Great question, this may help!
When you're in the thick of wedding planning, you’re sure to come across so many questions you never knew to ask. From figuring out what flowers are in season to knowing how much to budget, you're suddenly expected to become an expert on all-things events. we wanted to offer up a resource to refer to when you inevitably find yourself asking, “Wait...how many hours do we need to book our photographer for?” Read on for our complete breakdown on wedding photography coverage!
-8 Hours of Wedding Day Coverage-
An 8-hour package is usually enough time for an average-size wedding (about 100-150 people), and the extra time allows 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.
Things to consider:
If you have your heart set on doing a first look, then we recommend at least 8 hours of coverage
Even though 8 hours seems like a lot of time, this works best for weddings where the ceremony and reception are at the same location. Since the additional time gives the photographer just enough time to take a few getting ready, detail, and dancing shots, you don’t want to waste 30 or 40 minutes on your photographer needing to pack up her/his gear and drive to (and set back up at) a second location
-10 Hours of Wedding Day Coverage-
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 prep shots, plus plenty of extra time for a first look (if you want to do one). On top of that, nobody will have to rush through any of the wedding party and family portraits before getting to dinner and dancing.
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 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, 10 hours is usually not enough to have a photographer there until the very end of the reception
-12 or more Hours of Wedding Day Coverage-
There are a few reasons why 12+ hours of coverage would be right for you as a couple. Aside from it being more than enough time to capture all of the details of the day, this amount of coverage is almost necessary if there is a very large wedding party (bridal parties of 12 or more).
Things to consider:
If you have a huge wedding party and family, we usually recommend 12+ hours of coverage. Why? With everyone in “party mode” it means that it can be hard to get and keep people’s attention (not to mention the fact that it can be difficult to find and get the right people in the right place all at the right time!)
If you're super into design and/or have the budget to make all of those Pinterest inspiration ideas come to life, it would be a bummer if all of those design details didn’t get photographed. So, if you have the wedding signs, custom cocktails, and lounges that everybody dreams of, we definitely recommend 12+ hours of coverage to make sure every design detail gets the attention it deserves!