Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to figure out how much everything will cost. One of the biggest questions couples ask themselves is: “What should be included in our wedding photography package?” If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram, admiring those beautiful wedding photos, and wondering how to get something similar without breaking the bank, you’re in the right place.
Let me share something honest with you—I’ve seen countless couples regret not understanding their photography packages before signing the contract. Some ended up paying thousands extra for basic edits, while others missed out on capturing their pre-wedding moments entirely because they didn’t realize those weren’t included. Today, I’m breaking down everything about wedding packages so you can make an informed decision.
Why Wedding Packages Matter More Than You Think
Picture this: It’s your wedding day, and you’re expecting your photographer to capture every moment—from your emotional first look to the candid laughter during the reception. But when you receive your photos, you realize half the moments you wanted weren’t covered because they fell outside your package hours. Heartbreaking, right?
Wedding packages aren’t just about pricing; they’re about protecting your memories. The right package ensures every significant moment gets captured, edited beautifully, and delivered in a format you’ll treasure forever. The wrong package? Well, it leaves gaps in your wedding story that can never be filled.
Understanding What Goes Into Wedding Packages
Before we dive into specific packages, let’s talk about what typically gets included. Most professional photographers offer tiered packages that might include:
Coverage Duration: This is the foundation of any package. Are you getting 4 hours, 8 hours, or full-day coverage? Many couples underestimate this. A typical South Indian wedding can easily span 12-14 hours, and if you’re also planning a pre-wedding photoshoot, that’s additional time to factor in.
Number of Photographers: Will you have one photographer or a team? Having two photographers means one can capture the bride getting ready while another photographs the groom’s side. This dual coverage is invaluable for traditional ceremonies where multiple events happen simultaneously.
Edited Photos: Here’s where many packages differ dramatically. Some photographers include 200 edited photos, others offer 500+. Ask yourself: Do you want just the highlights or comprehensive coverage? For temple wedding photoshoots, having diverse angles and moments becomes even more crucial.
Video Coverage: Is videography included or separate? Some packages bundle photography and videography, while others keep them distinct. If you want cinematic highlights, traditional video, or drone footage, clarify this upfront.
Albums and Prints: Digital delivery is standard now, but physical albums carry a different charm. Premium packages often include designer albums, canvas prints, or even parent albums as keepsakes.
Breaking Down Common Package Types
The Essential Package: Perfect for Intimate Celebrations
If you’re planning a small, intimate wedding with close family and friends, an essential package might be your sweet spot. These typically include:
- 4-6 hours of coverage
- One professional photographer
- 150-200 edited high-resolution images
- Online gallery for sharing
- Basic video highlights (optional)
This works beautifully for courthouse weddings, destination elopements, or couples who prefer simplicity. However, if you’re having a traditional ceremony with multiple events, you’ll likely need more comprehensive coverage.
The Classic Package: For Traditional Weddings
This is where most couples land. Classic packages are designed for full wedding day coverage and typically offer:
- 8-12 hours of coverage
- Two photographers for dual perspective
- 400-500 edited images
- Cinematic video highlights (3-5 minutes)
- Online gallery with download rights
- Optional: Pre-wedding or post-wedding photoshoot
If you’re having a Brahmin wedding or multi-day celebration, this package ensures nothing gets missed. The dual photographer setup is crucial for capturing both sides of the family during emotional moments like the bidaai.
The Premium Package: For Luxury Celebrations
For couples who want the absolute best—think destination weddings in Kerala or elaborate celebrations in Ooty—premium packages deliver:
- Full-day coverage (unlimited hours)
- Team of 3-4 photographers
- 800-1000+ edited images
- Full-length wedding film + highlights reel
- Drone coverage for aerial shots
- Designer wedding album (40-60 pages)
- Pre-wedding and post-wedding shoots included
- Engagement shoot
- Same-day edit screening at reception
These packages are investments, but they’re worth it when you want magazine-quality documentation of every single moment.
Regional Variations: What to Expect Across India
Wedding Packages in South India
If you’re planning a wedding in Chennai, Coimbatore, or Bangalore, you’ll notice packages here often emphasize traditional coverage. Wedding photography in Coimbatore, for instance, typically includes extensive temple ceremony coverage, as many couples incorporate religious rituals.
South Indian packages frequently feature:
- Temple photography expertise
- Coverage of traditional rituals like muhurtham
- Family portrait sessions spanning multiple generations
- Special attention to traditional attire and jewelry details
The average cost of wedding photography in India varies significantly by region, but South Indian photographers often build packages around 2-3 day celebrations.
Kerala Wedding Packages: Gods Own Country Backdrop
Kerala pre-wedding shoots have become incredibly popular, and many photographers offer specialized packages combining wedding day coverage with pre-wedding sessions in Kerala’s stunning backwaters, beaches, and hills.
These packages might include:
- Destination pre-wedding shoot in Kerala
- Traditional Kerala wedding photography
- Coverage of unique Kerala customs
- Beach or backwater locations
- Save the date photos in Kerala
The Hidden Costs Nobody Tells You About
Here’s where couples often get surprised. That ₹50,000 package you saw advertised? It might not include:
Travel and Accommodation: If your wedding is in a different city, photographer travel costs add up quickly. Always ask if these are included or billed separately.
