How many hours should i book my wedding photographer?
A valid question for engaged couples soon to be married. I get it, you want the important things captured such as the ceremony, family pics, and maybe some speeches. Other than that, do you really need a photographer taking pictures of you? Here is my take on it.
why i recommend full day coverage
I personally recommend budgeting securing your photographer for all day coverage. Here is why. When you book a photographer for all day coverage, you are giving yourself peace of mind that they will just be there. No time constraints. No rushing. No worrying about "time is running out we need to get these last few pictures!" Your wedding day is going to be full of moments that will never happen again. Realistically, you probably wont have everyone together in one place again until theres a funeral. Booking too little forces you to pick and choose which moments are important to you. In reality, they are all important but with partial day coverage you have to make some take the back burner. Your photographer is your storyteller and the more hours you have, the more complete the story is told.
common wedding photography options
Most photographers offer 3 different packages ranging between 4-10 hours. Typically these are the coverage options you can expect:
4-6 hours: half day coverage
Ideal for intimate weddings, elopements, and when you only want the main highlights such as ceremony, family portraits, and maybe a little bit of the reception
Most likely will not include getting ready
Bridal party portraits may be included but may be rushed
Will probably only work if everything is happening in the same place
8 hours
In my personal opinion the best option for couples.
Includes some of getting ready, relaxed bridal party portraits, first looks, ceremony, and most of the reception
If you love those detail shots of the rings and invitations you see on instagram, this is the package you want
A more stress free option because you don't feel rushed
10+ hours
For the ones who really want everything captured
This package includes everything from full getting ready and prep, all the way to full reception and exit.
Allows you to take your time more between moments because you know you do not have to rush certain areas of the day.
The go to package if your wedding is taking place in multiple locations
my packages
The packages I offer are Half Day (Up to 6 hours), Full Day (Up to 10 hours), and Full Day Plus (Up to 12 hours). Each package I offer feels complete and whichever one you choose, it is curated to be an intentional choice for the vision of your wedding day
how to decide which package is right for you
There are some important questions to ask yourself when deciding which package is right for you:
Do I want getting ready pictures?
Are the reception events such as toasts, cake cutting, and first dance important to me?
Will my wedding be in one place or multiple locations?
Do I want sunset portraits?
Am I doing an exit and if so, do I want that captured?
If you answered yes to most of these, chances are you are better off with at minimum 8 hours of photography coverage. Your wedding only happens once, and the unforgettable moments deserve to be preserved forever through photography. Do yourself a favor and book your photographer to capture it all so you can have endless heirlooms for future generations. Without pictures, history is just imagination. You want your wedding to be remembered.
Ready to talk more about your wedding? I would love to be your wedding photographer. Click below to send me an inquiry and we can talk about which package will work best for your wedding day!
