What to Expect from a Full Wedding Day Photography Package
If you’re wondering what my full wedding day photography package includes, I’d love to take you through what you can expect when you choose me to document your special day from start to finish.
As a wedding photographer based in San Antonio Texas, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless love stories, each as unique as the couple at the center of it all. Every wedding is filled with moments that deserve to be remembered, from the nerves and excitement of getting ready to the final dance under the twinkling lights. That’s why I believe a full wedding day photography package is the best way to ensure that nothing is missed—because your entire day tells the story, not just the big moments.
1. Pre-Wedding Consultation and Planning
(Takes Approximately 1 hour)
Your wedding photography experience starts long before the big day. I always like to sit down with couples (either in person or virtually) to talk through their vision, get to know their personalities, and understand what’s most important to them. Do you want more candid shots or prefer posed portraits? Are there family members or details that mean a lot to you? These are all things I want to know!
During this consultation, we’ll go over your timeline, discuss locations, and plan for any special requests you have. This helps me get a sense of how to approach the day and ensure that we’re on the same page. Plus, it’s a great way for us to build trust and make sure you feel comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera.
2. Getting Ready – The Excitement and Anticipation
(Approximately 2-3 hours of coverage)
On the wedding day, my photography coverage typically starts with the getting-ready moments. These are some of my favorite times to photograph because there’s a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air. The bride is surrounded by her closest friends and family, the groom is with his best mates, and there’s laughter, happy tears, and a little bit of nervous energy.
I capture the details that tell the story of this part of the day—the bride’s dress hanging up, the carefully arranged bouquets, the wedding flay lay, the moments when the makeup artist adds the finishing touches. For the groom, it might be the cufflinks being fastened or the shoes being laced up. These little details help set the stage for the day and are important pieces of your wedding story.
Detail shots typically take around 30 minutes to an hour, followed by another hour for capturing getting-ready moments, such as the bride’s mom helping with the dress or fun shots of the bride and bridesmaids in their matching PJs or robes. Then, there’s an additional hour for first looks with family—like mom, dad, and bridesmaids—or any other special first looks, excluding the groom. While 2-3 hours might seem like a lot, in my experience, allowing enough time and including buffer moments helps the couple feel more relaxed on their wedding day and prevents the day from feeling rushed or solely focused on the photos.
3. The First Look (If You Choose to Have One)
(Approximately 30mins – 1 hour of coverage)
A lot of couples these days choose to have a “first look” before the ceremony, and it’s such an intimate moment to capture. If you decide to go with a first look, it’s one of those special times when it’s just the two of you (and me quietly capturing the emotion). The look on the groom’s face when he sees his bride for the first time, the shared whispers, and the way you hold each other close—it’s such a beautiful, emotional part of the day.
Some couples choose to stick with tradition but add a personal touch, such as sharing private vows.
During these intimate moments, I step back and capture the candid emotions, allowing the couple to experience it fully. I always let them know they can give me a signal when they’re ready to move on with the rest of their wedding day.
If you prefer to keep things more traditional and wait until the ceremony to see each other, that’s perfect too! Either way, it’s all about what feels right for you as a couple.
Ideally, it’s best to have the bride and groom hidden 45 minutes to 1 hour before the ceremony as guests start arriving. This is an important detail to consider when planning your wedding day timeline—unless, of course, you don’t mind being seen by your guests before the ceremony. It all depends on your personal preferences and how you envision your day unfolding!
4. Ceremony – The Big Moment
(Approximately 15mins – 1.5 hour of coverage)
The ceremony is, of course, one of the most significant parts of the day. Whether you’re saying “I do” in a beautiful San Antonio church, an outdoor venue in the Hill Country, or an intimate backyard setting, this is the heart of your wedding day. I’m there to quietly document everything—the walk down the aisle, the exchange of vows, the ring exchange, and that first kiss as newlyweds.
My approach during the ceremony is unobtrusive. I believe the focus should be on you and your moment, not on the camera. I capture the reactions, emotions, and atmosphere of the ceremony so that when you look back at your photos, you can relive the magic of that time.
Depending on the type of ceremony this can last between 15-minutes to 1.5 hours. The longest I’ve been to is a 1.5 hour Catholic Wedding Ceremony.
5. Post-Ceremony Portraits – Couples and Family
(Approximately 45 minutes – 1.5 hour of coverage)
After the ceremony, it’s time for portraits. These are often some of the most important photos for couples, as they feature both candid moments and posed portraits of the two of you and your families. We’ll take advantage of the beautiful locations around San Antonio, whether it’s a historic site, a lush garden, or a scenic vista in the Hill Country, to create stunning backdrops for these images.
