How Many Hours of Wedding Photography Do You Really Need?
- Carrie Talent-Schlecht
- Jan 1
- 3 min read
One of the first questions couples ask once they start planning is:“How many hours of wedding photography do we actually need?”
It’s a fair question — and an important one. Coverage time affects your timeline, your experience, and how complete your wedding story feels when you look back.
After photographing weddings of all sizes and styles — from intimate backyard celebrations to full-day events — here’s the honest answer: most couples need more coverage than they expect, not less.
Let’s walk through what really goes into deciding.
Why Coverage Hours Matter More Than You Think
Wedding photography isn’t just about the ceremony. It’s about documenting the full arc of the day — the anticipation, the connection, the moments you didn’t even realize were happening.
Shorter coverage often means:
Rushed timelines
Missed in-between moments
Less time to breathe and be present
The right amount of coverage gives your day room to unfold naturally — and that’s when the best photos happen.
A Realistic Breakdown of a Wedding Day
Here’s how time is actually spent on most wedding days:
Getting Ready (1.5–2 hours)
This includes:
Details (dress, rings, florals)
Candid moments with friends and family
Hair and makeup finishing touches
Those quiet, emotional moments before everything begins
These photos often become some of the most meaningful in your gallery.
First Look + Portraits (1–1.5 hours)
If you’re planning a first look:
You get a private moment together
Portraits feel relaxed and un-rushed
The rest of the day flows more smoothly
Even without a first look, portrait time still adds up — especially if you want to enjoy it instead of rushing through it.
Ceremony + Cocktail Hour (1.5–2 hours)
This covers:
Guest arrivals
Ceremony from start to finish
Immediate post-ceremony reactions
Cocktail hour candids
Cocktail hour is one of the richest times for natural, joyful photos.
Reception Coverage (2–3 hours)
Reception photography includes:
Entrances
Toasts
First dances
Open dancing
Candid moments with friends and family
Ending coverage too early often means missing the most relaxed, celebratory part of the day.
What Different Coverage Lengths Actually Look Like
6 Hours
Best for:
Very small weddings
Minimal locations
Tight timelines
What you might miss:
Getting ready moments
Sunset portraits
Full reception coverage
8 Hours (Most Common)
Best for:
Medium to large weddings
One primary location
A relaxed but structured timeline
This usually allows for:
Getting ready
Ceremony
Portraits
Reception highlights
10 Hours (Full Storytelling)
Best for:
Backyard weddings
Multiple locations
Larger guest counts
Couples who want the full experience documented
This gives your day breathing room — and lets moments unfold naturally instead of being rushed.
Why Backyard and Outdoor Weddings Often Need More Coverage
Backyard and outdoor weddings are beautiful — but they’re rarely simpler.
They often involve:
More setup and transitions
Changing light throughout the day
Multiple spaces being used
Less built-in structure than traditional venues
More coverage ensures those moments are documented without stress or shortcuts.
How to Choose What’s Right for Your Day
Ask yourself:
Do we want to feel rushed or relaxed?
Do we want candid moments captured throughout the day?
Are we moving between locations?
Do we want sunset or golden hour portraits?
Most couples ultimately choose coverage based on how they want the day to feel — not just how long it lasts.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there is a right fit for your wedding.
When couples give themselves enough coverage, they often say the same thing afterward:“I’m so glad we didn’t rush.”
Your photos aren’t just about what happened — they’re about how it felt to be there.
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