When I got married in August 2024, something shifted for me. As I planned our day, I noticed just how few vendor websites actually spoke to couples like us and provided unique wedding photography packages. I could go on and on about our wedding (honestly, it was the sweetest day), but one thing that really stood out was how much of the wedding world assumes a one-size-fits-all celebration. Our wedding was small and intentional — no bridal party, no grand exit, no midnight dance floor. We simply wanted the meaningful moments captured but most of the wedding photography packages I found seemed built for big, traditional celebrations with ten hours of coverage and all the bells and whistles. That just wasn’t us.
And that’s when it clicked: not every couple fits the “traditional wedding” mold. The first dance, the cake cutting, the sparkler exit — they’re so beautiful, but they aren’t what makes a wedding meaningful. What matters is how your day feels to you.
So, Why Customized Wedding Photography Packages?
Not every vendor needs to take this approach, but as a photographer, creating custom wedding photography packages allows me to serve my couples in a more personal way. I want your experience both on your wedding day and in your photos to feel honest and really true to who you are. Every package I offer includes the essentials – a consultation call, timeline planning tailored to your day, thoughtful wedding coverage, a full gallery of images (with black and white copies), and full printing rights. But from there, you can build what fits your story. Need an engagement session? Want a second photographer? Interested in a beautifully made heirloom album? It’s all up to you!
My Photography Package Starting Points
While everything is customizable, I do start with three base options that match the most common wedding day structures:
- The Micro-Wedding – 4 hours
- The Usual – 8 hours
- The Catholic Wedding – 10 hours (you know why)
But these are just starting points. One of my absolute favorite weddings this year lasted only 90 minutes, and it was every bit as meaningful as a full-day celebration. For example — let’s say your wedding is just your immediate family held at a church, with a plated dinner after. What is that, 20 people tops? You’re looking at 2 hours of coverage to cover the ceremony, family photos and portraits right after. Nobody wants photos of them eating…unless you plan to have toasts, cut the cake, and maybe even do a dance! Then you’re looking at 4 hours of coverage.
Where do we Begin?
Every one of my default packages starts with a personal consultation which is our chance to connect and begin shaping your vision. From there, I put together a custom package tailored specifically to your wedding day. Each one includes hours of coverage, an online timeline planning meeting, a 48-hour sneak peek gallery, and a full gallery with about 100 edited images per hour (plus black-and-white versions of each). You’ll also receive full printing rights so your memories are truly yours to keep and share. You can then choose to add an engagement session, bring in a second photographer for extra coverage, or choose a timeless heirloom album to hold your story in print.
I know that’s a lot to take in, so here’s what’s always included: a consult to get to know each other, a planning call to go over your timeline, and a beautifully curated online gallery. From there, the coverage hours are completely customized because no two weddings are the same. Not sure how many hours you’ll need? I genuinely believe guest count is one of the best indicators. The more people celebrating with you, the more moments worth capturing and I’m here to make sure none of them are missed.
Let’s Break the Wedding Mold Together!
I always ask my couples how they picture their day from start to finish. ‘You wake up on your wedding day, and how does it go?’ Now, reflect on that day and think about what you’d like to be documented! My hope is to shift away from the cookie-cutter approach to weddings. I’m not here to stage a perfect magazine spread — I’m here to help your photos feel like you. Lately, the best feedback I’ve received is that my images feel real, honest, and full of heart. That’s exactly what I strive for. So if you’re planning a wedding and thinking, ‘We just want it to feel right for us,’ then you’re in exactly the right place. Whether your plans include eight hours of celebrating at a large venue such as The English Barn or a short-and-sweet ceremony in your local church, your day matters deeply and it deserves to be documented with care.
Ready to Create Your Own Bespoke Wedding Photography Package?
From your wedding day to engagement shoot, I’m here to help build out your perfect wedding photography package to fit your needs! If we haven’t met yet, hey I’m Kelsey! I believe every relationship is unique and that’s why I take the time to get to know all of my couples in order to truly document their beautiful love story! You can learn more about me here, and contact me here to chat all about wedding photography packages. I can’t wait to hear all the details you want to include! Until then, view more photography inspiration and wedding tips on the blog!
Kelsey Diane Photography | Kansas City Wedding Photographer
View a few of my favorite unique wedding photography packages captured lately below!
