How Many Hours Should I Book A Wedding Photographer

How Many Hours Should I Book A Wedding Photographer

I get this question asked of us all the time (how many hours do I need for a Wedding Photographer) As a photographer, it can be hard to give an exact answer because different couples have varying needs and desires when choosing their coverage.Let's talk about what you need before we pick an option! It is

essential because there are many different things to consider. Do I want coverage of everything on my big day? Is getting photographs of you getting ready important? Would you prefer to be at the reception to cover your first dance? These are the questions that you need to consider.

Also, does where it takes place matter—isn't one venue bigger than another so needs more attention?" These are essential things to consider as they'll largely influence how many hours you need to book your photographe

How Many Hours do I need for my Wedding Photographer For

Planning your wedding is difficult enough. But many questions will come up and make everything more confusing. From what to budget for food items, table menus, fonts, table decor, what colors are popular right now among bridesmaid dresses - these things can be hard enough without having never been asked before!

When you are engaged, it's almost inevitable that your thoughts will turn to "Where do I start"? You will need to start ticking off the big-ticket items, venues, dresses, photographers and videographers. When you start looking for a photographer, you will immediately get overwhelmed by all of their options! Package deals can be tempting, but what does "6 hours worth''? 8-hour package' really mean-is this enough time with our loved ones, or should we sacrifice someone's photo session or part of the reception

Wondering how many hours you need to hire a photographer is a common question. Too few and your wedding photos will end up on the scrap heap, but choosing too many can lead to an excessive bill that could put stress on your finances. The best way is to figure out what works for you by researching different companies in this industry so they'll do quality work without breaking bank accounts.

The Size Of Your Wedding

How big your wedding is will be playing a massive role in your choice of coverage. For example, a more meaningful ceremony with 200 guests or more could require up to 10 hours of coverage, so we offer 6-hour packages for smaller weddings where only 50 people. 

What Photos Do You Want 

It might seem like a no-brainer question: do we need shots of everything on our special day? Before rushing into booking a photographer for a full day, it's worth considering. Is what I'm looking for in front of me right now more important than having access to other memories from this event 20 years later?"

How Much Travel Will Be Involved

Do you want to have your wedding all in one place, or at different locations? If so, then travel time should be considered. Photographers also need extra time because they will have the photos taken of each site and get from point A (wherever that may be)to B, which could take some additional hours depending on how long it takes them!

How Long Is Your Wedding Reception?

Think about your wedding reception timeline: if you have three hours of dancing at the end, then you won't need a photographer for all of it.

And you could put that time towards getting ready in the morning. If you decide to have a send-off or sparkler exit , then, of course, you need the photographer to be there. Faking the exit is always an option.

Restrictions and COVID

In addition with COVID-19 still being a threat, and some restrictions still set in place. Many couples last year had to plan for micro-wedding Two hours (more intimate weddings usually with 20 people or less). Of course, the amount of coverage you need will look somewhat different.

Sample 2 Hour intimate Wedding Photography Timeline

3:00 Wedding Ceremony

4:00 Family and Couple Portraits

4:30 Optional Break or Extended Couple Portraits at another location

5:00 Cocktail Hour

Sample 6 Hour Wedding Photography Timeline (no getting ready photos)

3:00 Wedding Ceremony

4:00 Family and Couple Portraits

4:30 Optional Break or Extended Couple Portraits at another location

5:00 Cocktail Hour

6:00 Reception Grand Entrance

6:15 Dinner

6:30 Cake Cutting

6:35 Speeches

7:10 First Dance and Parent Dances

7:20 Open Dancing

8:40 Bouquet and Garter Toss

9:00 Photographer Departs

10:00 Reception Ends

Sample 6 Hour Wedding Photography Timeline ( getting ready photos)

11:00 Bride and Bridesmaids Getting Ready

12:30 Groom and Groomsmen Getting Ready

1:30 Bride and Bridesmaids Getting Dresses on

3:00 Wedding Ceremony

4:00 Family and Couple Portraits

4:30 Optional Break or Extended Couple Portraits at another location

5:00 Cocktail Hour

6:00 Reception Grand Entrance

6:15 Photographer Departs

Sample 10 Hour Traditional Ceremony Wedding Photography Timeline

11:00 Bride and Bridesmaids Getting Ready

12:30 Groom and Groomsmen Getting Ready

1:30 Bride and Bridesmaids Getting Dresses on

3:00 Wedding Ceremony

4:00 Family and Couple Portraits

4:30 Optional Break or Extended Couple Portraits at another location

5:00 Cocktail Hour

6:00 Reception Grand Entrance

6:15 Dinner

6:30 Cake Cutting

6:35 Speeches

7:10 First Dance and Parent Dances

7:20 Open Dancing

8:40 Bouquet and Garter Toss

9:00 Photographer Departs

10:00 Reception Ends

I hope this has been a helpful guideline to assist you in determining how much coverage you need to book when you hire your wedding photographer! let's see if we're a good fit! I'd love to create a custom package for the two of you so I can ensure you have everything you need in a wedding photography package!