Full Day Wedding Photography Packages UK: The Complete 2026 Guide
Ian Petrie’s Photography are an award-winning photographer in Nottingham and Derby
Planning your wedding is an incredibly exciting time, but when it comes to photography, the details can feel overwhelming. What does 'full day coverage' really mean? Are you worried about hidden costs for travel or extra hours? If you're finding it difficult to compare what different photographers include, you're not alone. These are common concerns for couples trying to ensure their entire story is captured without compromise.
This guide is here to bring clarity and confidence to your search for the perfect full day wedding photography packages UK professionals provide. We believe your wedding album should be a timeless reflection of your complete day-from the quiet, anticipatory moments in the morning to the final, joyful celebration. It’s about capturing the authentic narrative, not just ticking off a set number of hours.
Here, you will discover what's truly included, get a transparent look at average 2026 pricing in the UK, and learn the key questions to ask before you book. Our goal is to empower you to find a photographer whose style and service will beautifully preserve the unique, emotive story of your day.
Key Takeaways
Understand that 'full day' coverage is about capturing your complete wedding narrative, not just a fixed number of hours.
Discover the average 2026 pricing for full day wedding photography packages uk and what core services you should expect for your investment.
Arm yourself with the crucial questions to ask any photographer before booking to ensure their style and service perfectly match your vision.
Learn how to look beyond a simple shot list to find a photographer dedicated to telling your authentic story through warm, emotive images.
Table of Contents
How Much Do Full Day Wedding Photography Packages Cost in the UK?
Capturing Your Complete Story: The Ian Petrie Photography Approach
What Does 'Full Day Wedding Photography' Actually Mean?
When you begin exploring full day wedding photography packages UK, it's easy to get caught up in the numbers-8, 10, or 12 hours. However, the true value of full-day coverage goes far beyond the clock. It’s about commissioning an artist to capture the complete, authentic narrative of your wedding day. The goal is to tell your unique story, moving from the quiet, nervous excitement of the morning to the joyful energy of the evening celebration, creating a timeless collection of memories that truly reflects who you are.
Morning prepertion photos of a wedding - image by Ian Petrie’s Photography
This storytelling approach means the 'in-between' moments are just as crucial as the key events. A heartfelt hug with your father before the ceremony, a shared, secret smile during the speeches, or your grandparents holding hands-these are the emotive details that bring your story to life. While the history of wedding photography began with formal portraits, the modern, empathetic approach focuses on capturing these fleeting, genuine interactions that truly define your day.
The Story Arc: From Bridal Prep to the Dance Floor
Full day wedding photography is designed to capture the entire emotional arc of your wedding. A comprehensive package ensures every chapter is beautifully documented, typically including:
Morning Preparations: The quiet anticipation, the intricate details of your attire, and the special, candid moments shared with your closest family and friends.
The Ceremony: From the walk down the aisle and the exchange of vows to the first kiss and the heartfelt reactions of your loved ones.
Post-Ceremony Bliss: The iconic confetti throw, the warm congratulations from guests, and a relaxed, intimate portrait session for you as a newly married couple.
The Reception & Evening: The laughter and tears during the speeches, the cutting of the cake, your first dance, and the energetic celebration on the dance floor.
Coverage Hours vs. Storytelling Hours
This is why a 10 or 12-hour package often tells a more complete story than a standard 8-hour one. It ensures no part of your narrative is rushed or missed, avoiding difficult choices like having to sacrifice coverage of bridal prep or the evening party. By discussing your timeline with your photographer, you can tailor the coverage to preserve every important chapter. An experienced photographer captures these moments with an empathetic, unobtrusive style, allowing you to relax and immerse yourself in the day, confident that your story is being told beautifully.
The Anatomy of a Typical Full Day Package in the UK
When you begin exploring full day wedding photography packages uk, you'll notice that most professionals offer a similar core structure. However, the real value lies not just in the list of deliverables, but in the quality, experience, and artistic vision of the photographer. Understanding the anatomy of a package helps you move beyond the price tag and compare the true worth of what you are investing in for your special day. It’s about securing a comprehensive, emotive story of your wedding, from the quiet morning preparations to the joyful evening celebrations.
Fun quirky wedding images at the pumping house by Ian Petrie’s Photography
Core Deliverables You Should Expect
At its heart, a full-day package is designed to tell the complete, authentic story of your day. While specifics vary, these are the foundational elements you should always expect:
A Pre-Wedding Consultation: An essential meeting to discuss your vision, timeline, and key moments. This ensures your photographer understands what is most important to you.
8-12 Hours of Coverage: This typically covers everything from the final stages of bridal/groom prep through to the first dance and the start of the party.
A Curated Set of Edited Images: Expect to receive between 400-600+ high-resolution images, each one professionally and meticulously edited in the photographer's signature style.
A Private Online Gallery: A beautiful, password-protected online space to view, download, and share your timeless memories with friends and family worldwide.
Common Add-ons and Optional Extras
To make your coverage truly bespoke, most photographers offer optional extras that allow you to tailor the package to your exact needs:
Second Photographer: Highly recommended for larger weddings (100+ guests) or when you want coverage of both partners getting ready simultaneously.
