Planning a wedding comes with plenty of decisions, and choosing a photographer is one of the biggest. After all, your wedding photos will help you look back on everything from getting ready with your closest friends to sharing your first dance as a married couple.
But here’s where things can get confusing. Not all wedding photography packages include the same services. One package might cover the entire wedding day, another may offer fewer hours, and some include extras like engagement photos or wedding videos.
So, how do you know which package gives you the best value for your money?
At Michaels Entertainment, we help couples throughout Detroit and Southeast Michigan find wedding photography services that fit their plans, preferences, and budget. Our photography packages are customizable, so couples can choose coverage that makes sense for their celebration.
Before making your decision, here are seven things worth checking when comparing wedding photography packages.
1. Check How Many Hours Are Included in Wedding Photography Packages
One of the first things to check is how many hours of photography coverage you’ll receive. Some packages cover just the ceremony and a few portraits, and others capture the day from start to finish.
For example, a six-hour package might work well for a smaller wedding with a short reception. But if you’re planning a full wedding day with getting-ready photos, a first look, a ceremony, and several hours of dancing, you may need more coverage.
Before choosing a package, think about which moments you want your photographer to capture.
- Getting ready: These photos capture the excitement before the ceremony, including makeup, wedding attire, and time with family or friends. If these moments matter to you, your photographer needs to arrive before the ceremony begins.
- Ceremony and portraits: Your photographer needs enough time to capture the ceremony, family portraits, wedding party pictures, and couple portraits. Depending on your timeline, these sessions can take a good portion of the day.
- Reception and dancing: The first dance, speeches, cake cutting, and dance floor moments are some of the most memorable parts of a wedding. Make sure your package provides enough coverage for the reception activities you want photographed.
A helpful tip: Build a rough wedding-day timeline before requesting photography quotes. That way, you’ll have a better idea of how many hours you need.
2. Find Out How Many Photographers Come With Wedding Photography Packages
Another detail to check is the number of photographers included in your package.
Having one photographer can work well for smaller weddings. Still, larger celebrations or weddings with activities happening in different locations may benefit from having two photographers.
For instance, consider a wedding where the couple gets ready at separate locations. With two photographers, one can capture each partner getting ready. Later, during the ceremony, one photographer can focus on the couple, and the second can capture reactions from family and friends.
A second photographer can be helpful for several reasons:
- More moments captured: Two photographers can cover different parts of your wedding at the same time. This gives you more opportunities to capture candid reactions, guest interactions, and moments that happen away from the main activity.
- Different camera angles: During the ceremony, one photographer can focus on the exchange of vows, and another can capture the view from the back of the aisle or guests watching nearby. These different angles help tell a fuller story of your day.
- Better coverage for large weddings: If your guest list includes more than 150 people, having additional photography support may make group photos and reception coverage easier to manage. The right choice still depends on your venue, timeline, and photography priorities.
At Michaels Entertainment, our team can discuss your wedding plans and help you determine what level of photography coverage makes sense.
Before booking, ask whether a second photographer comes with the package or requires an additional fee.
3. Compare Photography Styles Before Choosing Wedding Photography Packages
Not every wedding photographer takes pictures the same way. Some focus on traditional, posed portraits, and others prefer natural moments with less direction.
That’s why looking through a photographer’s portfolio matters just as much as comparing prices.
Here are three common photography styles you’ll come across:
- Traditional wedding photography: This style focuses on posed pictures, such as family portraits, wedding party photos, and formal couple portraits. It works well for couples who want classic pictures with everyone looking at the camera.
- Candid wedding photography: This approach captures natural moments throughout the celebration. Think about your parents laughing during dinner, your friends dancing together, or your partner’s reaction during the ceremony.
- Artistic wedding photography: This style uses creative angles, lighting, and composition to produce distinctive photographs. For example, a photographer might use reflections, natural light, or the wedding venue’s architecture to create a memorable portrait.
At Michaels Entertainment, our wedding photography team combines candid storytelling with artistic portraits. Our goal is to capture real moments without making every photograph feel overly posed.
