How Many Hours of Wedding Photography Should You Book?

When you are in the thick of planning your wedding, you spend a lot of time searching for answers. How much does it cost to book that wedding venue? How many bottles of wine do I need? And, at some point, there is one pretty important question that is bound to pop into your head, “How many hours should I book my wedding photographer for?” 

The answer is different for each couple (depending on what you are planning for your wedding), but we want to help you answer this question for yourself. And while the amount of coverage you might be recommended will be different from photographer to photographer, what we’re providing here can be used as a general guide—one based on our experience photographing weddings since 2018.

8 Hours of Wedding Photography 

An 8-hour package is usually enough time for an “average size” wedding (about 100-150 people) and this amount of coverage typically allows a wedding photographer to capture the tail end of you getting ready, your wedding ceremony, portraits, 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, booking this length for a wedding photography package works best for weddings where the ceremony and reception are at the same location. You don’t want to waste precious time asking your photographers to pack up gear, drive to, and set back up at a second location.

10 Hours of Wedding Photography 

If getting all the details shots, portraits, and candids is important to you on wedding day, then booking your wedding photographer for 10 hours of coverage is the right way to go. Since they end up being with you for most of the day, your photographer will have time to get all of the detail and prep shots you want, plus have plenty of time for a first look. On top of that, no one will have to feel rushed through any of the wedding party and family portraits before moving on to your reception.

Things to Consider

• You’ll want to book a longer package if you’re having a Catholic mass (in addition to the hour-long mass, there is a second location to take portraits at)
• If you have your heart set on doing a first look, then we recommend 10 hours
• If your wedding ceremony and reception are taking place in different locations, a longer package is the way to go
• Planning a grand exit? Unless you are willing to “give up” coverage during the earlier hours of your wedding day in the earlier hours, 10 hours can be just enough to have your photographer there until the end of your reception

Still trying to decide how many hours of wedding photography is the right amount for you? We
are more than happy to chat! You can get in touch with us here.