Needless to say, weddings are magical moments that are meant to celebrate love; they’re filled with laughter, tears, and countless memories that deserve to be captured perfectly. But did you know that your wedding photographer can do so much more than just snapping photos on the big day? 

All right, it actually depends on the photographer, but a lot of photographers offer so much more than just shooting on your wedding day. If you want days surrounding the wedding to also be shot, usually those can too. Plus, some photographers will even offer packages beyond the wedding day. So, let’s dive into the exciting world of hiring a wedding photographer for other significant moments around your wedding festivities!

Engagement Shoots

Let’s start with engagement shoots, the delightful precursor to your wedding. Engagement shoots are all about celebrating your love story and creating stunning visuals to mark this beautiful phase. For this, it can go two ways, usually, it’s a couple shoot that turns into a surprise shoot (with the photographer knowing the secret so they can capture a candid shot, or it could be something more staged. 

But generally speaking, this photoshoot is more about getting the couple comfortable on camera. Sure, even during the big day, there’s always the option for wedding photojournalism, something that’s ideal if you’d rather have candid shots (way easier than faking those weird smiles and poses), but of course, it depends on the photographer. As there are some that only focus on candid shots, so reach out and look into their portfolio beforehand.

Wedding Invite Shoots

Ever thought about personalizing your wedding invites with gorgeous photos? It’s something that’s slowly becoming trendy. So, some couples opt for a special photo session solely for their wedding invites. Some people will use engagement shoots, but again, those are super candid, so there’s always the chance for unflattering angles or expressions. 

So, this isn’t just any photo shoot; it’s your chance to get creative and set the tone for your upcoming nuptials. Overall, your photographer will help you bring your vision to life and ensure that every invite feels like a sneak peek into your love story.

Bachelor and Bachelorette Shoots

Who says the fun stops at the wedding? Bachelor and bachelorette parties are prime opportunities for capturing candid, fun-filled moments with your closest friends. So, it really depends. Some photographers might include this in their package, some won’t, but if you’re willing to pay extra, they’ll make it work (as long as they don’t need to travel far). Usually, the bachelor and bachelorette parties are on the same night, so the photographer can get shots from both.

Wedding Rehearsal the Night Before

The night before the wedding can be just as emotional and memorable as the big day itself. The rehearsal dinner is often a time for intimate moments, heartfelt toasts, and family bonding. So, having a photographer there to capture these moments ensures that no precious memory goes undocumented. This is a smart decision because it gives your photographer a chance to get to know your family and friends better, ensuring even more personal and meaningful photos on the wedding day.

Honeymoon Shoot

Yes, you read that right – honeymoon shoots are a thing! If you’re planning a destination wedding or an exotic honeymoon, why not bring your photographer along to capture the romance of your post-wedding bliss? Some photographers are happy to travel if you’re paying for everything, but of course, you can always hire a photographer in the location you’re going to be at.