One of the most common questions couples ask me is: “How many hours of wedding photography do we actually need?” And the honest answer is—it depends. Every wedding is unique, and the amount of coverage you need depends on your priorities, your timeline, and the type of experience you want to create.
Here’s a breakdown to help you figure out what’s right for your celebration, with insight from my experience as an editorial and documentary-style wedding photographer.
Why Coverage Hours Matter
The number of hours you book determines how much of your day gets documented—from quiet getting-ready moments all the way through the last champagne pop on the dance floor. Too few hours and you might miss meaningful moments. Too many, and you could be paying for time you don’t actually use.
The key is finding a balance that supports your vision while allowing enough breathing room for your photographer to capture everything artfully and intentionally.
Start with Your Priorities
Before deciding on coverage, consider what matters most to you:
- Do you want full getting-ready coverage?
- Is your wedding detail or aesthetic heavy?
- Is capturing the full reception (toasts, cake cutting, dancing) a must-have?
- Do you want sunset portraits or a second outfit?
- Will there be a first look or pre-ceremony traditions?
These choices directly affect how much time we need together.
A Breakdown by Coverage Time
8 Hours of Coverage
Best for: Full wedding days with a moderate guest count, one or two locations, and traditional flow.
What’s typically covered:
- Getting ready (final hour)
- First look or pre-ceremony portraits
- Ceremony
- Family & wedding party photos
- Cocktail hour & reception coverage
- Golden hour or sunset portraits
This is the sweet spot for most couples who want a well-rounded, editorially styled gallery that documents the full story with natural transitions.
10 Hours of Coverage (most popular)
Best for: Large-scale weddings with more complex timelines, multiple locations, or those who want everything from prep to the last dance covered.
What’s typically covered:
- Full getting ready coverage with both parties
- Extended portrait sessions (or multiple looks)
- Full ceremony and reception
- Outfit changes or extended post-ceremony moments
- Late-night coverage including dancing and send-off
This option provides flexibility and breathing room, which is ideal for storytelling with less stress.
Multi-Day Coverage
Best for: South Asian weddings, cultural celebrations, destination wedding weekends, or couples planning multiple events across several days.
What’s typically covered:
- Rehearsal dinner, welcome party, or other pre-wedding events
- Getting ready and full wedding day coverage
- Post-wedding brunch or portrait sessions
Multi-day coverage ensures your full celebration is documented with depth—from the emotional anticipation to the quiet, joyful aftermath. It’s also perfect for capturing guest experiences and the full atmosphere of a destination event.
When we work together, I don’t just show up and shoot—I help you structure your day around what you value most. I’ll walk you through:
- The ideal time of day for portraits based on light
- How long things actually take (getting ready, group shots, ceremony transitions)
- Where to build in buffer time to avoid rushing
- How to make the most of the hours you’ve booked
I also collaborate closely with your planner to ensure the photo timeline flows seamlessly with the rest of your schedule.
Add-On Options
If you’re not sure whether you need more time, many couples start with 8 hours and add on as plans become clearer. I also offer:
- Hourly add-ons at a set rate
- Rehearsal dinner or welcome party coverage
- Second photographer coverage for broader storytelling
Final Thoughts: It’s About Storytelling, Not Just Time
At the end of the day, your wedding photos aren’t just about coverage—they’re about storytelling. My goal isn’t to capture everything just for the sake of it, but to document the pieces of your day that actually matter.
With the right timeline, we create space for authentic, beautifully composed moments—without rushing, staging, or missing a beat.
Want Help Figuring Out the Right Coverage?
I’m here to help you build a photo timeline that fits your day, your vision, and your pace. If you’re unsure how much time you need, let’s talk through the flow of your celebration and what you want to prioritize.
Reach out here to start the conversation.
