How Many Hours of Wedding Photography Do You Actually Need? Advice from an Austin Wedding Photographer
When booking a wedding photographer, one of the first questions couples ask is, “How many hours of photography coverage do we actually need?”
It’s an important decision because your photographer’s coverage affects your timeline, your budget, and how much of the day gets documented. As an Austin wedding photographer, I’ve worked with couples on everything from small, two-hour elopements to twelve-hour wedding days. Here’s how to decide what’s best for you.
Why Wedding Photography Hours Matter
Every wedding is different. Some couples want full-day coverage from the moment they wake up to their grand exit, while others are happy with a few hours for the ceremony and portraits.
Choosing the right amount of hours ensures:
- Nothing important gets missed
- You have time for natural, unhurried photos
- Your photographer captures the story of your day in full
What’s Included in Wedding Photography Coverage?
A typical photography package covers:
- Getting ready moments (hair, makeup, details)
- Ceremony and family portraits
- Couple portraits and wedding party photos
- Reception highlights (grand entrance, toasts, first dances, cake cutting)
- Candid moments and guest interactions
- Your planned send-off or exit
The more hours you book, the more of these memories can be documented.
Common Coverage Options for Austin Weddings
Here’s a breakdown of how many hours might make sense based on your wedding size and plans:
6 Hours: Ideal for Small Weddings or Elopements
- Captures the essentials: ceremony, couple portraits, and reception highlights.
- Works well if everything happens in one location.
- Limited time for extensive getting ready coverage or send-off photos.
8 Hours: Perfect for Most Weddings
- Covers getting ready through reception traditions.
- Includes first looks, bridal party photos, family portraits, and couple portraits.
- Allows enough time for candid moments and a more relaxed pace.
10-12 Hours: Best for Large Weddings or Multi-Location Events
- Covers the full story, from hair and makeup to grand exit.
- Ideal if you have multiple locations, a large wedding party, or cultural traditions that extend the timeline.
- More opportunities for creative portraits and detail shots.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Coverage
1. Your Wedding Timeline
Look at your ceremony and reception times. Do you want photos from the early prep stages to the dance floor send-off, or just the core events?
2. Your Locations
Will there be travel between getting ready, ceremony, and reception? Travel eats into photography time, so more hours might be needed.
3. Planned Traditions
If you’re including multiple events like a tea ceremony, first look, sunset portraits, or a sparkler exit, extended coverage is key.
4. How Much of the Reception You Want Photographed
Do you want the photographer to stay for dancing and late-night fun, or leave after the big events like first dances and cake cutting?
What About a Second Photographer?
Adding a second photographer can maximize coverage without extending hours. While one photographer captures candid moments or groom prep, the other can focus on the bride or venue details.
This is especially helpful for large weddings, tight timelines, or events at multiple locations.
Final Thoughts
Every wedding is unique, and your photography coverage should reflect your priorities. We’ll work with you to create a timeline that fits your day and ensures all your most important moments are preserved.
As your Austin wedding photographer, our goal is to capture every laugh, tear, and dance move—whether it takes six hours or twelve.
Not sure how many hours you need?
Contact us here and we’ll help you customize the perfect coverage for your wedding day.
FAQs
Q: How many hours of wedding photography do most Austin couples book?
A: Eight hours is the most popular choice, providing full coverage of the ceremony, portraits, and key reception moments.
Q: Do I need full-day coverage?
A: Full-day coverage (10–12 hours) is ideal if you want getting ready photos, extended reception coverage, or multiple locations documented.
Q: What if we’re having a small wedding or elopement?
A: For intimate weddings, 2–4 hours of coverage may be enough. We offer custom packages for smaller events.
Q: Can I add more hours later?
A: Yes, you can add additional hours to your photography package as your timeline comes together.
Q: What about a second shooter—should I get one?
A: Second photographers are great for larger weddings, split-location prep, or if you want more candid and alternate angle coverage.
Q: Do hours include travel time between venues?
A: Yes, travel between locations counts toward total coverage time.
Q: Can you help us plan our timeline?
A: Absolutely. We guide all our couples through timeline planning to make sure your photos fit seamlessly into your day.
Q: Will I need more hours if I want sunset portraits?
A: Possibly, depending on your ceremony and reception timing. We’ll help you plan for golden hour if it’s important to you.
Q: How do I know what’s right for my wedding?
A: Reach out to us, and we’ll walk through your plans to recommend the perfect amount of coverage.
Q: How do we book?
A: Fill out our contact form and we’ll start building your custom photography plan.
