How many hours to book a wedding photographer

March 14, 2023

If you’re in the middle of wedding planning you might be starting to look for some opinions on how many hours to book the wedding photographer. You want to make sure that every important moment is captured, but you don’t want to waste money on booking your photographer for unnecessary time. If that sounds like you, I hope you find this helpful and gives you clarity when it comes to deciding how many hours to book your wedding photographer. I’ve included below example timelines of real weddings I have recently photographed.

Example 2-hour wedding photography timeline

1:00 pmCeremony details
1:30Ceremony 
2:00Group photo
2:10Hugs + Congratulations
2:20Family/Friends photos
2:35Couple portraits
3:00Photography coverage ends

Example 4-hour wedding photography timeline

2:00 pmGroom prep
2:20Travel to Bride prep (~20mins)
2:40Bride prep
3:10Travel to ceremony (~25mins)
3:35Ceremony details
4:00Ceremony
4:30Group photo
4:35Hugs & congratulations
4:45Family/Friends photos
5:00Couple portraits
5:45Reception Entrance
6:00Photography coverage ends

Example 8-hour wedding photography timeline

2:00 pmBride Prep
3:30Ceremony details
4:00Ceremony
4:45Group photo
4:50Hugs + Congratulations
5:00Family/Friends photos
5:30Couple portraits
6:00Reception starts
6:15Bridal party entrance
7:20Speeches x6
8:15Cake cutting
8:30First Dance
8:40Dance floor opens
10:00Photography coverage ends

A few points to consider when deciding how many hours to book a wedding photographer:

Travel time between all locations (where you’re getting ready, ceremony, photo locations, and reception). The number of hours you book your photographer for includes the time used travelling between locations.

Certain events can be flexible regarding how much time they need to be photographed. For example, bridal prep can be only 30mins or up to 90mins depending on how many details you have, if you want hair/makeup photographed, and how many bridesmaids you have. Another flexible moment in the day is couple portraits. I recommend the minimum time allotted for these photos is 30 minutes for one location, however allowing more time will help you stay relaxed and get more variety in your photos.

Your photographer should be able to suggest timings and recommend how many hours to book based on your wants. Before booking a wedding photographer, ask them to go through the package options with you and explain what each will cover.

Summary

2 hours of wedding photography = ceremony, family photos, and couple portraits

4 hours of wedding photography = ceremony, family photos, couple portraits, and reception entrance

8 hours of wedding photography = Getting ready, ceremony, family photos, couple portraits, and reception

If you still have questions about how many hours to book a wedding photographer, please reach out! I’d be more than happy to chat with you about your wedding plans and help you decide on the perfect amount of photography coverage for your big day!

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