Engagement/Pre-wedding Shoot: A perfect, relaxed way to get comfortable in front of the camera and receive some beautiful, casual portraits before the big day.
Fine Art Wedding Albums & Prints: The ultimate way to transform your digital files into tangible, timeless heirlooms that can be cherished for generations.
Videography Services: Many photographers have trusted partners they work with to offer a seamless photo and video experience.
What Might Not Be Included (The Fine Print)
A professional contract ensures complete transparency. It's vital to read this document carefully, as it protects both you and your photographer. Being aware of your consumer rights is always a good idea, and a clear contract is a sign of a reputable professional. Look for clauses on what isn't included as standard:
Travel & Accommodation: Costs are often included within a certain radius (e.g., 50 miles), with clear fees outlined for weddings further afield or abroad.
Extra Hours of Coverage: If your timeline runs over, additional coverage is usually available at a set hourly rate, often around £150-£250 per hour.
Physical Products: Unless specified in a top-tier collection, the cost of albums, prints, or wall art is typically separate from the main package.
The average for full time wedding photographers for a full day package - created by Ian Petrie’s Photography
How Much Do Full Day Wedding Photography Packages Cost in the UK?
When planning your budget, it's helpful to view wedding photography not as a cost, but as an investment in memories that will last a lifetime. The price of full day wedding photography packages in the UK can vary significantly, but understanding the factors that influence the final figure will empower you to find a package that perfectly suits your vision and budget. Your photos are the one thing that will grow in value long after the day is over.
Average Price Ranges in the UK
To give you a realistic idea for 2026, it's useful to look at industry averages. While research on the average cost of wedding photography shows a competitive market, prices generally fall into three main tiers based on a photographer's experience and style:
Entry-Level/Newer Photographers: £800 - £1,200. Often building their portfolio, they may offer a great price but have less experience managing the fast-paced, unpredictable nature of a wedding day. But this is not always the case, so ask your photographer about their experience.
Experienced Professionals: £1,500 - £2,500. This is the bracket for most established, full-time wedding photographers. They have a proven track record, a defined style, and the expertise to handle any situation with confidence.
High-End/Luxury Photographers: £3,000+. These photographers are typically in very high demand, often serving an exclusive market, and may have been featured in major publications.
As an award-winning photographer, my own packages are transparently priced within the experienced professional bracket, ensuring you receive exceptional quality and a dedicated, personal service.
What Influences the Final Price?
Several key elements contribute to the overall investment. Being aware of these can help you tailor a package to your exact needs:
Experience & Demand: A multi-award-winning photographer with a strong, consistent portfolio is in higher demand, and their pricing reflects years of expertise and reliability.
Location: Costs can vary regionally, with photographers in London and the South East often having higher prices due to a higher cost of living and doing business.
Coverage & Deliverables: The number of hours of coverage is a primary factor. Extras like fine art albums, engagement shoots, and print collections will also increase the total investment.
Team Size: Adding a second photographer to capture more angles and moments, or including a videographer, will naturally affect the final package price.
Why the Cheapest Option is Rarely the Best
It can be tempting to choose the cheapest quote, but your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event with no second chances. Investing in a seasoned professional is an investment in peace of mind. It guarantees reliability, a seamless experience, and timeless, emotive images that truly reflect your story. It’s about trusting someone to capture your most precious memories beautifully and unobtrusively. See our transparent, flexible packages designed to tell your unique story.
Top Questions to Ask Before Booking Your Full Day Package
Choosing your wedding photographer is a deeply personal decision, and asking the right questions is the key to making a confident choice. This checklist is designed to empower you, ensuring there are no surprises later and that you find a professional whose style and personality truly resonate with you. A passionate and experienced photographer will always welcome these questions, as it’s the first step in building the trust needed to capture your unique, authentic story.
Venue photograph of an event tent for a wedding in a field - image by Ian Petrie’s Photography
Questions About Style and Approach
Your photographer's artistic vision will define your wedding memories. Start by asking them to describe their photography style-is it documentary, fine art, traditional, or a blend? To ensure you feel at ease, ask: How do you help camera-shy couples feel relaxed and natural? An empathetic photographer will have a proven, unobtrusive approach. Most importantly, always request to see a full gallery from a recent wedding. This provides a much clearer picture of their storytelling ability than a curated portfolio of highlights.
Questions About Logistics and Planning
The practical details are crucial for a seamless and stress-free experience. A prepared professional brings peace of mind, so be sure to clarify their plans for any eventuality. Essential logistical questions include:
What is your contingency plan in case of bad weather or equipment failure?
Are you fully insured with both public liability and professional indemnity cover?
Do you require a meal to be provided on the day?
What are your travel fees for our venue’s location?
Questions About Deliverables and Timeline
Understanding what you will receive after your wedding day helps set clear expectations. Ask how many edited photos are typically included and when you can expect to receive your final gallery. It is vital to confirm that you will get full printing rights, allowing you to print and share your memories freely. If you dream of a timeless wedding album, enquire about the design process and associated costs. Getting these details upfront is a crucial part of comparing full day wedding photography packages UK providers and finding the perfect fit for your special day. If you'd like to discuss your plans, please feel free to get in touch for a complimentary consultation.
