Photography Hours: How Many Wedding Photo Hours Do You Really Need?
When you start planning a wedding, one of the biggest questions is "how many hours of photography do we need?" Too few and you risk missing key moments; too many and you’ll blow your budget. Let’s break down the factors that decide the right coverage length, so you can book confidently without over‑paying.
First, think about the flow of your day. A typical ceremony plus a short reception might be covered in 6‑8 hours. If you have a long cocktail hour, a big dinner, or multiple events (like a sunrise ceremony followed by an evening party), you’ll want 10‑12 hours. Most professional photographers offer packages that start at 6 hours and go up in two‑hour increments, which makes it easy to add extra time if your timeline stretches.
What Affects the Amount of Coverage You Need
1. **Venue and travel time** – If your ceremony and reception are in different locations, add travel time between them. Even 30 minutes of driving can eat into photo time, so ask your photographer to factor that in.
2. **Style of photography** – Candid, documentary‑style shooters often need more time to blend in and capture natural moments. If you love photo‑journalistic coverage, plan for a longer session.
3. **Key moments you don’t want to miss** – First look, ceremony, family portraits, cocktail hour, speeches, first dance, cake cutting, and the send‑off. List these out and estimate how long each will take. A typical family portrait session can be 30‑45 minutes, while speeches might need a quick pause for the photographer to capture reactions.
4. **Budget** – Hourly rates vary, but most UK wedding photographers charge between £100‑£200 per hour, often bundled into packages. A 6‑hour package might run £1,200‑£1,500, while a full‑day (10‑12 hours) can be £2,000‑£2,800. Knowing your budget helps you decide whether to add an extra hour or cut a less‑important segment.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Photography Hours
• **Create a detailed timeline** – Share a minute‑by‑minute schedule with your photographer. Include start and end times for each event, and highlight “must‑have” shots.
• **Prioritize the big moments** – If you’re limited on hours, make sure the ceremony, first look, and key family shots are at the top of the list. You can always trim down less crucial moments like the cocktail hour.
• **Ask about overtime policy** – Most photographers will charge a set rate for each extra hour. Knowing this upfront avoids surprise fees if the day runs late.
• **Consider a second shooter** – Adding an assistant can double the coverage without doubling the hours you pay. They can capture angles you might miss and keep the workflow smooth.
• **Plan for post‑wedding time** – Editing takes weeks, but some photographers offer a “preview” session a day after the wedding. This isn’t a photo hour on the day itself, but it’s worth budgeting if you want quick looks.
In short, match your photography hours to the length of your celebration, the style you love, and your budget. A well‑planned timeline, clear priorities, and open communication with your photographer will ensure you get all the moments you care about without breaking the bank.
Ready to lock in your coverage? Start by listing the events you want captured, estimate how long each will take, and talk to a few local photographers about their hour‑based packages. When the numbers line up, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your wedding day will be beautifully documented from start to finish.