Before making a decision, look through photos from an entire wedding rather than judging a photographer by a handful of favorite shots. Pay attention to indoor pictures, outdoor portraits, ceremony photos, and reception lighting.
You should feel comfortable with the photography style, especially since these are the pictures you’ll share with family and look back on for years.
4. Review What You’ll Actually Receive With Wedding Photography Packages
The number of hours included in a package tells you how long your photographer will be present. But what happens after the wedding matters just as much.
For example, one package might include digital photos through an online gallery, and another could offer printed albums, additional editing, or physical photo products.
So, before signing a contract, make sure you know exactly what you’ll receive.
Start by asking about these details:
- Edited photographs: Ask whether your package includes professionally edited photos and what kind of editing you can expect. Basic editing usually involves adjustments to lighting, color, and exposure, which can make a noticeable difference in the finished images.
- Digital photo gallery: Check how you’ll access your pictures and whether you can download full-resolution copies. An online gallery makes it easier to share wedding photos with family members who couldn’t attend.
- Photo delivery timeline: Find out how long the editing process takes. Some photographers deliver galleries sooner than others, so getting an expected delivery date helps avoid confusion after the wedding.
- Printed albums and portraits: If you want a wedding album or framed portraits, ask whether these items come with your package or cost extra. Knowing this ahead of time makes budgeting easier.
At Michaels Entertainment, our wedding photography packages include high-resolution photos through an online gallery. Couples can download, share, and print their favorite pictures, with wedding photo delivery expected within 16 weeks.
Of course, every couple has different preferences. If printed albums, engagement sessions, or other photography services matter to you, bring those up during the planning process.
5. Check Photo Rights and Sharing Rules in Wedding Photography Packages
Here’s something many couples overlook: paying for wedding photography doesn’t automatically mean you own the copyright to every photograph.
In most cases, the photographer or another copyright owner retains ownership of the images. Your photography agreement explains how you can use, download, share, and print your wedding photos.
According to the U.S. Copyright Office, hiring a photographer for a wedding doesn’t automatically transfer copyright ownership to the couple.
That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your pictures. It simply means you should check your agreement for any restrictions.
Before booking, ask a few questions:
- Can you download the high-resolution photographs?
- Can you print pictures at a photo lab of your choice?
- Can you share the wedding gallery with family and friends?
- Are there restrictions on posting pictures on social media?
- Does your package include permission for personal printing?
For example, if you plan to create your own wedding album through an online printing service, you’ll want to confirm that your photography agreement allows it.
At Michaels Entertainment, our online wedding galleries let couples download, share, and print their favorite photos. Reviewing these details before booking helps set clear expectations.
6. Consider Wedding Photography and Videography Packages
Wedding photographs capture moments you can frame and display, but wedding videos bring back the movement, voices, and sounds of your special day. Think about hearing your vows again, watching your parents give a speech, or replaying your first dance.
That’s why many couples compare wedding photography and videography packages instead of booking separate vendors.
At Michaels Entertainment, we offer wedding videography services alongside our photography packages, including complete wedding films, cinematic short films, and shorter videos for sharing online.
Benefits of Booking Wedding Photography and Videography Together
Choosing a combined wedding photo and video package can make planning easier and may help you save money. Here are a few advantages:
- Better coordination: Having photography and videography through one company helps both teams coordinate coverage, manage schedules, and capture important moments without getting in each other’s way.
- Potential cost savings: Booking a combined wedding photography and videography package may cost less than hiring separate vendors. Michaels Entertainment offers customizable packages, so you can choose services that fit your budget.
- Easier wedding planning: Working with one company for multiple services means fewer vendors to coordinate. Michaels Entertainment also offers wedding DJ and MC services, allowing you to organize several parts of your celebration through one team.
Other Wedding Services Worth Considering
Beyond photography and videography, you can add services that make your wedding reception more enjoyable for guests.
- Wedding DJ Services in Detroit: Keep your wedding reception entertaining with professional DJ and MC services. From ceremony music and introductions to the first dance and reception playlist, our wedding DJs help keep the celebration running smoothly.