Capturing Your Complete Story: The Ian Petrie Photography Approach
Your wedding isn’t just a series of events; it's one continuous, beautiful story. We believe the only way to truly honour that story is with full-day coverage. Our focus is on creating warm, emotive, and storytelling imagery that reflects who you are as a couple-not just ticking off a generic shot list. With an empathetic and unobtrusive style, we blend into the background, capturing the laughter, the tears, and the quiet, in-between moments you might not even see happen. It’s these authentic interactions that form the heart of your wedding day narrative.
From Your First Enquiry to Your Final Gallery
Our journey together begins with a complimentary consultation where we get to know you and your unique vision. From there, we help plan your timeline to ensure the day flows effortlessly, leaving you feeling relaxed and present. On the day itself, our discreet approach allows us to document genuine emotions as they unfold naturally. The result is your final, private online gallery-a meticulously curated collection of timeless memories, professionally edited to bring your complete story to life.
Our Full Day Packages
We offer flexible full day wedding photography packages uk couples can tailor to their unique celebration. Our comprehensive coverage is designed to capture everything from morning preparations to the evening party, ensuring no precious moment is missed.
Full day coverage starting from just £950.
A secure, private online gallery to view, download, and share your high-resolution images.
All images are professionally and individually edited in our signature warm, bold style.
Optional add-ons are available, including a second photographer for more extensive coverage and bespoke fine art albums to treasure forever.
We are committed to providing a transparent, personal, and exceptional service from start to finish. Ready to tell your story? Let's chat about your wedding day story!
Waling to their ceremony at Newstead Abbey - image by Ian Petrie’s Photography
Choosing the Perfect Package to Tell Your Complete Wedding Story
Selecting your wedding photographer is one of the most personal and important decisions in your planning journey. As this guide has shown, a full day package is about more than just time; it’s a commitment to capturing the complete, emotive narrative of your day, from the quiet morning preparations to the joyful evening celebrations. By understanding what’s included and knowing which questions to ask, you can confidently find a photographer whose vision aligns perfectly with your own.
When searching for the best full day wedding photography packages uk has to offer, remember that the artist’s style is as crucial as the price. At Ian Petrie Photography, our multi-award-winning service is founded on an empathetic and unobtrusive storytelling style. We create timeless, authentic images that reflect who you are as a couple, offering flexible packages tailored to your unique day.
Your love story deserves to be remembered in its entirety. If you’re ready to invest in memories that will last a lifetime, we would be honoured to be a part of your day. View our full day wedding packages and check your date!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a second photographer really necessary for a full day wedding?
While not essential for every wedding, a second photographer is a wonderful investment in capturing a more complete story of your day. They can document both partners' morning preparations simultaneously, capture guest reactions during the ceremony while I focus on you, and provide different creative angles throughout the day. For weddings with over 100 guests or complex logistics, having a second pair of expert eyes ensures no precious, authentic moment is missed.
How many photos will we receive in a full day wedding package?
My focus is always on quality over quantity, delivering a curated gallery that tells your unique story. For a full day of coverage, you can typically expect to receive between 400 and 600 high-resolution, beautifully edited images. Each photo is carefully selected and artistically enhanced to ensure it contributes to the timeless, emotive narrative of your wedding day. This ensures you receive a collection of perfect memories without being overwhelmed by duplicate shots.
What happens if our wedding runs later than the agreed coverage time?
Please don't worry if your timeline shifts slightly; it happens! I will never pack up my cameras just before a key moment like the first dance. We can discuss the situation on the day, and if you'd like me to stay longer, coverage can be extended at a simple hourly rate, typically around £200. My priority is capturing your complete story, and I always aim to be as flexible and accommodating as possible for you.
Do we need to provide a shot list for our wedding photographer?
A short, organised list for formal family group photographs is incredibly helpful and ensures we don't miss anyone important. However, for the rest of the day, I encourage you to trust in my professional experience and unobtrusive, storytelling approach. A long, prescriptive list of specific poses or moments can hinder creativity and prevent me from capturing the genuine, authentic emotions and candid interactions that truly make your wedding day unique and memorable.
When is the best time to book a wedding photographer in the UK?
To secure your preferred date, especially for a Saturday between May and September, I recommend booking 12 to 18 months in advance. The most sought-after full day wedding photography packages UK photographers often get booked up very quickly. Booking early not only guarantees your photographer but also often locks in the current year's pricing, giving you one less thing to worry about as you plan your special day. It’s always best to enquire as soon as you have your venue confirmed.
Can we have the unedited or RAW files from our wedding day?
I do not provide unedited or RAW files from your wedding. The editing process is an integral part of my artistic service and signature style, where I carefully select, colour-correct, and enhance each image to create the final, polished photographs you see in my portfolio. Delivering RAW files would be like a chef providing only the raw ingredients. The finished gallery you receive represents the complete, professional, and emotive story of your day.
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