or what is actually worth investing in, here are a few things I always explain when helping couples choose their wedding photography package.
What Should a Wedding Photography Package Include?
When choosing a wedding photography package, it helps to first think about the kind of coverage your day truly needs. A small, intimate wedding may only require a few hours, while a full celebration with getting ready, the ceremony, portraits, and reception will often need much longer coverage to capture the entire story. If you’d like to see how these options translate into real collections, you can explore my wedding photography investment page for details on coverage and what’s included.
One of the most common misunderstandings I see is couples thinking they only need about four hours of photography coverage.
In most cases, a full wedding day that is documented well usually needs closer to eight hours of coverage.
Your wedding story begins long before the ceremony starts. The getting ready portion of the day is when many of the meaningful details are captured.
This includes things like:
- the dress
- the rings
- the invitation suite
- table settings before guests arrive
- family heirlooms like a necklace passed down from a grandmother
These are the small details that couples often do not notice during the day but love looking back on later.
Reception coverage is also important. If you are planning a grand exit, your photographer needs to be present until the very end of the night.
Elopements and Venue Weddings Need Different Coverage
Not every wedding requires the same amount of photography time.
For example, elopements are very different from traditional venue weddings.
An elopement is usually more intimate and condensed, so about three to four hours of coverage is often perfect. This gives enough time for the ceremony, portraits, and a few meaningful moments.
Venue weddings are much more layered. There is getting ready, the ceremony, cocktail hour, reception events, and often a grand exit. These types of weddings are best documented with longer coverage so the entire story of the day can be captured.
Some Things Are Not Just “Extras”
Couples sometimes assume certain parts of a wedding photography package are optional add ons that are easy to remove to lower the price. In my experience, there are a few things that truly improve the overall experience and the final gallery.
That is why my wedding collections include:
- an engagement session
- a second photographer
- full day coverage
These elements help ensure the day is documented well from start to finish.
Engagement Sessions
Engagement sessions give couples the chance to get comfortable in front of the camera before the wedding day. By the time the wedding arrives, you already know how the process works and you feel more relaxed being photographed.
Second Photographers
A second photographer allows your day to be captured from multiple perspectives.
For example, one photographer may be photographing the bride walking down the aisle while the other captures the groom’s reaction. During the reception, one photographer can photograph guest moments while the other focuses on the couple or the dance floor.
Without a second photographer, many of those simultaneous moments simply cannot be captured.
Some of the Most Meaningful Photos Happen Before the Ceremony
Some of the most emotional photos from a wedding day happen during the getting ready portion of the day. First looks with the couple or parents, (first touches if they don’t want to see each other before walking down the aisle) these moments you only get one chance at and in order for them to happen they have to be intentionally added into the timeline of the day.
One moment I have captured many times is what I call a three generation getting ready photo. You can find an example of this on this recent wedding.
Sometimes the bride’s mother and grandmother are both helping her get ready. These quiet moments can include adjusting the dress, helping with jewelry, or simply sharing a conversation together.
These photos are incredibly meaningful later on.
If a photographer only arrives right before the ceremony, moments like this are completely missed.
Not every bride has her grandmother present on her wedding day. When she is there, those photos become incredibly special.
Avoid Choosing a Package Based Only on Price
Another mistake I often see couples make is trying to reduce the photography package down to the lowest price possible.
This usually happens by removing things like:
- engagement sessions
- second photographers
- coverage hours
Some couples also try to hire photographers strictly by the hour.
Wedding photography works best when it is planned around the story of the day rather than an hourly clock. When couples focus only on price, they sometimes realize later that important parts of the day were never documented.
What Matters Most When Choosing Your Photographer
When couples are choosing between photographers, there are a few things I believe matter the most.
Photography Style
Every photographer has a different artistic style. Look for someone whose images feel authentic and emotional to you. Your wedding photos should feel timeless and meaningful years from now.
Personality and Comfort
Your photographer will spend a large portion of the day with you. It is important to choose someone who makes you feel comfortable and relaxed.
Communication and Planning
A great photographer does more than take photos. They help guide the timeline, offer planning advice, and help the day flow smoothly so you can enjoy your wedding without feeling rushed.
Final Thoughts
The right wedding photography package is about more than choosing a number of hours. It is about making sure the full story of your day is preserved.
From getting ready in the morning to celebrating at the end of the night, the right coverage ensures the moments that matter most are captured.
If you are planning your wedding and trying to decide which photography package is right for you, I am always happy to help couples think through what coverage would best fit their day.
Your wedding day will go by quickly, but the photographs will allow you to relive it for years to come.
If you need help taking the next step, reach out. I would love to be your wedding photographer!
With love,
Taylor
