How many hours of wedding photography do you need? A complete guide
Wondering how many hours of photography you need for your wedding day? Here’s a breakdown to help you plan your timeline and make sure you book the perfect coverage package.
Every wedding is unique, and your photography needs will depend on a variety of factors. Whether you’re having a large celebration or a more intimate affair, it's essential to figure out a timeline that ensures you have enough coverage for all the important moments. The number of hours you'll need for wedding photography can vary from three hours to ten, depending on your schedule, your guest list, and what you want captured throughout the day.
As a wedding photographer with years of experience capturing celebrations across Niagara and Southern Ontario, I’ve helped countless couples create custom timelines that fit their needs. Below, I’ll break down the key factors that will influence how many hours of coverage you need and how to ensure you get the most out of your photography package.
1. Is it a wedding, micro-wedding, or elopement?
One of the first things to consider is the size and scope of your wedding. A traditional full-scale wedding with a large reception will need more coverage than an elopement or a micro-wedding. The more events you’re including throughout the day, the more time you’ll need to capture those moments.
For example, if you’re eloping, you might have a much simpler schedule. You may only need a few hours for a small ceremony and some couples photos. I shot an elopement last December that was just three hours long—and it was the perfect amount of time. We started the day in Niagara-on-the-Lake, with an hour and a half of coverage for the couple getting ready, popping champagne, and cutting their cake. Then, we spent the final hour at the courthouse in Welland for their ceremony.
On the other hand, a larger wedding—especially one with a formal getting ready process, a full ceremony, and a reception—will require more time. Typically, eight hours of photography is recommended for larger weddings, but six hours can work for couples who don’t need extensive getting ready coverage or who plan a more relaxed day.
2. How big is your family, wedding party, and guest list?
The number of people involved in your day is another big factor when determining how many hours of photography you’ll need. If you have a large family and wedding party, your photographer will need more time to capture all of the important interactions and group shots.
For example, if your immediate family includes dozens of people, you’ll need more than 10 minutes to capture group photos. Large wedding parties require more time too, as your photographer will need to capture both group shots and individual pairings (bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc.). So, if you’re planning a big celebration with lots of people, make sure to factor in extra time for photos.
3. What elements of the day are most important to you?
Think about which moments matter most to you and how much coverage you’ll need to capture them. Do you want your photographer to be there for every moment from start to finish, or are you okay with skipping some portions of the day?
If you want your photographer to capture the getting ready process, the ceremony, all the candid moments during the reception, and your first dance, you’ll need full-day coverage. But if you're only interested in capturing the ceremony and a few portraits, you might not need as much time.
When considering your photography hours, ask yourself:
Do you want 30 photos of you getting ready with your bridesmaids, or 100?
Do you want your photographer to be there when you’re getting your hair done, or is the ceremony enough?
How much time do you want spent capturing the reception, including dancing, cake cutting, and speeches?
This will help you narrow down how much coverage you’ll need for each part of your day.
4. What time is your ceremony? Are you doing a first look?
The timing of your ceremony can significantly impact how many hours of photography you need. If your ceremony is in the late afternoon or evening, you’ll need to account for the time between getting ready and the ceremony, but you may not need as many coverage hours in total.
For instance, I had a couple recently who requested my eight-hour photography package. However, getting ready photos weren’t important to them, their ceremony was at 5:30 p.m., and they weren’t planning on doing a first look. That meant my start time was approximately 4:00 p.m., putting my end time at midnight. Since they agreed that four hours of dance late-night dance floor shots weren’t necessary, we adjusted their package to six hours instead.
If you're planning a later ceremony and don’t want too much coverage beforehand, a smaller package is probably ideal for your needs!
5. How much driving time do you need to account for?
When deciding on the number of hours you need, consider how much travel time will be involved between different locations. If you and your partner are getting ready at separate locations, and the ceremony and reception are in different places, you’ll need to factor in the time it’ll take your photographer to travel between all the different spots!
If your day is spread out geographically and you’re booking a smaller photography package, consider adding some extra time to make sure the day doesn’t feel rushed.
Don’t hesitate to ask your photographer about coverage hours
If you're unsure how many hours of wedding photography you’ll need, don’t hesitate to ask your photographer for guidance. A good photographer will help you figure out the best coverage for your unique day. Trust that they’ll be flexible if things change—whether it’s due to a schedule shift or an unexpected moment—and that they’ll make sure you get the photos that matter most to you.
Remember, your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and the photos will be the lasting memories you’ll cherish for years to come. Take the time to discuss your timeline and coverage with your photographer to ensure your day is perfectly captured.
Let’s plan your perfect timeline together!
One of my favourite parts of the job (besides all the wedding cake, of course) is helping couples curate their wedding day timeline. After shooting dozens of weddings, I can often tell right away if a schedule is too rushed or too spaced out, and I’m always happy to help couples adjust their plans to ensure they have enough time for everything.
Once we chat about how many hours you think you’ll need, we can work together to fine-tune the schedule and make sure you’re fully covered throughout your big day. Whether you need a few hours for an intimate elopement or a full 10 hours for a large wedding, I’m here to help you plan your perfect day and capture every moment of it!
If you're planning a wedding in Niagara or Southern Ontario, I’d love to help you determine how many hours of photography you’ll need and work together to create the perfect timeline for your day. Let’s chat about your vision and how I can help make your wedding day photography experience smooth, stress-free, and unforgettable!