(Because your story deserves to be captured exactly how it feels.)
You’ve picked your date, started dreaming up all the details, and now comes one of the biggest decisions — choosing your wedding photographer. But once you start looking at packages and coverage hours, it’s totally normal to think: “Wait… how do I know which one I actually need?”
The good news? You can’t mess this up — especially if you take a few minutes to think through what matters most to you. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the wedding photography and videography package that’s right for your day.
Every wedding has a rhythm — some days are slow and intimate, others are full of energy from sunrise to sparkler send-off. Before you look at numbers or pricing, think about the story you want your photos to tell.
When you focus on the feeling you want your gallery to have, the right coverage naturally falls into place.
As a wedding photographer, this is what I see most often on a typical wedding day. That said, if you’re planning an elopement or smaller celebration, your day can look completely different — and that’s the beauty of it!
While this outline gives you a general idea of what a full wedding day might include, remember: your day can look however you want it to.
When it comes to photography coverage, take a moment to think about which parts of the day matter most to you. That will help you decide how many hours of coverage you’ll need — and whether you want photo, video, or both to tell your story.
Getting Ready
First Look / First Touch
Private Vows (Optional)
Guest Arrival & Ceremony
Just Married Moment
Family & Bridal Party Photos
Cocktail Hour & Reception Details
Golden Hour Couple Portraits
Reception Highlights
Cake Cutting / Traditions
Party & Dancing
Grand Exit / Night Shots
Most photography packages are built around hours of coverage — and those hours directly shape how much of your day can be captured.
Here’s a quick guide to help you visualize:
When in doubt, go for a little more time than you think you’ll need. It gives you breathing room to soak in the moments instead of watching the clock.
If you’re leaning toward fuller coverage, adding a second photographer or videographer can completely elevate your experience (and your final gallery).
Having two creatives on your team means more angles, more candids, and more of your story captured — especially when things are happening in two places at once (like both of you getting ready separately, or when cocktail hour overlaps with family portraits).
A second shooter also helps your day feel smoother and more relaxed — we can divide and conquer so nothing feels rushed. It’s the secret to getting both the big moments and all those beautiful, in-between memories that make your day feel like you.
Curious if you need a second photographer or videographer?
Check out my full post on how to know if a second shooter is right for you!
Yes, the number of hours and images matter… but so does how you feel during the process.
Your photographer should be more than someone who shows up with a camera — they should be your guide, hype woman, and calm presence through the day.
With my couples, I help with:
Your experience should feel easy, fun, and full of joy — because when you’re comfortable, the magic shows in your photos. Plus, trying to pack all the fun into a couple hours, takes away from your experience. You only get to do your wedding day once, let’s enjoy it together!
If you’ve been going back and forth on whether to include video coverage, here’s the truth:
Photos let you see your memories — video lets you feel and relive them!
A photo and video package gives you the best of both worlds — cohesive storytelling, consistent style, and a team working together to capture your day from every angle. The laughter, the vows, the music, the energy — it’s all there to relive again and again.
I get it — weddings add up quickly. But out of everything that goes into your day — the flowers, the cake, the décor, the dress — your photos and video are what last forever.
They become the heirlooms your family will look back on for generations. So while it might be tempting to cut coverage hours or not hire a second photographer to save a little, this is one area that’s truly worth the investment.
If you’re working within a specific budget, let’s chat about it! I completely understand that planning a wedding comes with a lot of moving parts — and budgeting is one of the biggest. My goal is to make sure you get beautiful, meaningful photos that truly tell your story, while staying mindful of what works best for you. I always do my best to work within each couple’s budget and find creative ways to make it happen — whether that means adjusting coverage hours, customizing a package, or focusing on what matters most to you. At the end of the day, I care most about giving you a stress-free experience and photos you’ll love for a lifetime — not just fitting into a number. If you’re unsure which package fits best, I’m always happy to chat and explore options together.
The right photography package tells your story in a way that feels authentic to you. Whether that’s a short and sweet elopement or a full-day celebration, what matters most is that your experience feels effortless, intentional, and full of joy.
So choose the package that gives you space to breathe, laugh, and live fully in every moment — and let me take care of the rest.
I’d love to help you choose a package that fits your wedding day perfectly — whether it’s just photos, or the full photo + video experience.
Click here to explore my wedding photography collections!
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