How Many Hours Should You Book Your Wedding Photographer?
MY FAVORITE wedding photography PACKAGE THAT I OFFER + WHY I LOVE IT SO MUCH
So, you’re engaged— congratulations are certainly in order! 🎉 As you dive into wedding planning, one of the biggest questions is: How many hours should I book my wedding photographer? Spoiler alert: the answer may not be as complicated as you think!
Understanding Wedding Photography Packages
Most photographers offer various packages, usually ranging from 6 to 10 hours. While it might be tempting to go for the shorter option since it’s a little more cost-effective, there are drawbacks to a shorter day-of timeline. As a matter of fact, I actually completely nixed my 6-hour package. While 6 hours may seem like a lot of time, over the years I found that a 6-hour timeline felt rushed and didn’t leave room for wedding day mishaps that may not always, but sometimes will happen. 6-hour days felt rushed and didn’t leave room for things to happen naturally - which is a huge part of my shooting style.
That being said, anywhere from 8-10 hours seems to be a sweet spot not only for me but for my couples as well.
Key Moments to Capture and First Looks
I always start the conversation with “What do you want to remember most?” Maybe it’s the getting ready process with your wedding party or the portraits between you and your partner. Or it could be the special moments during your ceremony, your guests letting loose on the dance floor, or
If you’re stuck on how many hours to book, think about what moments matter most to you and where they would fall on a wedding timeline. Does the package you’re interested in cover ALL those moments or just some? Is that something you’re okay with compromising or are those photos MUST HAVES for you.
Another important factor that we can’t ignore when it comes to choosing your wedding package: the first look. A first look can be a game-changer in your wedding timeline. Not only does it make for a super sweet photo op and additional photos of you and your partner, but it also helps calm any pre-ceremony jitters. Having a first look can give you a little more flexibility on your wedding day because we can focus on getting as many photos done as possible before your ceremony - that way, once you say “I do” you can focus on staying present and enjoying your time with your guests.
Creating a Relaxed and Natural Timeline
Now, let’s chat about timeline magic. Buffer time is your best friend on the wedding day. Think about it: rushing from one event to another can lead to missed moments, forced smiles, and frankly - stressed out couples. A well-planned timeline with plenty of buffer time ensures that you can soak in every second and let those candid moments happen organically. The last thing you want is to feel as though you are checking off a list of to-dos on your wedding day.
Questions to Ask Yourself
When deciding how many hours to book your wedding photographer, here are some key questions to consider:
How many different locations are there, and how far apart are they? More locations mean more travel time which needs to be accounted for.
How relaxed do I want my day to feel? More hours mean less rushing and more time for candid, relaxed moments.
What special moments do I have planned? Gift exchanges, first looks with your partner, wedding party, or family members should all be considered.
What is the size of my wedding party? Larger wedding parties may require a little more time for individual and group photos.
Are there any special events or traditions during the reception? Think about cultural traditions, surprise performances, or special dances that might need some attention.
How much do I value candid versus posed photos? More time allows for a greater number of spontaneous, candid shots throughout the day.
Do I want coverage of the send-off? If you plan on a grand exit or send-off, ensure you have enough time booked to cover it.
why I love 10 hours of wedding photography coverage
It goes without saying that over the past few years I have found what works and what doesn’t on wedding days - ahem, bye bye 6-hour packages. While 8 hours of coverage is enough time to capture a wedding day, I have to say… 10 hours is absolutely where it’s at.
10 hours may seem like overkill, but a 10-hour day offers thorough and thoughtful coverage of your big day. Nothing really gets skipped or compromised - whether it’s getting ready, your first look with your grandmother, or a lit dancefloor with unbuttoned shirts and ties worn as headbands. It allows for a relaxed day-of atmosphere and more in-between moments to happen as you’re moving from one portion of the day to another, but most of all, you’ll have the peace of mind that not a moment is missed and your photographer is there with you from start to finish —unexpected delays included!
still stuck?
While I hope this post was helpful for you, there might be a few questions or concerns you might have about how many hours to book your wedding photographer. When in doubt… just ask your photographer. Every photographer works a little differently on wedding days so have a conversation letting them know your must-have moments and they can get you into a package that best suits your needs.
If you’re interested in working together and want to chat more about wedding photography, let’s get to chatting so we can make some magic on your big day!
