What's Actually Included in a Wedding Photography Package?

“Wedding photography package” can mean very different things from one photographer to the next, which makes comparing them hard. Here’s a plain breakdown of what’s actually in a collection, what each line means, and what to watch for so you’re comparing the same thing.

The pieces of a wedding collection

Coverage hours. How long the photographer is there. Up to 8 hours covers most weddings from getting ready through the start of the reception. A full day catches the quiet morning and the late dancing too.

The lead photographer. Who’s actually shooting your day. On every one of my weddings, that’s me.

A second shooter. A second photographer working the same day. It’s the difference between a photo of the groom’s face or the back of the aisle, and getting both. My Signature and Heirloom collections include one.

The edited gallery. Your finished photos, color-corrected and delivered in high resolution. This is the real deliverable, so ask how many images and whether they’re fully edited or just dumped off the card.

A print release. Permission to print your own photos wherever you like. You should always get this. Every collection of mine includes it.

An engagement session. A shoot before the wedding so the camera feels normal on the day. Included with Signature and up.

A fine-art album. A real printed, designed album, the piece you actually hand down. It’s in the Heirloom collection.

You can see exactly which collection includes what on the pricing page.

What to watch for

A few things that hide in the fine print and change what a package is really worth:

• “Edited” vs. delivered. Some photographers hand you raw, unedited files. Ask.
• Print release. If it’s not included, you can’t print your own photos. That’s a red flag.
• A second shooter. For a full wedding, one camera misses moments. Know whether one’s included.
• Delivery and a contract. There should be a written agreement and a clear plan for getting your gallery to you.

How my collections break down

Three collections, all including the coverage hours, a full edited high-resolution gallery, and a print release:

• Essential, $6,500, up to 8 hours, lead photographer, edited gallery
• Signature, $8,500, full day, second shooter, engagement session
• Heirloom, $11,500, everything, plus a fine-art album and a next-day sneak peek

Wedding film is separate and begins at $10,000. The full breakdown, including Sedona and destination weddings, is on the pricing page, and you can read more about what it all costs in Northern Arizona.

If you’re planning a wedding in Prescott, Sedona, Flagstaff, or anywhere in Yavapai County, tell me about your day and I’ll walk you through exactly what’s included.

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