Wedding Photography Package Estimator
Find out what to expect from your wedding photos
This tool helps you understand the typical photography package for your wedding duration. Based on industry standards, we'll show you what to expect in terms of photos, editing time, and delivery.
Most couples assume that if they pay a wedding photographer, they’ll walk away with every single photo taken that day. That’s not how it works-and it’s not because photographers are holding out on you. It’s because what you get isn’t just a pile of files. It’s a curated story.
Why photographers don’t give you every photo
A typical wedding lasts 8 to 12 hours. During that time, a photographer might take 3,000 to 6,000 photos. That’s not a mistake. It’s strategy. They shoot in bursts to catch the exact moment a tear falls, the first kiss, or the cake being cut with perfect lighting. But not every shot is worth keeping.Think of it like this: you wouldn’t hand your friend a folder of 500 blurry selfies and say, "Here, pick your favorite." You’d pick the best ones. Photographers do the same. They delete duplicates, out-of-focus shots, closed eyes, awkward mid-blink moments, and test frames. What’s left is a shortlist of maybe 1,500 to 2,500 images.
Then comes the editing. That’s where the real work starts. Color correction, skin retouching, background cleanup, lighting balance-each photo can take 2 to 10 minutes. A full wedding album with 800 edited images? That’s 27 to 133 hours of work. No one charges $2,000 to deliver 5,000 unedited files. They charge for the story they’ve crafted.
What’s usually included in a wedding photography package
Most professional wedding photographers offer one of two main options:- Edited gallery only: You get 400 to 800 fully edited, high-resolution images. This is the standard for mid-range to premium packages. These are the photos you’ll print, share, and frame.
- Edited gallery + sneak peek: Same edited gallery, but you get 10 to 20 preview images within 48 hours. Great for social media or calming nerves while you wait.
Some photographers offer an add-on: all unedited files. But this isn’t free. It’s usually an extra $300 to $800. Why? Because delivering raw files means more work: organizing thousands of files, naming them, backing them up, and explaining what they are. And most couples don’t want them.
Here’s what you’ll actually receive:
- High-resolution JPEGs (print-ready, no watermarks)
- A private online gallery with download links
- Print release rights (you can print anywhere)
- Optional: USB drive with all edited photos
You won’t get raw .CR2 or .NEF files unless you specifically pay for them. And if you do, you’ll need software like Lightroom or Photoshop to open them. Most people don’t have that.
What happens if you ask for everything?
You can ask. But here’s what you might not realize:First, you’re asking for chaos. Raw files are messy. They’re not sorted. They’re not color-corrected. They’re not even cropped. You’ll see the same pose 12 times in a row. You’ll see your aunt blinking. You’ll see the photographer’s thumb in the corner of 200 shots. You’ll spend hours sorting through junk.
Second, it’s not what you signed up for. Your contract likely says you’ll receive "a curated selection of edited images." That’s the promise. Asking for everything breaks that agreement-and it can cost you more.
Third, photographers don’t want to give you raw files. Why? Because they’re professionals. They stand by their work. If you get a raw file of you mid-sneeze and share it online, you’re not just embarrassing yourself-you’re damaging their reputation. They’re protecting their brand.
What to look for in your contract
Before you sign anything, check these three things:- Number of edited photos: Is it clearly stated? (e.g., "500+ edited images")
- Delivery timeline: Most deliver within 4 to 8 weeks. Anything longer than 12 weeks is a red flag.
- Raw files policy: Does it say "raw files not included"? Or "available for additional fee"? If it’s not mentioned, ask.
Some photographers include a "gallery size guarantee"-if they deliver fewer than promised, you get a partial refund. That’s a sign of a trustworthy pro.
Real examples from real weddings
In Dublin, a couple paid €2,800 for a full-day package. They got 687 edited photos delivered in six weeks. No raw files. They were thrilled. The photos captured the rain during their first dance, the way the candles lit up the reception hall, and their grandmother laughing so hard she cried. Those were the moments that mattered.Another couple in Cork paid €3,500 and asked for raw files as an add-on. They paid €600 extra. When they opened the folder, they found 4,200 files. They spent three days deleting duplicates. They never opened most of them. They printed 12 photos. The rest? Still sitting on their laptop.
The difference? One couple got a keepsake. The other got a digital landfill.
What you should really care about
Stop worrying about quantity. Focus on quality.Ask your photographer: "What’s your editing style?" Look at their full gallery-not just the highlights. Do the photos feel alive? Do the colors look natural? Are the emotions captured? That’s what lasts.
And if you’re worried about missing a moment? Talk to them before the wedding. Say: "I really want to make sure we get the first look with my dad, the cake cutting, and the bouquet toss." A good photographer will plan for those. They’ll be ready. They won’t need to take 1,000 shots to get it right.
Final advice: Don’t ask for everything. Ask for the right things
Your wedding photos aren’t a data dump. They’re your legacy.You don’t need 5,000 images. You need 500 that make you feel it all again-the nerves, the joy, the quiet hug between your parents when they thought no one was looking.
Choose a photographer who treats your day like a story, not a spreadsheet. Ask to see their full gallery from a recent wedding. Ask how long they take to edit. Ask if they include prints or albums.
And if they say, "We give you everything," walk away. That’s not professionalism. That’s laziness.
Do wedding photographers give all unedited photos?
No, most don’t. Professional wedding photographers deliver only edited, high-quality images. Raw files (unedited) are rarely included unless you pay extra. They’re not useful to most people-raw files are messy, unorganized, and require editing software to open. What you’re paying for is the photographer’s skill in selecting and enhancing the best moments.
How many edited photos should I expect?
For a full-day wedding (8-12 hours), expect between 400 and 800 edited photos. Smaller weddings (under 6 hours) usually deliver 250-450. The number depends on the package, but quality matters more than quantity. A photographer who delivers 500 stunning images is better than one who gives you 1,000 average ones.
Can I get more photos after the wedding?
Yes, but it usually costs more. Some photographers offer add-ons like "extra edited images" or "raw file access" for an additional fee-often $300-$800. If you want more photos, ask before signing your contract. Don’t wait until after the wedding. That’s when prices go up.
Why do photographers take so many photos if they only give me a few?
They shoot hundreds of extra frames to guarantee they capture the perfect moment. Weddings move fast. A smile might last half a second. A tear might fall when no one else notices. By taking 3,000-6,000 photos, they ensure they catch the real emotion-not just the posed ones. Then they edit out the noise: blurry shots, closed eyes, duplicates. What’s left is the story.
Are the photos I get high resolution and printable?
Yes. All professional wedding photographers deliver high-resolution JPEGs (usually 300 dpi or higher) that are perfect for printing. You’ll have full rights to print them anywhere-home, online labs, or albums. No watermarks. No restrictions. Just beautiful, usable photos.
What if I’m not happy with the number of photos?
First, check your contract. If it promised a minimum number (e.g., "at least 500 images") and you got fewer, you can ask for a refund or credit. If the number wasn’t specified, you can still ask for more-but the photographer isn’t obligated to give them. Focus on quality. If the photos you received are meaningful and well-edited, the count matters less.