Not sure how many hours you actually need? Here's how to think through it so you're not second-guessing yourself later.


One of the most common questions I hear from couples is some version of: "How many hours of photography do we actually need?" It's a fair question, and the honest answer is that it depends on your day. But I can walk you through exactly how I think about it so you can make a decision that actually fits your wedding.

I offer four coverage options: 4, 6, 8, and 10 hours. Here's what each one is really suited for.


4 Hours: Smaller, Simpler Days

A 4-hour package works well for elopements, intimate ceremonies with a small guest count, or couples who are keeping the day low-key by design. It's enough time to cover getting ready (partially), the ceremony, and a short portrait session, but it moves quickly. If your wedding has a lot of moving parts, multiple locations, or a full reception, this one will feel tight.


Best for: elopements, micro-weddings, courthouse ceremonies, or couples who only want ceremony and portraits covered.


6 Hours: The Sweet Spot for Streamlined Days

This is a great middle-ground option for couples with a straightforward timeline and a single venue. Six hours typically covers the tail end of getting ready, your first look or pre-ceremony portraits, the ceremony, family formals, bridal party and couple portraits, and the beginning of your reception through cake cutting or first dances.

You likely won't have coverage through the end of the night, but if late-night dancing isn't a priority for you, this package covers the heart of your day well.


Best for: single-venue weddings, afternoon ceremonies, couples with a tight and efficient timeline.


8 Hours: The Most Popular Choice

Most of my couples land here, and for good reason. Eight hours gives us real breathing room. We can start with getting ready in full, move through a first look, portraits, ceremony, cocktail hour, and get well into the reception, through dinner, toasts, and dancing, without feeling rushed at any point.

If you're not sure which package to choose and your wedding is a full-day event, 8 hours is usually the right answer.


Best for: full wedding days with a ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception at one or two locations.


10 Hours: Full Day Coverage

Ten hours is for couples who want everything documented from start to finish. This is the right choice if you have a complex timeline, multiple locations, a large wedding party, or you simply don't want to think about the clock at all. It's also worth considering if your getting ready location is separate from your venue, or if your reception runs late and you want coverage through the last dance and grand exit.


Best for: large weddings, multi-location days, couples who want complete beginning-to-end documentation.


A Few Things That Can Help You Decide

If you're still unsure, think through these questions:

  • Do you want getting ready photos? Those typically take an hour on their own, sometimes more.
  • Are you doing a first look? That adds time before the ceremony but saves time after, so it balances out.
  • How important is reception coverage to you? If dancing, toasts, and the grand exit matter, make sure your package reaches that far.
  • Are you working with a tight timeline or a relaxed one? A well-planned day with one venue needs fewer hours than a day with multiple locations and transitions.


When we connect for a consultation, this is one of the first things we'll talk through together. I'd rather help you choose the right package for your actual day than have you feel like you're missing moments at the end of the night.


Have questions about coverage or want to talk through your timeline? Send me a message and let's figure it out.