The Age Old Question Every Couple Asks: How Many Hours of Wedding Photography Coverage Do I Need?”

Weddings

As you plan for your wedding and elopement, one crucial aspect to consider is how many hours of wedding photography coverage you’ll need. After all, you want to ensure that every precious moment is captured without being rushed. No one likes to be rushed, right?. In this blog post, we’ll explore the factors that influence the ideal amount of coverage, helping you make an informed decision for your big day.

  1. Ceremony Duration:

The length of your wedding ceremony is a key factor in determining the necessary photography coverage. Traditional ceremonies may be shorter, while more elaborate affairs, such as religious ceremonies or multicultural celebrations, could extend for a longer duration. If your ceremony will be 15-20 minutes(basically just saying vows), then having your photographer arrive an hour beforehand should be an appropriate amount of time, but always consult with your photographer.

  1. Getting Ready:

From the nervous anticipation, to first touch or first look, to the moments before you walk down the aisle, these moments set the tone for the entire day. Having these moments documented are precious memories you will cherish for years to come. As a wedding photographer, these are the moments I recommend ensuring are covered.

  1. Reception Festivities:

The length of your reception will greatly affect your coverage needs. The reception has several parts to it, and you will need to decide which moments you photographed to create a wedding album you will cherish for years.

Ask yourself, do you want speeches, cake cutting, first dances, dancing with your loved ones and official exit covered? Many times, couples opt for a faux exit when photography coverage ends and they go back to partying with their loved ones.

  1. Location and Logistics:

A few questions you should consider and ask yourself. Are you having your ceremony and reception at two separate venues, or at the same venue? Do you want bridal portraits at a separate location than your ceremony and reception? Factor in travel time for everyone(if you have several locations or separate ceremony and reception venues, I recommend a charter service so everyone is riding together), and time for individual portraits. Like before, consult with your photographer about your timeline and what is doable within your photography coverage.

  1. Personal Preferences:

Ultimately, this is YOUR day and you may want every detail covered or just the highlights so it comes down to your preference. Ask friends, family and your vendors for their advice and build your timeline with your photographer.

Most of my couples opt for 8 or 10 hours of photography coverage, and is the “sweet spot” so your timeline is not rushed. Now, this is dependent upon the variables, and others, mentioned above and always ask your photographer for their expertise. Your photographer is your greatest resource for what is possible with various photography coverage.

If you are recently engaged and beginning the wedding planning process, remember to choose vendors that align with your vision and you connect with. If you are looking for a wedding or elopement photographer who values connection and relationships, it would be an absolute honor to be considered for as your wedding or elopement photographer.

https://arichardsonphoto.com/