“How Many Hours Do We Need A Wedding Photographer?” When you’re in thick of wedding planning, you’re sure to come across so many questions you never knew to ask. From realizing your favorite flower is out of season to learning how much a plated dinner costs, you suddenly realize you’re out of budget and don’t know what you really need. We want to be resource when yourself asking, “Wait…how many hours do we need to book our photographer for?” Read on for our complete breakdown on wedding photography coverage.
6 Hours of Wedding Day Coverage
Just because this is usually the least expensive package offered by photographers doesn’t necessarily mean it is only for couples with tight budgets! Six hours of coverage is plenty for small weddings and elopements. When weddings are intimate, there aren’t very many people to manage and photograph, so things tend to move quickly. That being said, 6 hours of coverage only works logistically if the ceremony and reception are in the same location, and maybe you don’t have a wedding party.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
- 6 hours of coverage most likely means that there will not be much (or any) time for detail decor/design shots or photos of you getting ready
- But, there will be coverage of all of the important moments (portraits, ceremony, family photos, first dance)
- The end of the night comes early with just 6 hours of coverage so, most likely there will not be many dancing photos at reception
- 6 hours of photography coverage typically only incudes one photographer, but you can add a second photographer for an additional fee
8 Hours of Coverage of your Wedding Day
An 8-hour package is usually enough time for an average-size wedding (about 100-150 people), and the extra 2 hours of coverage will usually allow the photographer to capture the tail end of you getting ready, some detail shots of the reception space, and the start of the dance party (you know, before your guests have had too much to drink) This is the perfect package!
THINGS TO CONSIDER
- If you have your heart set on doing a first look, then we recommend at least 9 hours of coverage – most photographers are happy to add additional time to a package
- Even though 8 hours seems like a lot of time, this works best for weddings where the ceremony and reception are in the same location. The additional time allows the photographer to get photos of all the details, the wedding party, family photos, portraits, sunset photos, and reception activities.
- Photography packages 8+ hours typically include two photographers. Here at YGP, they do!
The All-Inclusive 10 Hour Package
Don’t want to feel rushed to get all of the Pinterest-worthy shots everyone wants on their wedding day? Then at least 10 hours of coverage is the right way to go. Since the photographers are on site for most of the day, there is enough time to get all of the detail and getting ready shots, plus plenty of extra time for a first look. It’s the best feeling when you get to soak up the emotions rather than rushing into photos with the wedding party. This is you and your partner’s day after all!
THINGS TO CONSIDER
- If the wedding ceremony and reception are taking place in different locations, we recommend at least 10 hours of coverage. This gives the photographer enough time to travel (safely) to the second location and still get all of the shots
- Planning a grand exit? Unless you’re willing to give up coverage in the earlier hours, you will need 10 hours of coverage to keep your photographer until the very end of the reception
One Last Thing Before You Go
Before solidifying your ceremony time and sending it off to your guests, be sure to run it by your wedding planner and photographer! You want to make sure there’s enough time for your all of your photos and that you don’t miss golden hour. Despite the official sunset time, the location of your venue is a major factor. Sunset could set a half hour earlier than you think. Still looking for a wedding planner? Check out Yvonne Goll Photography’s list of approved wedding planners here!
Now that you know the answer to “How Many Hours Do We Need A Wedding Photographer?” send us a message to book your initial inquiry with Yvonne Goll Photography here!
