How Many Hours of Wedding Photography Coverage Do You Really Need?

The industry standard for wedding photography coverage seems to be about 8 hours, typically offered by both photographers and most videographers. When I started offering wedding photography as part of my business, I did what everyone else was doing and offered 8 hours as well. What might have been a relaxed timeline with 8 hours of coverage 15 years ago isn’t the same in today’s Pinterest-inspired, TikTok-driven world. This leads many couples to ask: “How many hours of wedding coverage do I really need?”

I’m constantly finding that brides are inspired by the moments they see on social media and want more and more out of their wedding day. And I can’t blame them — it’s their one wedding day, and they want to make the most of it. With the rise of PJ photos, first looks with bridesmaids, and photo trends like the one where bouquets surround the bride’s face (you know the one)… it started to compress time for important things like bride and groom portraits. These newer trends often take away from the time needed for essential moments — like getting the bride dressed. (I know the dress just zips up in the back, but trust me, you’ll need more than 10 minutes for that AND your other getting-ready photos! ;D)

Here entered the problem: I went through a season of weddings where I was cramming a 9.5-hour day into an 8-hour timeline. I always felt like I was short-changing my clients from the start, and I wanted a more relaxed experience for them. I wanted a better experience for myself, too! We always made the ceremony time (I might have looked like a sweaty, wild animal by then, but we made it — and hopefully, no one was looking at me!). I struggled with the 8-hour industry standard for longer than I care to admit. Until one day, I decided to offer up to 10 hours and see what happened. My fellow photographer friends had their questions, that’s for sure! I was going against the grain, making my tiring day even longer on purpose. But after a few years of doing it this way… I’m not going back!

What Are the Benefits of 10 Hours of Photography Coverage?

A More Relaxing Wedding Day
With 10 hours of coverage, each phase of your wedding day can be spaced out, with buffer time to help the day feel more natural and relaxed.
Time to Do Things Well
You can’t get dressed in 10 minutes. I’ve seen couples try — and fail — more times than I can count. When you plan and allocate the time needed for each step of your wedding day, I can do my job better for you, and you ultimately win when you see your final wedding gallery!
Drive Time for Two Locations
Some venues require couples to get ready elsewhere. Other couples may want a church ceremony. A 10-hour timeline easily accommodates travel time — unless you have a longer religious ceremony, more than 2 locations, or significant drive times.
Coverage from Details to the Grand Exit
From PJ photos to your last dance and grand exit — no staged exits here! Many couples want their real send-off captured, not a faux exit halfway through the night.
Built-in Flexibility for Delays
Wedding-day delays are inevitable. You’ve heard the saying: “Plan for the worst, expect the best.” Extra time means less stress if things run behind.
Authentic Moments Over Forced Photos
I’ve heard it so many times: “We don’t want our wedding day to feel like a photoshoot.” Me either! A 10-hour timeline gives us space to document real moments, not just posed ones.
Time to Rest and Refresh
This is the biggest one! Longer coverage allows you to take short breaks — drink water, eat a snack, use the restroom (yes, that takes longer in a wedding dress!) and freshen up your hair and makeup. Play that playlist you made, have an impromptu dance party, and just enjoy your day!

Who Might Need More Than 10 Hours?

Religious or Cultural Ceremonies: Longer ceremonies, like a full Catholic Mass or elaborate cultural traditions, often require additional time.
Multiple Locations: If your day involves more than two locations, travel logistics add up: packing up, driving, parking, unpacking, and getting everyone inside and ready takes more time than you think — especially in a gown you’re not used to wearing.

What Are the Drawbacks?

I wanted to say “none,” but that wouldn’t be honest. The biggest challenge is when you hire a videographer, as most offer an 8-hour package. Be sure to ask about adding coverage hours if you want video of events beyond their standard timeframe.

Oh, and shameless plug: if you need recommendations for amazing videographers, I have the best ones! Reach out — I’d be happy to share.

Ready to Plan Your Wedding Photography?

Choosing the right amount of coverage is just one piece of planning your perfect wedding day. If you’re looking for a photographer who will help you craft a relaxed, well-paced timeline and capture every genuine moment, I’d love to chat with you! Reach out today, and let’s make sure your wedding day is documented beautifully — with memories you’ll cherish forever.

Learn more about my approach to wedding photography, view the services I offer, and pricing on the weddings page of my website!

When you are ready to start the booking process, complete my wedding photography inquiry form!