Extra Hours: Weddings rarely end on time. What happens if your 8-hour package runs over? Some photographers charge ₹5,000-10,000 per additional hour. Others offer grace periods. Clarify this beforehand.
Raw Files: Want all the unedited photos? Many photographers charge extra for these, typically ₹15,000-30,000 depending on the package.
Rush Delivery: Need your photos within 2 weeks instead of 2 months? That’s often an additional fee.
Additional Prints and Albums: Want extra copies for parents or grandparents? Budget for these add-ons.
Second Day Coverage: Having a reception the next day? That’s usually a separate charge unless you’re in a premium package.
How to Choose the Right Package for YOUR Wedding
Stop comparing your wedding to others on Instagram. Your package should reflect YOUR needs, not someone else’s dream wedding. Ask yourself:
What moments matter most to you? If you’re having a pre-wedding shoot in temple settings because that’s meaningful to your relationship, prioritize packages that include pre-wedding sessions.
How many guests are you hosting? Larger weddings need more comprehensive coverage. A 300-guest celebration requires different photography logistics than an intimate 50-person gathering.
What’s your delivery preference? Do you want just digital files, or are physical albums important? Some couples love tangible albums to display at home, while others prefer everything digital for easy sharing.
Are you having multiple events? A sangeet, mehendi, and wedding require different coverage than a single-day celebration. Factor in all your events when evaluating packages.
Negotiating Your Package: Tips That Actually Work
Contrary to popular belief, photography packages aren’t always set in stone. Here’s how to negotiate without being awkward:
Book during off-season: Photographers are more flexible with pricing and packages during slower months (typically March-August in India).
Bundle services: Booking pre-wedding, wedding, and post-wedding shoots together often unlocks discounts.
Be upfront about your budget: Instead of saying “that’s too expensive,” try “I have X budget, what can you offer?” Many photographers will customize packages to fit your needs.
Consider newer photographers: Established photographers charge premium rates. Talented newer photographers might offer similar quality at 30-40% lower prices.
Book early: Many photographers offer early-bird discounts if you book 8-12 months in advance.
Red Flags When Reviewing Packages
Not all packages are created equal. Watch out for:
Vague language: “Unlimited photos” without specifying how many edited images you’ll receive is a red flag.
No contract: Always insist on a detailed contract outlining deliverables, timelines, and cancellation policies.
No backup photographer clause: What happens if your photographer gets sick? Good packages include backup coverage.
Delayed delivery without explanation: If they can’t commit to a delivery timeline, that’s concerning.
No shot list discussion: Photographers who don’t ask about your must-have shots might miss important moments.
Popular Package Add-Ons Worth Considering
Once you’ve selected your base package, consider these valuable add-ons:
Engagement Shoot: A great way to get comfortable with your photographer before the big day. Plus, you get photos for your invitations and save the date cards.
Trash the Dress Session: Post-wedding shoots where you’re comfortable taking creative risks with your attire.
Family Portrait Session: Dedicated time for formal family photos, ensuring no one gets missed.
Drone Coverage: Aerial shots add a cinematic dimension, especially beautiful for destination weddings or outdoor venues.
Live Streaming: For guests who can’t attend, live streaming has become increasingly popular post-pandemic.
Making the Most of Your Wedding Package
You’ve booked your package—now what? Here’s how to maximize its value:
Create a timeline: Share your wedding day schedule with your photographer weeks in advance. This helps them plan coverage and ensure they’re positioned for key moments.
Communicate priorities: Tell your photographer which moments are non-negotiable. Is it the first look? The varmala exchange? Your grandmother’s blessing?
Scout locations: If you’re doing a pre-wedding shoot in Coimbatore or Ooty, visit locations beforehand. Your photographer can recommend better spots and plan for lighting.
Trust the process: Micromanaging on your wedding day creates stress. Trust the professional you hired.
The Investment Perspective: Why Wedding Packages Are Worth It
Let’s talk money honestly. A quality wedding package isn’t cheap—you’re looking at anywhere from ₹40,000 for basic coverage to ₹3,00,000+ for premium packages. But consider this: your wedding lasts one day. Your photos last forever.
Twenty years from now, you won’t remember what the centerpieces looked like or what was on the menu. But you’ll revisit your wedding photos countless times. They become family heirlooms, passed down through generations. From that perspective, comprehensive wedding photography packages aren’t an expense—they’re an investment in your family’s visual history.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Quality Over Everything
The wedding photography industry has evolved dramatically. Today’s packages offer incredible value compared to even five years ago. You get high-resolution digital files, online galleries, and often video coverage—things that were premium add-ons not long ago.
But here’s my parting advice: choose quality over quantity. A package with 800 mediocre photos is far less valuable than 300 stunning images that tell your love story beautifully. Look at photographers’ portfolios, read reviews, and most importantly, meet them before booking. Your photographer will be with you through your most emotional, intimate moments. Choose someone you trust, someone whose work speaks to you, and someone who understands your vision.
Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, whether your budget is modest or generous, there’s a wedding package perfect for your needs. Take your time, do your research, and remember—this is one investment you’ll never regret making.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Packages
What is typically included in a basic wedding package?
A basic wedding package usually includes 4-6 hours of photography coverage, one professional photographer, 150-200 edited high-resolution images delivered via online gallery, and basic usage rights. Some packages may include a short highlight video, but full videography is often an add-on. Always verify what “edited images” means—some photographers include only color correction, while others do comprehensive retouching.
How much should I budget for wedding photography packages in India?
Wedding photography packages in India range widely based on location, photographer experience, and coverage duration. Expect to budget ₹50,000-1,00,000 for basic packages, ₹1,00,000-2,00,000 for mid-tier packages with comprehensive coverage, and ₹2,50,000+ for premium packages with multiple photographers, videography, albums, and pre/post-wedding shoots. Metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore tend to be 20-30% more expensive than tier-2 cities.
Should I book separate packages for pre-wedding, wedding, and post-wedding shoots?
Bundling these services with one photographer offers several advantages: consistent style across all photos, better pricing (usually 15-25% discount), familiarity and comfort with your photographer, and streamlined coordination. However, if you want different aesthetics—say, a candid style for wedding and artistic style for pre-wedding—hiring different photographers makes sense. Many photographers offer combo packages that include all three at discounted rates.
What’s the difference between candid and traditional wedding photography packages?
Traditional packages focus on posed, formal portraits—think structured family photos and classic wedding poses. Candid packages emphasize storytelling through unposed, natural moments—laughter, tears, stolen glances. Modern packages often blend both styles, offering candid coverage throughout the day with dedicated time for formal portraits. When reviewing packages, ask to see full wedding galleries, not just highlight reels, to understand the photographer’s true style.
How many edited photos should I expect from an 8-hour wedding package?
Industry standard is roughly 50-75 edited photos per hour of coverage, meaning an 8-hour package should deliver 400-600 edited images. However, this varies by photographer and wedding complexity. Some photographers are more selective (30-40 photos/hour), while others are generous (100+ photos/hour). More isn’t always better—quality matters more than quantity. Discuss this expectation clearly during your consultation.
Are destination wedding packages more expensive?
Yes, destination wedding packages typically cost 30-50% more than local packages due to travel, accommodation, equipment transportation, and time away from the studio. However, many photographers offer competitive destination rates if you’re flexible with booking. Some even specialize in certain destinations and have all-inclusive packages. If your wedding is in a popular destination like Goa, Kerala, or Udaipur, photographers familiar with those locations offer better value.
What should I ask about video coverage in wedding packages?
Key questions include: How many videographers will be present? What’s the deliverable—highlight reel only or full ceremony footage? What’s the video length and editing style (cinematic vs documentary)? Is drone coverage included? How many revisions are allowed? What’s the delivery timeline? Is audio enhancement included for vows and speeches? Can you get raw footage? Video packages vary dramatically in scope and quality, so clarify every detail.
Can I customize a wedding package to fit my budget?
Absolutely! Most professional photographers are willing to customize packages. You might reduce coverage hours, opt for one photographer instead of two, choose digital delivery only (skipping albums), exclude video coverage, or have them cover only specific events. Be honest about your budget—many photographers would rather customize a package than lose a booking entirely. However, avoid cutting corners on critical coverage like the ceremony or first look.
How far in advance should I book my wedding photography package?
Book 8-12 months in advance for popular wedding seasons (October-March in most of India). In-demand photographers can be booked 18+ months ahead. Booking early also gives you leverage for better rates and more customization options. If you’re planning a last-minute wedding (3-6 months out), you can still find excellent photographers, but you’ll have fewer choices and less negotiating power on package terms.
What’s included in premium wedding album add-ons?
Premium wedding albums typically feature: 30-80 pages of professionally designed layouts using your best photos, high-quality printing on thick, archival paper, leather or fabric covers with customization options, lay-flat binding so images span across two pages seamlessly, protective presentation box, and sometimes matching parent albums in smaller sizes. Album design usually takes 2-4 weeks after you select photos. Expect to pay ₹15,000-60,000 depending on size, quality, and customization.
Do wedding packages include rights to share photos on social media?
Most modern packages include personal usage rights, meaning you can share photos on social media, print them for personal use, and share with family. However, commercial usage (like selling images or using them for business) typically requires additional licensing. Some photographers restrict sharing until they’ve posted photos first, usually within 1-2 weeks. Always clarify usage rights in your contract—this is especially important if you plan to publish images in magazines or sell prints.
What happens if my wedding runs longer than my package hours?
This is crucial to clarify upfront. Options include: paying overtime hourly (typically 10-20% of package cost per hour), having a grace period (some photographers include 30-60 minutes extra), negotiating a higher-tier package with more hours, or accepting that coverage ends at package time. Indian weddings often run late, so build in buffer time when booking. Upgrading your package by 2-3 hours is often more cost-effective than paying overtime rates.