How Many Hours You Really Need a Wedding Photographer
How many hours do I really need a wedding photographer?
Figuring out how many hours you need a wedding photographer for your wedding day is an important step in deciding which package to choose from your wedding photographer. Not sure how many is right for you? Keep reading as I give you the inside knowledge I give all couples who inquire with me.
Figuring out how many hours you need a wedding photographer for your wedding day is an important step in deciding which package to choose from your wedding photographer. Not sure how many is right for you? Keep reading as I give you the inside knowledge I give all couples who inquire with me.
6 HOURS OF WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY COVERAGE
6 hours of wedding photography coverage is usually the bare minimum amount of coverage you can book for a traditional wedding (not an elopement or intimate wedding).
6 hours of wedding day coverage typically covers:
- The ceremony
- Family photos at the ceremony site
- Wedding party photos at the ceremony or reception site
- Couple photos at the ceremony or reception site
- Reception events (first dances, speeches, cake cutting, etc).
Depending on your wedding day plans, this might not always quite cover all of the reception events. I only recommend this amount of hours if you do not want getting ready photos, your ceremony and reception are in the same location, and you want to do all of your photos at the venue. This amount of hours can be tight, but if you are having a very simple wedding, this might be the best option for you!
8 HOURS OF WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY COVERAGE
Personally, most of my couples choose either 8 or 10 hours of wedding photography coverage.
8 hours of coverage typically covers:
- 30 minutes-1 hour of one of you getting ready
- A first look (if you’re doing one)
- Family photos at the ceremony site
- Wedding party photos at the ceremony or reception site, and possibly one other location
- Couple photos at the ceremony or reception site, and possibly one other location
- Reception events (first dances, speeches, cake cutting, etc).
- Some of the reception party/dancing
Again, it depends on what you want out of your day, how far apart your locations are, and if you have lots of places you’d like to take photos at that are not one of your venues. I have found that sometimes with 8 hours I can also get photos of the details (like your invitation suite, accessories, wedding day attire, etc), while other times I don’t have enough time with 8 hours. It also depends on your priorities – Do you want detail photos of your accessories, attire, etc. or would you rather have more wedding reception photos? That is totally up to you!
10 HOURS OF WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY COVERAGE
10 hours of coverage typically covers:
- Detail photos of attire, invitation suite, accessories, etc.
- 1-2 hours of one of you getting ready, sometimes both of you if you are in the same location
- A first look (if you’re doing one)
- Family photos at the ceremony site
- Wedding party photos at the ceremony or reception site, and one other location
- Couple photos at the ceremony or reception site, and one other location
- Reception events (first dances, speeches, cake cutting, etc).
- Reception party/dancing photos
- (Sometimes) your grand exit
10 hours is a great option for couples who want to make sure that the majority of their day is documented. I also recommend this package to couples who do not want to be stressed about time or stressed if something runs behind (like hair and makeup).
HERE’S WHAT ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NUMBER OF HOURS YOU’LL NEED FROM A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER:
- Hours of coverage are continuous. If you book your wedding photographer for 8 hours and you want them to start at 12:00 PM, they will leave at 8:00 PM.
- Adding on a second photographer can help you get the most out of your coverage. While your lead photographer is getting one of you getting ready, the second photographer can be getting the other person getting ready. While your lead photographer is photographing your side of the wedding party, the second can be getting the other side.
- The number of hours you need may vary based on your wedding day plans. You should always talk with your wedding photographer about your day to see what is right for you.
- The 6/8/10 hour standard may not be what’s best for your day. Many wedding photographers (myself included) offer additional hours al la carte so you can customize your package to what works best for you. I have found that many couples find 9 hours to be the perfect amount of coverage.
- I allow my couples to add on hours after they book their desired wedding photography package. As couples build out their wedding timelines, they sometimes find they need an extra hour to have everything covered. That is totally okay! However, it is more cost-effective to select a higher package than to add on extra hours later.
- I also allow my couples to decide if they’d like me to stay longer on their wedding day if things run behind. While this is the least cost-effective option, it is a great emergency option if things run behind!
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