Popular wedding photography packages

Metro Creative Services

Capturing the memorable moments of a wedding is a necessity. Hiring a talented photographer is an important component of wedding preparations. The best way to preserve a wedding day for years to come is through photographs and videography.

When couples begin to vet local photographers, they quickly will learn that many photographers bundle their services into packages. Each package will contain some standard offerings, which typically expand as the price goes up. Although each photographer will do things a little differently, here is a generalized idea of what wedding photography packages may entail.

Base photo package

The base package likely will include the services of one photographer and potentially a helper. The photographer will be available for a predetermined period of time to capture both the ceremony and the reception. This package will include an agreed upon number of edited proofs, of which the couple can choose a specific number that will be processed for viewing, sharing or printing. The photographer may sign over print rights, or you may need to use them exclusively for prints depending on the package and price. Proofs and processed photos typically are shared through an online link.

Intermediate package

An intermediate photo package will build on the base and will include additional services. The photographer may take photos at a set number of alternative locations. This can be advantageous if you’d like to take photos at a nearby park or seaside location. This package also may extend how long the photographer will be with you, with some arriving early to take “getting dressed” photographs.

Intermediate packages may include a full printed and bound wedding album for the couple, and print rights to even more processed photos in an online gallery for sharing. This package also may allow couples to share the gallery with others so they can view and print their own photos.

Advanced photo package A soup-to-nuts photography package is often the most expensive and extensive package a photographer offers. It may include an all-day commitment from the photographer and an assistant, unlimited locations for photo shoots, exclusive print rights to the couple for any photos that have been captured and processed, and other perks like extensive retouching and photo editing of photographs.

More inclusive packages also may include engagement photo sessions and even after-wedding bookings for post-honeymoon or first anniversary shoots.

In addition to online galleries and a printed wedding album, an advanced package may feature albums for parents and matted and framed portraits. If the photographer contracts with a videographer, packages also may combine photo and video services and share the digital files accordingly.