Ideally, I capture these photos right at the ceremony arch, altar, or somewhere near the ceremony site as soon as it concludes. To streamline the process, my couples typically provide a “family photo shot list” in advance, detailing each family grouping they’d like, such as “Bride and Groom with Mother of the Bride (Sarah).” Including names is important to ensure everything runs smoothly. If no list is provided, I default to standard family combinations. Having this list in place makes the entire process more efficient and helps us move through the photos quickly and seamlessly.
Finally, I make sure that we carve out time for family photos as well. It’s important to have those classic shots with your loved ones—parents, siblings, and grandparents—and I work efficiently to ensure we get all the important groupings while still keeping things relaxed and fun.
Depending on the list this process can take around 15-20minutes for Family. Another 15-20minutes for Bridal Party Pictures. Finally another 15-30 minutes for the Bride & Groom Photos.
6. Reception – Let the Celebration Begin!
Once the formalities are over, the reception is where everyone lets loose and the fun really begins. I love capturing the energy of the reception—the entrance, the first dance, the toasts, and, of course, all the dancing! Whether it’s a formal sit-down dinner or a lively party under the stars, the reception is full of moments that show your guests celebrating your love.
I also make sure to document the little details of the reception. From the carefully designed table settings to the cake and the centerpieces, I capture the elements that you’ve spent months planning. These details are a reflection of your personalities and the thought you’ve put into your day.
7. Candid Moments Throughout the Day
While the big moments like the ceremony and reception are important, some of the most precious photos come from the candid moments that happen in between. I’m always on the lookout for those little moments that might otherwise go unnoticed—the flower girl twirling in her dress, the quiet laugh between the newlyweds, or a tearful hug from a parent.
These candid shots add depth and emotion to your wedding album, and they’re often the ones that couples treasure the most because they show the unscripted, genuine moments of the day.
8. Golden Hour and Sunset Portraits
If we’re lucky enough to have some time during the golden hour (the hour just before sunset), it’s a fantastic opportunity to take some breathtaking portraits. In San Antonio, the golden light can be absolutely stunning, casting a warm glow that creates a magical, romantic atmosphere for your photos.
I always encourage couples to take a few minutes away from the festivities to enjoy a quiet moment together and let me capture that beautiful light. This is my favorite time of the day. Most of my couples agree that this is the best time to slow down and spend time as newly weds. These sunset photos often end up being some of the most cherished from the entire day.
9. The Grand Exit
As the night comes to a close, many couples choose to make a grand exit. Whether it’s through a tunnel of sparklers, a vintage car send-off, or something uniquely yours, I’m there to capture the last moments of your wedding day. The joy, excitement, and celebration as you head off into your new life together make for unforgettable images.
10. Post-Wedding: Editing and Album Design
After the wedding day, my work continues. Immediately as soon as I get home, I backup all my SD cards into my hard drive, my SSD, and into the cloud. I have multiple backups ensuring I have multiple copies of my couple’s wedding day.
I spend hours carefully selecting and editing the best images to tell the complete story of your wedding day. Each photo is edited to reflect my signature style—timeless, vibrant, and full of emotion.
Once your photos are ready, usually within 4-6 weeks, I work with you to create a beautiful wedding album, if you choose to have one. There’s something so special about seeing your images in print, and I love designing albums with the best company that you can cherish for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to booking a full wedding day photography package in San Antonio, couples often have several important questions to ensure they fully understand the process and what to expect. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) that I often get as a wedding photographer:
1. What does a full wedding day photography package include?
A full wedding day photography package typically covers everything from the bride and groom getting ready, the ceremony, formal portraits, reception, and the grand exit. It can also include extras like an engagement session, second photographer, and custom-designed wedding albums. My full wedding day package like this one starts around $4800. For packages and rates, click here
2. How many hours of coverage do I need for a full wedding day?
Most full-day packages include between 8 to 10 hours of coverage, which is usually enough to capture everything from getting ready through the reception and exit. If you need more or less time, I can work with you to customize the coverage based on your schedule.
3. Do you travel for weddings outside of San Antonio?
Yes! While I am based in San Antonio, I frequently travel to surrounding areas like the Hill Country, Austin, and beyond. Depending on the location, travel fees may apply, but I am always happy to discuss destination weddings and tailor packages accordingly. I have a list of places for destination weddings where I charge ZERO TRAVEL FEES. Inquire here and see if your destination wedding location is on my list!
