How Many Hours Of Photography Coverage Do You Really Need?

One of the most common questions I get from couples is “How many wedding photography hours do we really need?”

Often, couples believe that in order to get their full day of photos, they would need someone for 12-15 hours; Others can’t imagine why things take so long and don’t know why they’d need more than 4 hours. I thought I’d go over what I (not speaking for all photographers) need time wise to create a full day wedding story for you.

First, I will break down how much time I need for each part of your day, and how I go about planning my start and leave times for your wedding day timeline. Then, we will outline a few actual timelines with the amount of photography time highlighted.

Something to note: Photography time is continuous, so remember that when you’re thinking in terms of time frame. Since your photographer won’t be able to book anything else on your wedding day or really leave and do anything on their own time in between specific events, it’s really not fair to ask them to “split the time” throughout your day. Also – when a package includes a second photographer, this does not mean the time splits between the two. They’re usually working the same hours, on the same schedule. And yes, even if your photographer (and their team) doesn’t photograph during dinner, this counts as part of their continuous time (and hopefully you’ll feed them for all their hard work, too!)

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY HOURS: GETTING READY

I prefer to arrive 30 minutes prior to the bride getting dressed to shoot the guys getting ready and if they’re getting ready close by. That way I can focus all my attention on the bride getting ready and detail pictures. I love having time to shoot the dress, shoes, jewelry, invitations, etc. It’s an important part of the story. I normally like to have 45 minutes for this part of the day. While I’m shooting details I’m shoot the bride getting into her dress and spending time with her bridesmaids.

Total getting ready time: 1 to 2 hours 

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY HOURS: PORTRAITS

Most of my couples do a first look, and if you’re on the fence, this section may help explain why. Here’s more information on First Looks

The more time I’m given, the more creative I can get and the less rushed you’ll feel. If you want to look relaxed and have some down time between the ceremony and reception, more time is better. Usually Family pictures only take take about 30 minutes.

Most people do a first look so that they’re not spending that time away from their guests. For bride and groom pictures and bridal party pictures I love to have 1 hour to hour and a half.

If you do decide to do a traditional down the aisle look, make sure you have adequate entertainment and appetizers for your guests, that don’t require your family or bridal party to be there.

Total portrait time: 1 1/2 – 2 hours

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY HOURS: CEREMONY

 There should be some deep thought into your ceremony start time.

The most important thing you need to think about is light. If this is the moment of the day that you want the best photos from (next to your portraits), then you need to plan your ceremony start time around the

If you’re getting married outside can you adjust the direction of the ceremony site (light behind you is better than light directly on you, full shade is best)? What time is sunset on your wedding day? If you can, try to plan your ceremony start time for no more than 2 hours before that (if you’re doing a first look) or 3 hours if you’re not. Worried that might cut in to your party time? Most ceremonies last between 15-30 minutes (I plan for 45 as most weddings start a little late), but let’s talk about that reception timing anyways, shall we?

Total ceremony time: 30 – 45 minutes

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY HOURS: RECEPTION

 During this part all you want to do is party and hang out with people. I get it.  So do most couples.

Any great party has a flow, and when there is dead space with nothing going on but an open dance floor and guests are still anticipating certain tradition you’re either going to want to move things along at a steady pace, or be ok with losing most of your guests before you cut the cake or throw the bouquet or only have 8 guests left for that sparkler exit at the end.

Including dinner, mingling, and open dance floor you really have about 2 to 3 hours of reception time that you really need to fit everything in (special dances, dinner, toasts, bouquet, garter toss, cake cutting, mingling, and open dance floor) from the time you enter to the time you’d anticipate doing your special exit.

I help my couples stage their exit so they get to enjoy the party, but still have the awesome shots with sparklers or glow sticks or bubbles, or whatever you choose. Just to give an idea, I usually stay until after the special exit, or 15-20 minutes after all of the “traditions” are complete (because you really don’t need an hour of open dance floor photos for your wedding day album).

Total reception time: 2 1/2 to 3 hours 

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY HOURS: BUFFER TIME 

When I’m creating my photography timeline with my couples, I make sure I intentionally include buffer time, like having the bride hidden before the ceremony start time. Not only do most guests arrive around 45 minutes before ceremony, but this gives you down time to get a drink, go to the bathroom, and just re-group. I also build in a buffer of 30 minutes after the ceremony for the couple to sign documents and have some alone time before entering the reception. You’ll probably also notice a bit of buffer time between getting dressed and first look, just in case around 30 minutes.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

Well, if you booked us, it means you have nothing to worry about! I create a photography timeline for all of my couples. Our collections are up to 12 hours, meaning that whether you only end up needing me for 6 or you need me for all 12 hours, you’re good to go.  I specifically designed my collections with this in mind so that you’re not sacrificing any part of your wedding day story.

 

If you haven’t booked anyone yet, you’ll want to really look at your plan for the day and make sure that the photographer’s packages you’re considering cover the time you need. Ask about costs for additional hours and how to plan your timeline to best fit within your package.

 

Want to talk more about how many hours you need for your wedding day photos?

 Contact me about your wedding and lets get the wedding planning started!