When you’re in the middle of planning your wedding, you’re sure to come across many questions you never even thought to ask. From working how much to budget, which colours are on-trend, which signature cocktail to include on your bar menu … there are so many things you suddenly need to know, and it can get a little confusing.
I wanted to write a post for you to be able to refer to when you find yourself asking, “how many hours do we need to book our photographer for?” Most photographers offer multiple options for wedding photography coverage, and it can be difficult to work out what you need when you haven’t got everything worked out just yet.
One of the first things to consider is how you will structure your day – there plenty of options. You could take more the traditional option and have your ceremony before your bridal photos, or maybe a little less traditional and have a first look together with your bridal portraits before your ceremony.
6 Hours of Wedding Day Coverage
This is usually the least expensive package offered by some photographers, but that doesn’t mean it is only for couples with tight budgets! Six hours of coverage is plenty for smaller weddings and elopements.
Things to consider
- Only works logistically if the ceremony and reception are in the same location or very close to each other.
- Most likely means that there will not be much (or any) time for photos of you getting ready
- All of the important moments (portraits, ceremony, family photos, first dance, cake cutting) should be able to be covered
- The end of the night comes early with just 6 hours of coverage, so your timeline should be properly thought out.
8 Hours of Wedding Day Coverage
An 8-hour package is usually enough time for an average-size wedding, and the extra coverage will allow the photographer to capture the final part of getting ready, some detail shots of the reception space, and the start of the dance party.
Things to consider
- Even though 8 hours seems like a lot of time, this works best for weddings where the ceremony and reception are at the same location.
- Try to arrange the bride and groom getting ready locations to be fairly close to one another to avoid losing time in travelling between the two.
- Longer coverage provides a time buffer should your timeline end up being pushed out on the day.
- Remember to leave 20-30 minutes around golden hour to sneak out for some extra couple portraits.
10 Hours of Wedding Day Coverage
If you don’t want to feel rushed to get all of the most beautiful shots of your wedding day, then at least 10 hours of coverage is the way to go. It will allow your photographer enough time to get all of prep and detail shots, plus plenty of time for a first look or full sunset shoot (if you want to do one). Plus you won’t have to rush through any of the wedding party and family portraits before getting to eat, drink and dance.
Things to consider
- At least 10 hours of coverage is recommended if your ceremony and reception are taking place in different locations. This allows your photographer enough time to travel between locations
- If you want a longer bridal portrait session, or to go off-site for photos then 10 hours of coverage will allow this.
- Longer coverage provides a time buffer should your timeline end up being pushed out on the day.