How to Plan Your Wedding Photography Coverage


When it comes to planning your wedding, one of the biggest questions you’ll face is: How many hours of photography coverage do we need? This decision is crucial to ensuring every precious moment of your big day is beautifully captured. It’s not just about having photos—it’s about telling the full story of your day, from the joyful chaos of getting ready to the sparkler-lit grand exit.


As someone who’s photographed countless weddings, I know how overwhelming this decision can be. That’s why I’ve created this guide to help you determine what’s right for you. Let’s dive into some tips, tricks, and sample timelines to make your wedding day photography seamless and stress-free.

Elegant bride in white lace robe with sheer floral details looks at reflection in ornate gold-framed mirror.
Two people in white dress shirts and suspenders prepare for a formal event in a dimly lit room.

Things to Consider When Choosing Coverage


1. Do you want getting-ready photos?

Getting-ready photos capture the intimate, emotional moments before you walk down the aisle. If these are important to you, consider where both of you will be preparing. If you’re getting ready in separate locations, you might need a second shooter to ensure all the action is documented.


Getting Ready Tip: Choose an Airbnb or venue with multiple floors so the wedding parties can get ready in one place without running into each other. This saves time and simplifies logistics.


2. Are you planning a first look?

A first look can save time by allowing portraits to happen before the ceremony. This means you’ll have more time to enjoy cocktail hour with your guests later.


3. How many locations are involved?

If your wedding day includes multiple locations (e.g., getting ready at a hotel, ceremony at a church, and reception at a separate venue), factor in travel time when determining your coverage needs.


4. How big is your wedding party?

If you have a large wedding party, consider adding a second shooter. This allows for simultaneous coverage and keeps the timeline on track.


5. Do you want reception and exit photos?

If your dream is to have your sparkler exit or final dance documented, plan for coverage until the end of the night. Alternatively, consider a “faux exit” earlier in the evening to capture the magic without extending coverage.

A romantic wedding scene with the couple in pink and white attire standing in a Spanish-style courtyard with clay tile roof.
Newlywed couple shares a joyful embrace against a rustic wooden wall backdrop during their wedding celebration.
Two people in wedding attire share a sweet moment beneath a blooming tree in a garden setting.

Sample Wedding Day Timelines


To give you an idea of what different lengths of photography coverage look like, here are sample timelines:


Wedding party celebrates with joy as newlyweds share a kiss surrounded by floral bouquets and formal attire.


8-Hour Wedding Day Timeline


An 8-hour timeline is ideal for most weddings, offering enough time to capture the key moments of your day without feeling rushed. Here’s how your timeline might look:


  • Getting ready with Bride and Bridesmaids (final touches, e.g., putting on dress, jewelry, etc.) — 1 hour
  • Detail shots (rings, bouquet, invitations) — 15 minutes
  • Getting ready with Groom and Groomsmen45 minutes
  • First look (including some couple portraits) — 30 minutes
  • Wedding Party Photos30 minutes
  • Immediate Family Photos30 minutes
  • Buffer time to get tucked away before the wedding30 minutes
  • Ceremony30 minutes
  • Cocktail hour and extended family portraits1 hour
  • Dinner is served45 minutes
  • Sunset Photos15 minutes
  • Toasts15 minutes
  • First Dances15 minutes
  • Party Time (includes cake cutting, bouquet toss, etc.) — 1 hour



Bridal party walks together on a path wearing colorful jewel-toned dresses in emerald, red, yellow and white.

Why Choose 6, 8, or 10 Hours of Coverage?


6 Hours of Coverage A 6-hour timeline can be hard-pressed to cover your full day. As you can see by referencing the 8-hour timeline above, you would have to sacrifice coverage on either end of the schedule. Though, a 6-hour timeline could work if you have a small or no bridal party, a quick ceremony planned, or maybe you don’t want any getting-ready coverage. There are many factors that might make 6 hours the right choice for your wedding.


8 Hours of Coverage This is my most popular package and for good reason—it’s the perfect amount of coverage to tell the story of your day. It allows for getting-ready photos, the ceremony, family portraits, and plenty of reception highlights without feeling rushed.


10 Hours of Coverage A 10-hour timeline is ideal if you have a large bridal party, are traveling between multiple locations (e.g., first look, ceremony, and reception venues), or have additional moments planned, like sunset photos at a different location. This option is also great if you want full coverage of your grand exit. When planning for 10 hours, consider light and travel time. In the summer, ample daylight makes this easier, but winter weddings might require a more specific approach to timing key moments before sun

Wedding celebration at night with guests holding sparklers as couple exit through an illuminated walkway.

Tips for a Smooth Wedding Day Timeline


1. Don’t start too early Late afternoon or early evening ceremonies allow for a relaxed morning and a natural flow to your day.

2. Leave wiggle room Build in 10-15 minutes of buffer time for each activity to account for unexpected delays.

3. Pay attention to light Light is everything in photography. Plan key events, like your ceremony or couple’s portraits, to take advantage of natural lighting. During summer, you'll have plenty of light all day, but winter weddings require more precise planning.

4. Communicate with vendors Share your timeline with your photographer, planner, and other vendors to ensure everyone is on the same page.

5. Enjoy the moments This is your day! Take a deep breath, soak it all in, and trust your team to capture the magic.


Choosing the right amount of photography coverage is all about your unique vision for the day. Whether you’re planning an intimate celebration or a grand affair, I’m here to help you craft a timeline that ensures every special moment is beautifully documented. Ready to chat? Let’s start planning your perfect wedding day story!