You just got engaged and are starting the search for your wedding photographer. You notice they offer different packages with varying hours of coverage. Suddenly, the question pops up: “How many hours of wedding photography do we actually need?” There’s a lot to think about. But the most important question isn’t just about hours—it’s this: “How do we want our wedding day to feel?” In this post, I’ll break down what 6-hour vs. 8-hour wedding photography coverage looks and feels like. I’ll also share what to consider so you can choose the timeline that lets you truly savor your day.
Let’s figure out exactly the amount of wedding photography coverage you’ll need.
Why I don’t offer 6 hours of wedding photography coverage
On your wedding day, you deserve to feel present, unrushed, and not like the day revolves around squeezing photos in. With six hours of coverage, the day often moves quickly from one formal moment to the next. There’s little room to slow down or fully experience what’s happening. Even with a first look, six hours can feel tight and leave little space for ease or spontaneity.
You need 8 hours of wedding photography coverage if you want photos all the way from getting ready through your reception.
I start with an hour package instead because eight hours gives space for quiet, tender getting-ready moments before the day fully unfolds. It captures 30–45 minutes of dancing, laughter, and celebration, preserving the joy of your night. Planning a first look allows more time for unrushed portraits, letting your connection and love shine naturally. With a longer timeline, there is more flexibility to let moments unfold, even when plans shift or emotions run high. You’re free to be present, share time with your favorite people, and experience your wedding as it happens. The result is a gallery that tells the full story: not just the big moments, but the quiet, in-between ones that mean the most.
10 hours is for you if you don’t want to miss a thing.
You want no moment of your wedding to go undocumented. And you need a photographer there all day– because you have a big gap between your ceremony and reception, you’re picture-crazy, or both.
If you want a formal exit (like where all your guests hold sparklers) or a private dance at the end of the night, the 10 hour package is the way to go.
10 hours of coverage generally allows me to photograph:
- Getting ready photos
- First look (if you’re having one!)
- Wedding party & formal family photos
- The entire ceremony
- The reception (Intros, cake cutting, speeches, formal dances)
- The entire night of your guests on the dance floor
- A formal exit or private dance
Still need help figuring out how many hours of coverage you need? Book a free consult call and I’d be happy to help.
Wanna learn more about pricing? Buzz right on over here!
