Your wedding photography isn’t just about the big day—it’s a journey that starts long before you say “I do” and continues well after the last dance. From the first engagement shoot to the moment you receive your final album, wedding photography is a process of storytelling that unfolds across months.
Understanding this timeline helps couples make the most of every phase, stay on track with planning, and fully appreciate the artistry involved. Whether you’re newly engaged or finalizing your vendor list, this guide breaks down the wedding photography process from start to finish—including when to expect images, what to prepare for, and how to get a beautiful album that lasts a lifetime.
1. Booking Your Photographer (9–12 Months Before the Wedding)
Why It Matters:
Most reputable wedding photographers book out well in advance—especially during peak wedding seasons (spring and summer). Booking your photographer early gives you access to your top choice, secures your date, and allows time to plan engagement sessions or timeline consultations.
What to Ask:
- Are they available on your date?
- What packages do they offer (coverage hours, albums, second shooters)?
- Do they offer pre-wedding or engagement shoots?
- Can they show full galleries, not just highlights?
At this stage, you’re not just hiring a vendor—you’re choosing someone who will be present for your most emotional, joyful, and personal moments. Finding someone you trust is key.
A Wedding Story, a Wellington-based photography team, is known for their natural, story-driven approach and early collaboration with couples—offering both photography and videography under one roof for a seamless experience.
2. Engagement or Pre-Wedding Shoot (6–9 Months Before)
Why You Should Do It:
An engagement shoot gives you a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera, build rapport with your photographer, and celebrate your relationship in a relaxed setting. It also gives you images for:
- Save-the-date cards
- Wedding websites
- Social media announcements
- Guest books or display prints at your reception
What to Expect:
- A one-hour to two-hour shoot at a meaningful or scenic location
- Outfit guidance, posing direction, and candid prompts
- Edited photo delivery within 2–4 weeks
Tips for a Great Session:
- Choose a location that feels authentic to you (beach, café, city street, mountain trail)
- Coordinate your outfits (without matching exactly)
- Embrace movement and emotion—don’t worry about being perfect
3. Timeline Consultation & Final Planning (2–3 Months Before)
What Happens:
By this stage, you’ve likely confirmed most vendors, including venue and schedule. Now it’s time to coordinate with your photographer to build a photo timeline that fits smoothly into your day.
This may include:
- First look or no first look?
- When and where family portraits will happen
- Ideal lighting conditions (e.g., golden hour couple portraits)
- Ceremony and reception timing
Your photographer may also help with:
- Creating a family shot list
- Planning for weather contingencies
- Recommending locations for pre-ceremony portraits
This ensures your day flows naturally while giving enough time for artistic and candid shots.
4. The Wedding Day (Day Of)
Coverage:
Depending on your package, wedding photography typically includes 8–10 hours of coverage, starting from getting ready through to reception dancing.
Key Moments Captured:
- Getting ready (hair, makeup, attire details)
- First look (optional)
- Ceremony (vows, ring exchange, the kiss)
- Family and group portraits
- Couple’s session
- Reception (speeches, cake cutting, dancing, guest reactions)
- Special traditions (cultural dances, prayer, toasts)
Behind the Scenes:
A professional photographer is constantly adapting—adjusting for light changes, weather surprises, timeline shifts, and emotional energy. They work discreetly to document not just the big moments, but the in-between ones: a tearful hug, spontaneous laughter, kids playing, grandparents watching quietly.
5. Sneak Peeks (Within 1 Week Post-Wedding)
What to Expect:
Many photographers offer a preview gallery or selection of images within a few days to a week after the wedding. These are great for:
- Social media sharing
- Thank you cards
- Reliving early excitement while waiting for the full gallery
Not all photographers offer this, so confirm during booking.
6. Full Gallery Delivery (4–8 Weeks After the Wedding)
What’s Included:
Depending on your photographer and package, you’ll receive:
- 500–1000 professionally edited images
- Delivered via an online gallery or USB
- High-resolution downloads and print rights
- Option to order prints directly from your gallery
Turnaround Time:
Delivery timelines vary based on:
- Time of year (peak season may mean longer edits)
- The complexity of editing style (light vs. moody edits, film emulation, etc.)
Most professional photographers aim for 6–8 weeks, but some may be faster or slower—always clarify before booking.
7. Album Design & Delivery (1–3 Months After Gallery Delivery)
If You Ordered an Album:
After your gallery is delivered, your photographer will begin working on your wedding album layout—or invite you to select your favorite images for inclusion.
What the Process Looks Like:
- Album preview sent to couple
- One or two rounds of revisions allowed
- Final approval
- Printing and shipping (usually 3–5 weeks)
Many photographers offer heirloom-quality albums with linen, leather, or hardcover options—perfect for preserving your story long-term.
If you didn’t book an album upfront, most photographers offer it as an add-on later. You may also choose to order parent albums or framed prints from the same gallery.
8. Aftercare & Archiving (Ongoing)
What You Should Do:
- Back up your gallery to a cloud service or external drive
- Print your favorites to avoid digital-only storage
- Share with friends and family who couldn’t attend
- Consider anniversary sessions or vow renewals to continue your visual story
Many couples find that their wedding gallery becomes more meaningful over time. Viewing your wedding photos after the honeymoon, then again on anniversaries, adds new layers of nostalgia and love.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just Photos—A Full Story
Wedding photography isn’t just about showing up with a camera on the day. It’s a process that starts months in advance—through relationship-building, planning, artistry, and collaboration—and continues long after the last dance ends.
From the first pre-wedding shoot to the final wedding album delivery, every step is about telling your story with care, creativity, and emotion.
Working with professionals who understand that storytelling takes time—not just technical skill—is what makes all the difference. A Wedding Story, for example, builds long-term relationships with couples from the moment of booking through album design, ensuring not just beautiful images—but a meaningful, guided experience along the way.
When done right, your wedding photos won’t just remind you of what happened.