- Wedding photo and video booths: Give guests a fun way to take pictures and create memories throughout the reception.
- Event lighting and special effects: Add lighting and visual effects to create the atmosphere you want for your ceremony or reception.
Before booking, confirm which services come with your package, how many photographers and videographers will attend, and what finished photos and videos you’ll receive.
7. Compare the Total Cost of Wedding Photography Packages
A common question couples ask is, “How much should wedding photography cost?”
The answer depends on the amount of coverage, the number of photographers, the services included, and any additional requests.
For example, a photography package covering four hours at a small wedding won’t necessarily cost the same as a full-day package with multiple photographers and wedding videography.
That’s why comparing the final price matters more than looking at the starting price alone.
When reviewing wedding photography packages, check for the following costs:
- Base package price: This is the starting price for the photography services included in your quote. Check exactly how many hours and photographers the package covers, so you can compare quotes fairly.
- Additional photography hours: Weddings don’t always follow the planned schedule. Ask how much extra coverage costs if you decide to extend your photographer’s time during the reception.
- Travel fees: Some photographers charge extra for weddings outside the regular service area. If your venue is farther away, ask whether travel costs apply.
- Extra services: Engagement sessions, wedding albums, additional photographers, and videography may affect your total cost. Ask for a clear breakdown of optional services before making a decision.
- Booking and payment terms: Check the required deposit, payment schedule, cancellation policy, and rescheduling terms. These details matter if your plans change before the wedding.
Michaels Entertainment offers customizable wedding photography packages for couples with different schedules and preferences. Our team can discuss your wedding date, location, coverage needs, and other services before providing package pricing.
Find the Right Wedding Photography Packages With Michaels Entertainment
Choosing a wedding photography package shouldn’t feel like guessing what you’re paying for.
The best place to start is by deciding which moments matter most to you, how much coverage you’ll need, and whether you want photography alone or a combination of photography and videography.
At Michaels Entertainment, our goal is to make the photography planning process easier. From natural wedding portraits to candid reception moments, our team focuses on capturing the moments that make your celebration personal.
We work with couples throughout Detroit, Troy, Ann Arbor, Sterling Heights, and other communities across Southeast Michigan. Visit our areas we serve page to find out more about our service locations.
Ready to Compare Wedding Photography Packages?
Michaels Entertainment offers customizable wedding photography packages for intimate ceremonies, traditional weddings, and full-day celebrations. Whether you’re looking for photography alone or a complete wedding photography, videography, and entertainment package, our team can help you review your options.
Call Michaels Entertainment at (248) 883-3338 or visit our Connect Page to check availability, request pricing, and start planning your wedding photography coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Photography Packages
How much are wedding photography packages?
Wedding photography package prices vary depending on the number of coverage hours, photographers, wedding location, and included services. For an accurate quote from Michaels Entertainment, share your wedding date, venue, and preferred photography coverage. Our team can discuss the available options and help you find a package within your budget.
Is it better to book photography and videography together?
Booking wedding photography and videography together can make planning easier, especially if you prefer working with one company. A combined package can help coordinate schedules and may reduce costs compared with booking separate services. Michaels Entertainment offers both services and can discuss available bundle options.
How many hours of wedding photography do you need?
For a shorter ceremony and reception, four to six hours may provide enough coverage. For a full-day wedding with getting-ready photos, portraits, a ceremony, and reception activities, eight to ten hours may be a better fit. Your timeline and the moments you want captured should guide the decision.
Should you hire one or two wedding photographers?
One photographer can handle many smaller weddings. For larger celebrations, separate getting-ready locations, or busy schedules, two photographers may provide broader coverage. Discuss your wedding plans with Michaels Entertainment to determine the best option and available photography arrangements.
How far in advance should you book wedding photography packages?
It’s a good idea to contact your preferred photographer once you’ve confirmed your wedding date and venue. Popular dates, especially weekends during wedding season, can fill up early. Booking ahead gives you more time to discuss package options and organize your photography schedule.