It’s an exciting time in your life! You’re booking a wedding venue, trying to find the perfect dress, nailing down decorations, and settling on a color scheme.

Now, you’ve started checking out the websites of wedding photographers to find the perfect person to capture your big day. Obviously, you want someone who takes photos you love and who fits into your budget, but you’ve never done this before and you aren’t sure what else to look for.

What should you look for in a wedding photography package? What does and doesn’t matter? Every couple is different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

As a wedding photographer myself, I’ve carefully designed several wedding photography packages that work for all sorts of couples. I can help you rummage through what you do and don’t need in a wedding photography package. That way, you make the most of your money and only pay for what you want.

Look for these seven things in a wedding photography package to ensure you’re getting exactly what you need (and don’t need).

Price

Wedding photographers should absolutely include their pricing on their websites. If they don’t, you’ll probably pass them by (and rightfully so…you don’t have time to chase them down – you’re busy!). Before you fall in love with a photographer, make sure their price fits comfortably into your budget.

There’s nothing worse than falling in love with a photographer’s work only to realize you can’t afford them.

Ensure the price is comprehensive and you know exactly what you’re paying for. For instance, if the photographer charges a fee to travel, add that to the final price.

Understand the payment plan before you sign the contract.

Coverage

Next, look to see what the photographer’s wedding packages cover. How many hours of their time are you paying for?

Depending on your needs, you may want a photographer to be at your wedding all day, or you may only want them covering your wedding for a few hours. A lot of couples opt for eight to 10 hours of coverage, as it covers a good chunk of the day.

Of course, remember that longer coverage will cost more.

Wondering how much wedding photography coverage you need? Read this!

Number of Images

The number of images you receive is usually closely tied to how many hours of coverage the package includes. Be sure you’re happy with the number of edited images you’ll be receiving. You may also want to ask if they’ll do special edits of your photos. For example, will they remove all those stray hairs or blemishes? Will they deliver a few artsy black-and-white edits?

Adjacent to this is the timeline for edits and type of images. It might not be a dealbreaker, but you should know how long it’ll take to get your photos back and how they’ll be sent to you. For instance, if it’s going to take six months to get your photos back, you might go with a different photographer instead. You may also prefer to receive a USB of your photos rather than an online gallery.

Some photographers even go the distance and provide sneak peek galleries, physical photo albums, and prints in the price of their wedding packages.

Second Photographer

Check to see if a second photographer, or second shooter, is included in the wedding packages you’re reviewing. Having a second shooter to help cover your wedding day is highly recommended. They’ll be able to help your main photographer capture all the angles and details of the wedding day. After all, a photographer can’t be in two places at once.

For example, having a second photographer ensures you get a closeup of the groom as the bride walks down the aisle and a closeup of the bride as she takes those first steps with all eyes on her.

Now, you may not care if there’s a second shooter present – especially if you’re having a small, intimate wedding that doesn’t require a ton of coverage. A second shooter will make the wedding package increase in cost, so if you don’t want one, make sure you aren’t paying for it.

A woman sits on a man's lap. She wears a hat and they both wear off-white. They're sitting on the arm of a couch in a field.

Engagement Session

Some wedding photographers include an engagement session in their wedding packages, and some don’t. If the package lists an engagement session, make sure you understand what the session includes. For instance, it might be only one location or one outfit.

If an engagement session isn’t included as part of the package, talk to the photographer to see if you can add one on for an additional fee. After all, your engagement session is a great way to get a feel for your photographer and get comfortable having professional photos taken of yourself.

Photo Ownership

Who owns the photos after they’re taken and edited? Can you use and print them freely? A limited copyright release means the photographer holds the copyright and can use the photos as they wish, but you have permission to post and print the images.

If you’re given full image copyrights, it means you own the photos and have full control of where they are and aren't posted.

It can cost more to print photos with your photographer, as opposed to printing photos on your own, so make sure you understand this detail.

Extra Details

There may be a few additional details that mean a lot to you when it comes to finding the right wedding package for you. You may want those extra special details, like a photo booth or help planning the wedding photos along the way. For instance, my Full Day wedding package includes a complimentary sparkler or champagne exit (I supply the sparklers or champagne).

If you don’t see what you want listed in the package, make sure you ask your photographer about it to see if they’re willing to work with you. Heck, you might even be looking for a photographer who’s willing to join you on your elopement!

Bride and groom stand smiling nose to nose. The groom has a finger placed under the bride's chin.

Find the Perfect Wedding Photographer for You

Remember, price isn’t everything. There’s a lot more to think about when it comes to choosing the right photography package for you. Be sure you talk to photographers to see if they’ll be willing to adapt their packages for you or add-on services.

Selecting the perfect wedding photography package is crucial to ensure your big day is beautifully captured and meets your needs. As you embark on this exciting journey, keep these seven key factors in mind: price, coverage, number of images, second shooter, engagement session, photo ownership and extra details.

Remember that every couple is unique, so prioritize the elements that matter most to you and find a wedding photographer whose style and package align perfectly with your vision.

When you’re talking to photographers, make sure to take this question checklist with you!
Be sure you also check out my three wedding packages, too, and let me know if you have any questions.

Contact Sam

What Should a Wedding Photography Package Include? [7 Things to Look For]