Wedding Photo Count Calculator
Based on industry standards from Australia, US, and UK wedding photographers. Estimates calculated using information from real wedding data.
Enter your wedding details to see the estimated number of edited photos you should receive.
Tip: Professional photographers typically take 2,000-4,000 photos but deliver only the best edited images. A range of 400-800 photos for an 8-10 hour wedding is considered standard.
When you hire a wedding photographer, you’re not just paying for someone to take pictures. You’re paying for memories that will outlast the cake, the dress, and even the playlist. But here’s the question that keeps couples up at night: how many photos should a wedding photographer give you? There’s no magic number, but there are real, reliable ranges based on what professional photographers actually deliver-and what couples end up loving.
What Most Wedding Photographers Actually Deliver
Most full-day wedding photographers in Australia, the US, and the UK deliver between 400 and 800 edited photos for an 8- to 10-hour wedding. That’s not a guess-it’s the average across hundreds of packages reviewed by industry groups like the Professional Photographers of America and Australian Wedding Photographers Association. If you’re getting fewer than 300, you’re likely missing out. If you’re getting over 1,000, you might be getting too many.
Why this range? It’s not about how many shots the camera takes. It’s about how many are worth keeping. A good photographer takes 2,000 to 4,000 photos during a wedding day. They delete duplicates, blurry frames, closed eyes, and awkward moments. What’s left are the moments that matter: the first look, the tear in your dad’s eye as you walk down the aisle, the way your partner laughs when you trip over your train.
What Drives the Number of Photos You Get
Not all weddings are the same. The number of photos you receive depends on four big factors:
- Length of coverage - A 4-hour wedding might give you 200-300 photos. A 12-hour wedding could push you toward 900-1,100. Most couples book 8-10 hours, which lands them in that sweet spot of 400-800.
- Number of locations - If you’re doing a ceremony, reception, and two separate portrait sessions (like sunrise at Bondi and sunset at Manly), you’re asking for more time and more shots. Each location adds 50-100 photos.
- Style of photography - Photojournalistic photographers focus on candid moments and deliver fewer but more powerful images. Traditional photographers who pose every group shot might deliver more photos, but they’re often less memorable.
- Editing depth - Some photographers deliver lightly edited photos. Others spend 3-5 hours per image on color grading, skin retouching, and background cleanup. The more editing, the fewer final images you get-but each one is stronger.
What to Watch Out For: The Lowball Trap
Some photographers advertise "unlimited photos" or "all images from the day." That sounds great-until you open the gallery and see 3,500 blurry, repetitive, or poorly lit shots. You’re not getting value. You’re getting clutter. A good photographer doesn’t just hand you every file. They curate.
One couple in Melbourne hired a photographer who promised "all 4,200 photos." They spent two weeks sorting through duplicates, photos of empty chairs, and shots where the groom was blinking. They ended up using fewer than 100. That’s not a win. That’s a burden.
Ask your photographer: "How many final, edited images do you typically deliver?" If they hesitate or say "it depends," ask for examples from three recent weddings. Look at the numbers. If they’re delivering 150 photos for a full day, that’s a red flag.
What’s Included Beyond the Photo Count
Photos aren’t the only thing that matters. You’re also paying for:
- Editing quality - Are colors natural? Is skin tone consistent? Are backgrounds clean?
- Delivery format - High-resolution JPEGs for printing? A private online gallery? A USB drive?
- Turnaround time - Most professionals deliver within 4-8 weeks. Anything longer than 12 weeks is a warning sign.
- Copyright and usage rights - Do you own the files? Can you print them anywhere? Can you share them on social media?
One Sydney couple chose a photographer who delivered 520 photos, but they came with full copyright, a custom online gallery with slideshow options, and a printed 20-page album. That’s worth more than 1,000 low-quality files.
What You Shouldn’t Pay For
Don’t pay extra for "more photos." If a photographer charges $200 extra for 100 additional images, they’re treating photos like candy. You’re paying for skill, timing, and storytelling-not quantity.
Same goes for "raw files." Most professionals don’t include unedited JPEGs or RAW files in their packages. Why? Because they’re not finished work. They’re digital negatives. You wouldn’t ask a chef to hand you the raw ingredients after a meal. You’d want the plated dish.
If you really want RAW files, ask upfront. Some photographers offer them as an add-on for $300-$600. But most couples never open them. They just want the best version of the moment.
How to Know You’re Getting a Fair Deal
Here’s a simple checklist to judge your package:
- Is the number of final photos between 400 and 800 for an 8-10 hour wedding?
- Do the sample galleries show consistent editing and strong storytelling?
- Are delivery times clearly stated (under 8 weeks)?
- Do you own the rights to print and share the photos?
- Is there a printed album or digital gallery included?
If you answer yes to all five, you’re in good shape. If you’re unsure, ask for a sample gallery from a recent wedding. Don’t trust the website’s highlight reel. Ask for a full gallery from a real couple.
What to Do If You’re Not Happy
If you get your gallery and feel shortchanged-say, you got 250 photos for a full day-reach out politely. Most photographers will review their work and offer a few extra images if they missed something important. But they won’t reshoot the day. So be clear upfront.
Always put the expected photo count in your contract. Not "as many as possible." Not "all the good ones." Write: "The photographer will deliver a minimum of 450 fully edited, high-resolution images from the wedding day." That way, there’s no confusion later.
Final Thought: Quality Over Quantity
Years from now, you won’t remember if you had 520 or 680 photos. You’ll remember how you felt looking at them. The right number of photos isn’t about hitting a target. It’s about capturing the soul of your day. One perfect shot of your partner whispering "I love you" right before the vows? That’s worth more than a hundred posed group shots.
Choose a photographer who sees your wedding as a story-not a checklist. The number of photos will follow.
How many photos should a wedding photographer give for a 6-hour wedding?
For a 6-hour wedding, expect between 300 and 500 edited photos. This covers the ceremony, portraits, and reception highlights. If you’re getting fewer than 250, ask why. If you’re getting over 600, check if the photos are truly curated or just a lot of repeats.
Do I get all the raw files from my wedding photographer?
Most professional wedding photographers do not include raw (unedited) files in their standard packages. Raw files are unfinished work-like a sketch before the painting. You’re paying for the final, polished images. If you want raw files, ask if they’re available as an add-on, usually for $300-$600. Most couples don’t need them.
Is 1,000 wedding photos too many?
It’s not too many if they’re all high-quality and meaningful. But most photographers who deliver 1,000+ photos are including duplicates, blurry shots, or unedited frames. A curated gallery of 500-700 strong images is more valuable than 1,000 mediocre ones. Ask to see a full gallery before booking to judge quality, not quantity.
How long should I wait to get my wedding photos?
A good wedding photographer delivers your gallery in 4 to 8 weeks. Some take up to 12 weeks during peak season. Anything longer than 12 weeks is a red flag. Make sure your contract includes a delivery timeline. If it doesn’t, ask for one before signing.
Can I ask for more photos after I receive the gallery?
Yes, you can politely ask. Most photographers will review their work and may add a few extra images if they missed something important-like a key family moment. But they won’t reshoot the day or deliver hundreds more photos just because you asked. Don’t expect miracles. Set clear expectations upfront.