One of the most common questions I get is how many hours of photography coverage to book. Here is my honest answer, broken down by wedding type.
What Affects How Much Time You Need?
Several factors come into play when determining how many hours of wedding photography coverage you need. One of the first things to consider is how much time you want for preparation shots. Getting ready photos are a great way to capture the anticipation and excitement of the day. If you want these moments documented, you must allocate time, usually starting a few hours before the ceremony.
Another major factor is whether you’re planning to do a first look. A first look is a private moment between the couple before the ceremony, where you see each other for the first time in your wedding attire. This can be an emotional and intimate moment that’s wonderful to capture, and it also allows us to take some portraits before the ceremony. Doing a first look can free up time later in the day for more candid and spontaneous shots during the reception.
Traveling between locations is another crucial consideration. If your wedding involves multiple locations—for example, getting ready at one place, the ceremony at another, and the reception at a third—you must factor in travel time between these spots. It’s vital to ensure enough coverage to account for this travel so we don’t miss any critical moments due to transit.
The size and complexity of your wedding also play a role in determining the coverage needed. Larger weddings with more guests typically require more time to photograph all the significant interactions and details. Similarly, if you have many special events planned, like performances, speeches, or elaborate entrances and exits, you’ll need additional hours to ensure everything is documented.
6-Hour Wedding Photography Package
For intimate weddings and elopements, I offer a 6-hour option. For most weddings, the choice is between 8 and 10 hours.
8-Hour Wedding Photography Package
The 8-hour package is perfect for average-sized weddings. It provides enough time to cover most of the critical moments without feeling rushed. Here’s a sample timeline for an 8-hour package:
•12:00 PM: I arrive for getting ready shots
•2:00 PM: Ceremony
•3:00 PM: Family and couple portraits
•4:00 PM: Cocktail hour
•5:00 PM: Reception begins
•7:00 PM: Dinner and speeches
•8:00 PM: First dance and cake cutting
•8:00 PM: I depart
This option allows for comprehensive wedding day documentation, capturing both the ceremony and key reception events. If you plan to have a first look, it will affect the timing, allowing us to get more portraits done before the ceremony, which can free up later for more candid moments. This package typically covers most of the main events, but additional hours might be needed if your reception runs late or you have a grand exit planned.
10-Hour Wedding Photography Package
For larger weddings or those with multiple locations, the 10-hour package is the best choice. This extensive coverage ensures every vital moment is photographed. Here’s an example of a 10-hour timeline:
•11:00 AM: I arrive for getting ready shots
•1:00 PM: First look and couple portraits
•2:30 PM: Ceremony
•4:00 PM: Family and wedding party portraits
•5:00 PM: Cocktail hour
•6:00 PM: Reception begins
•7:00 PM: Dinner and speeches
•8:00 PM: First dance and cake cutting
•9:00 PM: Dancing and exit shots
•9:00 PM: I depart
This package covers all aspects of your day, from the pre-ceremony preparations to the grand exit. With 10 hours, we can capture everything from the early excitement to the final farewell, including notable performances, extended dance parties, and multiple venue transitions. It’s perfect for those who want complete and detailed wedding day documentation.
If you are not sure what you need, I am always glad to talk through your timeline!
