How long do you need a wedding photographer for?
It’s such a common question from my couples, and honestly, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some couples want a few hours covering the ceremony and portraits, while others want their wedding photographer there from getting ready right through to the dancefloor. So, how many hours of wedding photography do you actually need?
Let’s talk it through.
Your wedding photos are very likely to be one of the main ways you’ll document your big day. You put a lot of effort into choosing the perfect photographer to capture it all, so how long you have them with you really depends on how much of your day you want to remember.
Okay, okay, I’m not saying that by not having a photographer for the whole day you’ll forget it! But the reminders that a photographer can provide through your wedding gallery are so valuable.
How many hours of wedding photography do you need?
You may notice that wedding photographers often offer their own version of a half-day package and a full-day package. But which should you choose?
Half-day wedding photography
A half-day package generally sits around 4–5 hours of coverage. So, when you take a look at your wedding timeline, what falls within those timings that you’d want covered?
For example, perhaps your wedding ceremony starts at 1pm and you’re having your wedding breakfast at 5pm. A half-day package may provide all of that key coverage: your ceremony, group photos, couple’s portraits and perhaps your speeches as well.
If those are the all-important moments that you want included in your final gallery, then a half-day package may be exactly what you’re after.
Full-day wedding photography
So, what’s the other alternative?
A full-day package generally ranges between 8-10 hours and is normally described as “getting ready through to the dance floor” but what does that actually mean?
“Getting ready photos” are those moments when you’re preparing for the ceremony, having your hair and make-up done with your group of closest pals, getting your cufflinks straight and having your veil put in.
These photos give perfect context to the rest of your day, showing how you both prepared for one of the biggest days of your lives.
And all the way through to the dancefloor means that, however your day unfolds, your photographer will be there.
Whether your speeches are before or after your meal, or you’re planning to cut your cake after the ceremony or before your first dance, having a full-day photographer gives you the flexibility to know that all those moments will be captured.
What does 8 hours of wedding photography actually cover? Here's a general example: 12pm: Getting ready
1.30pm: Ceremony
2pm: Confetti & group photos
2.30pm: Couple portraits
3pm: Drinks reception
4pm: Wedding breakfast
5.30pm: Speeches
7pm: Cut the cake and first dance
7.30pm: Evening celebrations 8 hours doesn't mean every single minute is spent taking photographs. it's about having your photographer there across the important parts of the story.
You can find details of both my half and full day packages right here:
Do we need to book half-day or full-day wedding photography?
There’s no right or wrong answer. It completely depends on the final gallery you want to receive.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
Does our wedding day timeline span most of the day?
Do I value those getting-ready photos?
Do we want our first dance and evening celebrations in the final gallery?
Do I want a visual reminder of the whole day in one complete album?
If the answer to these questions is yes, then full-day coverage could be the way to go.
If you think you could fit everything you want captured into a few hours, or perhaps you’re more budget-conscious, then a half-day package could suit you perfectly.
I’d always recommend talking this through with your photographer. They’re the pros in this industry and will be best placed to advise what suits you both, helping to ensure that your day is captured exactly how you want it to be.
Still not sure how much coverage you need?
Every wedding is different, so if you're not sure whether half-day or full-day photography is right for you, get in touch. Tell me a little about your plans and we can work out what makes sense for your day- you can get in touch right here: Get In Touch
So, I wish you happy wedding planning.
You’ve got this!
Lucy x
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