San Antonio Wedding Photography Packages and What’s Actually Worth Your Money?

Planning your wedding is exciting, but let’s be real—it can also feel like you’re trying to decode a foreign language. One of the trickiest parts? Figuring out what’s included in a wedding photography package and what’s actually worth the extra investment. As experienced San Antonio wedding photographers, we’ve seen couples struggle with these choices, and we’re here to break it all down for you.

What Every Wedding Photography Package Should Include

Not all photography packages are created equal, but there are a few core things that any reputable wedding photographer should offer. Let’s go over what you should expect.

Coverage Time

Most photographers offer packages based on hours of coverage, usually ranging from 6 to 10 hours. The right amount of time depends on your wedding day timeline. If you want everything from getting-ready shots to the grand exit, you’ll likely need at least 8-10 hours. If you’re having a smaller wedding or don’t care about late-night dancing shots, 6 hours might be enough.

Pro tip: If your wedding is packed with events—like a traditional Catholic mass followed by a four-hour reception—you’ll probably want the extra coverage.

Number of Photographers

Many packages include a second shooter, and trust us, this is a game-changer. Having two photographers means you get multiple angles of key moments (like one capturing the groom’s reaction while the other focuses on the bride walking down the aisle). It also allows for more candid shots of guests throughout the evening as well as those interaction you don’t get to see during the day.

We’ve had weddings where the groom’s reaction was priceless—but only one of us caught it because the other was capturing the bride’s walk. That’s why we love having a second shooter!

Edited Images

Your wedding photos won’t just be snapped and dumped onto a USB. Most professional photographers edit their images for color correction, lighting adjustments, and minor touch-ups. You should expect high-resolution, fully edited photos—and getting a great image up front means less time spent editing things out later.

Online Gallery & Print Rights

A good package will also include an online gallery where you can download, share, and even order prints of your photos. Some photographers offer full print rights, while others require prints to be ordered through them—so be sure to clarify what’s included.

What’s Worth the Extra Cost? (Upgrades That Make a Difference)

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s talk about the add-ons that can truly enhance your experience and memories.

Additional Coverage Hours

If you’re debating whether to add extra time to your package, ask yourself: Do I want photos of the full reception, or just the big moments? If your reception is going to be an epic dance party with a grand exit, having the photographer stay longer might be worth it.

Engagement Sessions

An engagement session isn’t just about getting cute pictures—it’s a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day. Many of our couples tell us they feel way more relaxed on their wedding day because they already know how we work.

One of our couples was super nervous about being photographed. After their engagement session, they were pros, and their wedding photos turned out even more natural because they knew what to expect!

Bridal Portraits

A bridal session is a separate photoshoot before the wedding where the bride gets dressed up in her gown (often with hair and makeup done). This allows for stress-free, stunning portraits without the time crunch of a wedding day timeline.

This is also a great run-through to see how hair and makeup will go, as well as the time necessary to get into your wedding dress on the wedding day!

Luxury Albums & Prints

We know, we live in a digital world. But trust us, there’s something special about holding a professionally designed wedding album in your hands. High-quality prints and albums stand the test of time, while digital files can get lost or forgotten.

We still have couples who message us years later saying they’re so glad they invested in an album because flipping through it brings their wedding day back to life. None of our couples have regretted getting an album!!

Expedited Editing

Some photographers offer an option to speed up the editing process for an additional fee. If you’re the type who can’t wait to share your wedding photos, this might be worth considering.  Because we take the time to capture well composed images up front, our delivery time is faster than most photographer’s expedited delivery.

Add-Ons That May or May Not Be Worth It (Depending on Your Priorities)

Some extras are amazing for certain couples, but not everyone needs them. Here’s a look at a few popular add-ons and whether they might be right for you.

Content Creation

With the rise of social media, some photographers (or separate content creators) offer behind-the-scenes phone footage, same-day edits, or short-form video clips for Instagram & TikTok. If you’re big on sharing your day online, this can be a fun addition.

Photo Booths

A photo booth is a fun way to entertain guests and capture silly moments, but it’s not a necessity. If your venue has a beautiful setup for guest photos or your budget is tight, you might be fine without one.

Rehearsal Dinner Coverage

Some couples choose to have their photographer cover the rehearsal dinner to capture speeches, candid moments, and family interactions before the wedding. If your rehearsal dinner is a big event with out-of-town guests and heartfelt toasts, it might be worth it. If it’s a casual pizza night, you can probably skip it.

How to Choose the Right Package for Your Wedding

With so many options, how do you decide what’s best for you? Here’s how to narrow it down:

Consider Your Timeline & Must-Have Moments

Think about the most important moments you want documented—do you care about getting-ready shots? Do you want every dance-floor moment captured? Make sure your coverage time aligns with your priorities.

Think About Your Venue & Guest Count

Larger weddings (150+ guests) often benefit from a second photographer and additional hours to make sure nothing gets missed. If you have a smaller, intimate wedding, a more basic package might be enough.

Match It to Your Budget

Photography is one of the most lasting investments in your wedding, but it should still fit within your overall budget. Prioritize what matters most—whether that’s extra coverage, an album, or engagement photos—and cut extras that don’t feel essential.

Final Thoughts: Making the Best Investment in Your Wedding Memories

At the end of the day, your wedding photos will be one of the few things that last long after the cake is eaten and the flowers fade. Investing in the right photography package ensures you’ll have beautiful, timeless memories to look back on for decades.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry! We love helping couples find the perfect package for their big day. If you have any questions, just reach out—we’re happy to chat and guide you through the process!