How Many Hours of Wedding Photography Do I Need?

Between cake tastings, dress fittings, and venue hunts, you might also be wondering, “How many hours should we book our wedding photographer for?” It might seem like a simple question, but honestly, the answer varies couple to couple! The length of time you’ll want your photographer depends on your personal style, how you’ve planned your big day, and even the specific events you have lined up. So, let’s break it down and figure out how many hours of wedding photography you’ll really need.

1. Pre-Wedding Preparations:

Many couples like to get their wedding preparations captured. This can include moments like applying make-up, getting into your wedding outfit, the bridal party getting ready, etc. If you want your getting ready process captured, then you should consider booking your photographer for 1-2 hours of pre-wedding photography.

2. First Look Photoshoot:

More and more couples are embracing the trend of first-look photos, which are pictures that capture the moment when the couple sees each other on their wedding day for the first time! This adds about an extra hour to your photography time, especially if you include doing the bride and groom portraits right after.

3. Ceremony Coverage:

Wedding ceremonies typically last about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the rituals and practices involved. However, it’s advisable to have your photographer present an hour early, allowing them to capture pre-ceremony moments and settle in to take photos as the ceremony begins.

4. Couple, Bridal Party, and Family Photos:

Following the ceremony, couples usually have photos taken with their bridal party and respective families. Depending on the size of your family and bridal party, consider allocating about an hour for these photos.

5. Reception Photography:

This is where the bulk of your photography time will be spent. From the couple’s entry, first dance, cake cutting, speeches, to the dance floor madness, you’ll want every crucial moment captured beautifully. Most standard receptions last about 4-5 hours, hence this should be taken into account while finalizing the photography hours. If you want your grand exit captured, make sure to stick to your timeline!

If you’re planning a fairly traditional wedding with the elements mentioned above, you should consider going with 8-10 hours of wedding photography coverage. This duration should comfortably allow a professional wedding photographer to capture all key moments without rushing, giving you a rich catalogue of memories to look back on. Again, remember that there’s no hard-and-fast rule here. The number of hours can vary significantly based on your specific needs and the flow of your day. It is always best to consult with your chosen photographer, share your wedding schedule and expectations to get a tailored estimation of photography hours needed.

After all, your wedding day is one of the most significant milestones of your life, and the last thing you want is to miss capturing any of its precious moments due to insufficient photography coverage. Plan ahead, discuss accordingly, and ensure every beautiful memory of your day is frozen in time!

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Kind Words

“Jess did an absolutely amazing job photographing our wedding! We cannot recommend her enough. She was so kind and supportive. She made sure to walk us through the entire process and assist us on the wedding day.” -Melissa