Wedding photography packages can feel a bit like ordering coffee when you’re already overwhelmed.

You ask a simple question and suddenly you’re choosing between:

Half day
Full day
Deluxe
Signature
Platinum
Something involving a USB, a box, and a name inspired by jazz

So let’s strip it right back and talk about what wedding photography packages usually include, what they should include, and what actually matters when you’re comparing photographers.

The Basics Most Wedding Photography Packages Include

At the very least, most packages will cover:

Coverage time

This could be anything from:

2–4 hours (ceremony + a bit after)
Half day (around 5–6 hours)
Full day (usually 8–10+ hours)

Full day generally means:

Getting ready → ceremony → speeches → first dance → dancing chaos

Edited digital images

You’re not getting every photo taken… You’re getting the best ones.

Most photographers will:

Cull duplicates, blinks, weird faces
Edit the final selection in their style
Deliver anywhere from 300–800+ images, depending on coverage

Quality > quantity, always.

Online gallery

Usually:

Private
Downloadable
Easy to share with friends and family
Sometimes with print ordering built in

This is where your photos will live long after the wedding day.

What a Full-Day Package Should Include

This is where things vary… And where it’s worth reading the small print.

For reference, my full-day coverage (£2,000) includes:

Full wedding day storytelling
600–800 edited images
All travel included
A relaxed, documentary approach (no awkward posing marathons)
Sneak peeks within a week
A full online gallery ready to relive everything

No surprise extras. No “that’ll cost more” emails later.

Things That May (or May Not) Be Included

These often differ between photographers, so always check

Travel

Some photographers charge per mile.

Some include it.

Some only include travel within a certain distance.

(Yes, this catches people out.)

Pre-wedding support

This might include:

Timeline help
Advice on light, logistics, and planning
Being available to answer the random 9pm “is this normal?” questions

You want someone who’s invested before the wedding, not just turning up on the day.

Second photographer

A second shooter might be included or added on, depending on:

Guest numbers
Morning locations
Whether you want more angles / more chaos coverage

It’s not essential for every wedding… But useful for bigger days.

Couple shoot

Some packages include:

A short couple session on the wedding day
Or an optional engagement shoot beforehand

This isn’t about posing… It’s about giving you a breather and photos that feel like you.

Albums & prints

Often optional extras rather than included:

Heirloom albums
Parent albums
Fine art prints

Digital-first packages are super common now, with albums added later if you want them.

What’s Not Always Obvious (But Really Matters)

Here’s the stuff people don’t always think about… But future you definitely will.

Experience

You’re paying for someone who can:

Work calmly under pressure
Adapt when timelines shift
Handle bad light, rain, and tight spaces
Capture moments without interrupting them

That doesn’t come from presets. It comes from experience.

Backup systems

Professional photographers will have:

Dual card cameras
Backup gear
Multiple image backups
A solid workflow to keep your photos safe

This is non-negotiable… Even if it’s invisible.

Consistency

Anyone can post a few great images.

A professional delivers consistent quality across an entire wedding, from prep to dancefloor.

So… How Do You Compare Packages Properly?

Instead of just asking:

“How much do you charge?”

Ask:

How long are you there for?
How many images will we receive?
Is travel included?
What’s your approach on the day?
How do you make people feel comfortable?
What happens if things don’t go to plan?

Because packages aren’t just about what’s included… They’re about how it feels to have that person with you all day.

Final Thought (From Someone Who Sees This Every Weekend)

Wedding photography isn’t about ticking boxes.

It’s about choosing someone you trust to notice the things you’ll miss.

The looks.

The hugs.

The chaos.

The quiet bits in between.

Everything else gets packed away.

These are the memories you keep.

If you want to chat through what coverage would actually work for your day… No pressure, no hard sell… I’m always happy to help.

What’s Included in Wedding Photography Packages? (And What to Actually Look For)