How Many Hours of Wedding Photography do you Really Need?

One of the most common questions couples ask during wedding planning is: how many hours of wedding photography coverage do we really need? It’s a fair question — especially when you want to make sure your most cherished moments are captured without going over budget.

Whether you're planning an intimate elopement or a grand celebration, this guide walks you through real-life examples of the most common wedding photography coverage options included in photography packages, including a few sample wedding photography timelines to help you confidently choose the perfect amount of coverage.

If you’re wedding ceremony and wedding reception are at the same location, you might only need six hours of wedding photography coverage on your wedding day.

Six Hours of Wedding Photography Coverage

Six hours of coverage is ideal for simpler weddings — think everything happening in one location and no elaborate exits or extended dance floor coverage.

When 6 Hours Might Be Enough:

  • Ceremony and reception at the same venue

  • No getting ready photos needed

  • No special send-off planned

Sample Timeline: 6 Hours with Getting Ready Coverage

2:00  Bride and Bridesmaids Getting Ready

3:00 Groom and Groomsmen Getting Ready

3:30 Ceremony Details/Guests Arriving

4:00 Wedding Ceremony

4:30 Family and Couple Portraits

5:30 Reception Grand Entrance

5:35 Toasts

6:00 Dinner

7:00 First Dance and Parent Dances

7:10 Open Dancing

7:45 Cake Cutting

7:55 Bouquet and Garter Toss

8:00 Photographer Departs

10:00 Reception Ends

Sample Timeline: 6 Hours without Getting Ready Coverage

3:30 Ceremony Details/Guests Arriving

4:00 Wedding Ceremony

4:30 Family and Couple Portraits

5:30 Reception Grand Entrance

5:35 Toasts

6:00 Dinner

7:00 First Dance and Parent Dances

7:10 Open Dancing

8:00 Cake Cutting

8:10 Bouquet and Garter Toss

8:20 Open Dancing

9:30 Photographer Departs

10:00 Reception Ends

You might need 8 hours of wedding photography coverage if you want full coverage of getting ready, details, and dancing

 8 Hours of Wedding Photography Coverage

This is the most popular choice among couples! Eight hours provides ample time to capture everything from getting ready to the dance floor — especially if your day includes a first look, multiple locations, or lots of getting ready and detail photos.

When 8 Hours Is Ideal:

  • Ceremony and reception are in different locations

  • You’re planning a first look

  • You want full coverage of getting ready, details, and dancing

Sample 8 Hour Traditional Timeline

2:00 Bride and Bridesmaids Getting Ready

3:00 Groom and Groomsmen Getting Ready

3:30 Ceremony Details/Guest Arriving

4:00 Wedding Ceremony

4:30 Family and Couple Portraits

5:30 Reception Grand Entrance

5:35 Toasts

6:00 Dinner

7:00 First Dance and Parent Dances

7:10 Open Dancing

8:00 Cake Cutting

8:10 Bouquet and Garter Toss

8:20 Open Dancing

9:50 Special Exit

10:00 Reception Ends and Photographer Departs

Sample 8 Hour Timeline with First Look

1:00  Bride and Bridesmaids Getting Ready

2:00 Groom and Groomsmen Getting Ready

2:30 First Look and Couple Portraits

3:30 Ceremony Details/Guest Arriving

4:00 Wedding Ceremony

4:30 Family and Wedding Party Portraits

5:15 Bride and Groom join Cocktail Hour or Take a Break

5:30 Reception Grand Entrance

5:35 Toasts

6:00 Dinner

7:00 First Dance and Parent Dances

7:10 Open Dancing

7:45 Cake Cutting

7:55 Bouquet and Garter Toss

9:00 Photographer Departs

10:00 Reception Ends

If you are planning a special exit, you might need 10 hours of photography coverage for your wedding day

10 Hours of Wedding Photography Coverage

Ten hours is great for weddings with more complex logistics — like a break between the ceremony and reception, multiple portrait locations, or dual ceremonies.

When 10 Hours is Necessary:

  • Church weddings with a break before the reception

  • Two ceremonies (e.g. tea ceremony + western ceremony)

  • A large guest count with a receiving line or table visits

Sample 10 Hour Church Wedding Timeline

10:30 Bride and Bridesmaids Getting Ready

11:30 Groom and Groomsmen Getting Ready

12:00 Wedding Ceremony

1:00 Family and Couple Portraits

2:00 Optional Break or Extended Couple Portraits at another location

3:00 Cocktail Hour

4:00 Reception Grand Entrance

4:05 Toasts

4:30 Dinner

5:30 First Dance and Parent Dances

5:40 Open Dancing

6:30 Cake Cutting

6:40 Bouquet and Garter Toss

8:30 Photographer Departs

9:00 Reception Ends

Sample 10 Hour Two-Ceremony Wedding Timeline

10:00 Morning Tea Ceremony

12:00 Break

3:00 Getting Ready Photos for second ceremony

4:00 Wedding Ceremony

4:30 Family and Couple Portraits

5:30 Reception Grand Entrance

5:35 Toasts

6:00 Dinner

7:00 First Dance and Parent Dances

7:10 Open Dancing

7:45 Cake Cutting

7:55 Bouquet and Garter Toss

8:00 Photographer Departs

10:00 Reception Ends

The amount of hours of wedding photography coverage that each couple needs is all about making sure you capture the moments that matter.

Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Amount of Photography Coverage for Your Wedding Day

Choosing the right number of hours for your wedding photography coverage is all about making sure the moments that matter most to you are captured — from emotional first looks to epic dance floor moves. Every wedding is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. Whether you’re planning a short and sweet celebration or an all-day event packed with traditions, this guide gives you a clear sense of what to expect at every coverage level.

Still unsure where to begin? Start by identifying the moments you absolutely want photographed — and don’t forget to think about getting ready photos, which often kick off the storytelling of your wedding day. If you’re on the fence about whether those cozy, candid prep shots are worth the extra hour or two of coverage, we break it all down in our post below:

👉 Read: 10 Must-Have Items for Perfect Getting Ready Photos

It’s full of photo inspiration, helpful tips, and must-have ideas to make those getting ready photos truly unforgettable.

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