How Long Should I Book my Wedding Photographer on our Wedding Day?
As a wedding photographer, one of the most common questions I hear from couples is: “How many hours of photography coverage do we actually need?” It’s a great question, and the answer can vary depending on your wedding day timeline, priorities, and budget. But don’t worry, I’ll break it all down so you can book with confidence and peace of mind.
Why Photography Coverage Matters
Your wedding photos are what you’ll turn to years down the road to relive the emotion, the people, and all the little in-between moments. Making sure you have enough coverage ensures your photographer can capture everything without being rushed — from the quiet excitement of getting ready to the wild joy of the dance floor.
3 Hours Coverage – Small Intimate Ceremonies
Three (3) hours wedding photography coverage is perfect for small, intimate ceremonies or elopements where the focus is on capturing the essentials. In this timeframe, you can expect photography coverage of:
Ceremony
Family and couple portraits
Short portrait session of newlyweds and bridal party
A few candid moments
It’s a great option if you’re planning a simple celebration at a single location and want beautiful, meaningful photos without the full-day commitment. Just be sure to prioritise what matters most to you, so your photographer can make the most of every minute.
6 Hours Coverage – Best for Small or Intimate Weddings
If you’re planning a short day, maybe a ceremony followed by a lunch or dinner reception with fewer guests, 6 hours might be just right. This usually covers:
Ceremony
Family and couple portraits
Portrait session of newlyweds and bridal party
Some of the reception (like speeches, cake, or first dance)
What it might miss: Getting ready or the full reception coverage, especially if you have multiple locations or a longer event.
8 Hours – The Sweet Spot
This is the most popular choice for many couples. It allows enough time for a full story of the day without feeling rushed. You can expect coverage of:
Getting ready
Ceremony
Family and couple portraits
Portrait session of newlyweds and bridal party
Reception (speeches, cake, first dance, early dance floor)
Who it’s perfect for: Couples who want a documentary-style record of the day, with all the key events included.
10+ Hours – Ideal for Full-Day Celebrations
If you’re planning a big wedding with multiple locations, cultural traditions, or want coverage of late-night dance floor antics, then 10 to 12 hours may be the best fit. This often includes:
Full getting ready for both partners
Travel time between venues
Ceremony
Family and couple portraits
Portrait session of newlyweds and bridal party
Full reception
Great for: Larger weddings, cultural/multiday celebrations, or couples who don’t want to miss a single moment.
Questions to Help You Decide
Ask yourself these key questions when figuring out how long to book your photographer for:
Do I want photos of the getting ready process?
How far apart are my venues?
Are there any special moments I specifically want documented (eg, cultural traditions, a sparkler exit, late-night games)?
Do I want candid dance floor shots after the formalities are over?
Pro Tip: Build Your Timeline Around Your Photographer
Once you’ve booked your photographer, work together to build your wedding timeline. We can help our couples plan a photo friendly schedule so we can make the most of our time together. You’ll be surprised how much smoother the day goes when the light, logistics, and love are all aligned!
Final Thoughts
Booking the right number of hours depends on how much of your day you want captured. For most couples, 6-8 hours is the perfect balance, but every wedding is unique — just like every love story.
If you’re unsure, I’m always happy to jump on a quick call to talk through your plans and recommend the best option. After all, this is one of the most important days of your life — and you deserve to have it documented beautifully, from start to finish.
Want help planning the perfect timeline for your wedding day? Let’s chat!