Choosing the Right amount of Wedding Photography Coverage
One of the most common issues couples come across is choosing the right amount of wedding photography coverage. The answer depends on various factors unique to your big day, including the size of your wedding, the locations of your venues, and the key moments you want to be captured. As a wedding photographer, I offer flexible coverage options of 6, 8, and 10-12 hours to suit different wedding styles and needs. Let’s dive into how you can determine the right coverage time for your wedding day.
Factors That Affect Your Wedding Photography Coverage Time
Several factors can impact the amount of coverage you’ll need on your wedding day. While some couples prefer to keep things short and sweet with a 6-hour package, others may want to ensure every precious moment is captured with a 10-12 hour option. Here are some key elements to consider when deciding how much coverage is right for you:
1. Travel Time Between Venues
If your wedding ceremony and reception are in different locations (or even if you’re hopping to a nearby spot for wedding party photos), you’ll want to factor in the time it takes to travel between venues. Travel time can eat into your photography hours, especially if the locations are far apart or require additional time for setup or parking.
For example, if you’re having a ceremony at a church and a reception at a separate venue, you’ll want to make sure your photographer has enough time to capture the final moments of the ceremony. Additionally they will want to get candid shots during the transition between the two locations. If your ceremony is in one city and your reception is in another, a longer coverage option may be necessary.
2. The Size of Your Wedding Party
The size of your wedding party can also affect the amount of time needed for photography. If you have a large wedding party, group photos will take longer to arrange and shoot. Larger wedding parties also mean more time for individual portraits and moments with each bridesmaid or groomsman. Similarly, if you have a big family or want to take a variety of family group shots, that will require additional time.
A larger wedding party might be a reason to consider opting for 8 or 10-12 hours of coverage. This will ensure there’s enough time for posed group shots, candid moments, and even a few creative setups. If you’re having an intimate wedding with a smaller wedding party or no wedding party, a 6-hour package might be perfect for you.
3. Number of Family Groupings
While you might think family photos will be super short, capturing multiple family groupings can take more time than expected. If you want to make sure you get photos with both sides of the family, as well as with specific relatives (grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.), you’ll need to allocate enough time for these shots.
The more family groupings you want, the more time you’ll need for posed photos. In many cases, this can add up to 30 minutes or more of your photography time. If you’re planning to take a variety of combinations with extended family members, it’s important to factor in the time it will take to get everyone into position and capture each shot.
I wrote a blog post specifically talking about family photos on your wedding day. You can read that post here!
4. Do You Want a Grand Exit or Send-Off?
One final thing to consider when choosing the right amount of wedding coverage you need is whether you’d like to capture a grand exit at the end of your wedding night. Many couples choose a sparkler exit, a confetti toss, or a vintage car send-off to end their big day. If you’re planning a grand exit, be sure to add that to your coverage needs.
If your wedding reception lasts until late in the evening, you may want to opt for a 10-12 hour coverage. This will ensure that the photographer is there to capture those final, magical moments. It’s important to coordinate the timing with your photographer, as a grand send-off often happens after all the festivities have wrapped up. Sometimes this means your photographer may need to stay later than originally planned.
I work with each couple to create a custom timeline for their unique day, and I work to ensure every important is captured.
Choosing the Right amount of Wedding Coverage: A Package Just for You
When it comes to coverage, it’s all about ensuring that every special moment is captured. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide between the different coverage options I offer:
- 6 Hours: Ideal for intimate weddings with a smaller guest list and shorter ceremonies, such as an elopement or a smaller venue. You’ll likely have just the ceremony, family photos, and a few candid reception moments.
- 8 Hours: This is the most popular package for many couples. It typically covers a full ceremony, wedding party and family portraits, and coverage of most of the reception (including dinner, speeches, and dancing). It’s a good choice if your wedding has a medium-sized guest list and venues that are within close proximity.
- 10-12 Hours: Best for larger weddings, those with multiple locations, or couples who want full coverage from getting ready through to the grand exit. This option allows for flexibility and ensures that no moment is missed, including pre-ceremony photos, cocktail hour, and most, if not all, of the reception.
Final Thoughts
The number of hours of wedding photography coverage you need depends on your wedding’s unique schedule, your priorities, and the moments you want to preserve. Whether you go with 6, 8, or 10-12 hours of coverage, be sure to take into account your wedding day timeline, the size of your wedding party and family, travel time between venues, and if you plan on having a grand exit at the end of the night.
Ultimately, it’s about finding the right balance—ensuring that every important moment is beautifully captured while giving you the space to enjoy your day. If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out to discuss your wedding plans and I’ll help you figure out the perfect photography coverage for your big day!