4. When will I receive my wedding photos?
The timeline for delivering your photos depends on the time of year and the complexity of your wedding, but you can typically expect to receive your fully edited gallery within 4-6 weeks after your wedding. I will always provide sneak peeks within a few days, so you get a glimpse of the special moments.
5. How many photos will we receive from a full wedding day?
On average, couples receive between 500 to 800 fully edited images from a full wedding day. The number can vary depending on the length of coverage, the size of the wedding, and the events that take place during the day.
6. Do you offer engagement sessions as part of the package?
Yes! ALL of my wedding packages include an engagement session, which is a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera and build a relationship before the big day. It’s also a fun way to capture your love story in a more casual setting.
7. Do you work with a second photographer?
For larger weddings, 8 hours or more, or those with tight timelines, I often recommend including a second photographer. This allows us to capture multiple angles and moments simultaneously, such as the bride and groom getting ready at the same time, or different aspects of the ceremony and reception. This is also allows me to be at multiple places at once. If necessary, I may also bring an assistant or a third photographer.
8. Do you offer wedding albums or prints?
Yes, I offer custom-designed wedding albums, prints, and other keepsakes made by Red Tree Albums.
Red Tree Albums is a professional album company that specializes in creating high-quality, custom-made photo albums primarily for photographers. Red Tree Albums is known for its craftsmanship, offering a variety of luxurious cover materials like leather, linen, and velvet, as well as archival-grade paper to ensure the longevity of the photos.
I personally work with Red Tree Albums to design and order personalized albums for my clients, and the company prides itself on producing heirloom-quality albums that can be cherished for generations. Some of the key features of Red Tree Albums include:
- Customization Options: Photographers can choose from different sizes, cover materials, paper types, and debossing options to create a unique album tailored to their clients’ needs.
- High-Quality Printing: The albums are printed on archival paper with excellent color accuracy and sharpness, providing a premium look and feel.
- Durability: The albums are designed to be long-lasting, with strong bindings and durable materials that protect the photos for many years.
I believe in the importance of having physical memories, and I work closely with you to design a wedding album that reflects your style and tells the story of your day beautifully.
9. What happens if you’re unable to shoot my wedding due to an emergency?
While this is extremely rare, I always have a backup plan in place. I network with several trusted photographers in the San Antonio area who can step in if an emergency arises. Rest assured, you will still receive the same quality and style that you expect.
10. How do you handle low-light situations like receptions or nighttime events?
I’m experienced in handling various lighting conditions, from bright outdoor ceremonies to dimly lit receptions. I bring professional lighting equipment, including flashes and off-camera lighting, to ensure high-quality images even in challenging lighting situations.
11. Do you offer videography as part of the package?
While I specialize in photography, I can recommend trusted videographers I have worked with in the past if you are looking for both photo and video coverage. I am looking into creating packages that may include collaboration with a videography team, so feel free to ask!
12. How do you ensure my photos are safe?
I take great care to ensure your wedding photos are safe. I shoot with dual memory cards, meaning that every image is backed up instantly. After the wedding, I back up your photos in multiple locations, including external drives and cloud storage, to ensure they are fully protected.
13. Can we customize our full wedding day photography package?
Absolutely! Every couple and every wedding is unique, so I am always happy to tailor my packages to fit your specific needs. Whether you need extra hours, fewer hours, or want to include additional sessions or albums, we can work together to create the perfect package for your day.
14. Do you require a deposit?
Yes, to reserve your date, I typically require a non-refundable 20% deposit and a signed contract. The deposit ensures that your date is secured in my calendar, and the remainder of the payment is due 14 days before the wedding day.
15. How far in advance should we book our wedding photographer?
To ensure availability, I recommend booking as soon as you’ve set your wedding date and venue. Many couples book 12-18 months in advance, especially during the busy wedding season in San Antonio. However, if your wedding is sooner, don’t hesitate to reach out—I may still have availability!
These FAQs cover some of the most common concerns couples have when booking a full wedding day photography package. If you have any other questions or want to chat more about your wedding photography needs, I’m always happy to answer!
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and I’m honored to be able to document it from start to finish. When you choose a full wedding day photography package, you can rest assured that every special moment will be captured—from the smallest details to the biggest celebrations. If you’re getting married in San Antonio or anywhere really, I’d love to help you create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. Reach out here, and let’s make magic happen together!
