Choosing the right wedding photography package is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your big day. Photographers offer various options, and understanding what goes into each package can help you decide what’s best for your wedding. Here are five essential facts about wedding photography packages to guide you through the process!

1. Wedding Photography Packages Are Based on Time

Most wedding photography packages are structured around the number of hours a photographer is present to capture your day. This is because weddings unfold over time, and every key moment—from getting ready to your grand exit—deserves to be documented.

I offer two packages:

• 8-hour package: Perfect for capturing everything from getting ready to most of the reception.

• 10-hour package: Ideal for couples who want full-day coverage, including every memorable detail and moment.

Shorter packages, like 4 or 6 hours, may seem appealing, but you’ll likely miss out on critical parts of your day. For tips on timing your wedding photos, check out my blog on creating the perfect sample wedding day timeline. When deciding how much time you need, plan for your photographer to leave 30 minutes after the dance floor opens, this provides them plenty of time to get dancing photos and ensures they have ample time at the beginning of the day to take details and getting ready photos!

Check out my wedding information page to learn more about my packages!

2. Editing Takes Longer Than You Think

What many people don’t realize is that most of a photographer's time is spent after the wedding. For every hour spent capturing your day, we spend several hours editing, fine-tuning, and perfecting your images. On average, photographers spend 40-60 hours editing a single wedding!

This attention to detail is what makes your photos look stunning, with perfect lighting, color, and clarity. For more ways to ensure your photos are picture-perfect, visit my post on ways to enhance your wedding photos.

3. Why More Coverage Is Better

Booking a longer photography package ensures that every part of your day is captured. Weddings are full of special moments that unfold at different times, and more coverage guarantees nothing is missed. Whether it’s the emotional getting-ready shots, the ceremony, or candid dancing photos at the reception, having enough time allows for a complete story.

If you need help planning your day, be sure to check out my wedding planning checklist, where I break down how to structure your timeline to get the most out of your photography package.

4. The Value of a Second Shooter

A second shooter can elevate your wedding gallery by capturing more angles and candid moments that one photographer might miss. While I’m focused on the main events—like the vows or your first kiss—my second shooter can capture reactions, candid moments, and details from a different perspective.

That’s why I include a second shooter in both my 8-hour and 10-hour wedding photography packages. More photographers mean more memories captured, and you’ll have a richer collection of photos to look back on.

5. Engagement Sessions and Prints Are a Huge Bonus

Many photographers (including me!) offer engagement sessions and prints as part of their packages. An engagement session is a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day, and it’s also a chance for us to get to know each other better.

I cover more about the importance of these sessions in my blog on how to hire an engagement photographer, where you can learn how to make the most of this special experience. Plus, having prints included is a lovely way to turn your wedding memories into lasting heirlooms.

Choosing the Right Package for You When selecting a wedding photography package, think about how long you’ll need coverage, whether you want a second shooter, and if additional perks like engagement sessions and prints are important to you. The goal is to find a package that ensures you won’t miss a moment of your day.

Investing in the right wedding photography package means your day will be beautifully captured from start to finish, leaving you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.