One of the most common questions I get from couples is: “How many hours of photography do we actually need?” It’s a really important thing to consider when planning your wedding day timeline - and the answer depends on a few key details.

Below, I’ve broken down what to think about so you can book the right amount of coverage to suit your plans and make sure nothing meaningful is missed.

1. What Do You Want Captured?

Before deciding how many hours you need, it helps to think about what moments are most important to you. Some couples want their whole story told, from getting ready through to dancing. Others might just want the ceremony and a few portraits. There’s no wrong answer - just what’s right for you.

Here’s a rough guide of the most common parts of the day couples typically like photographed:

Getting ready: candid moments, hair and makeup, final touches, dress/suit hanging, and flat lay detail shots (rings, invites, accessories).
First look (if you’re doing one).
Ceremony: from guests arriving to your first kiss.
Portraits: couple portraits, family formals, and the wedding party.
Reception: speeches, room decor, first dance, cake cutting, and some dance floor fun.

2. Things That Might Affect Your Timeline

There are a few details that can affect how long we’ll need:

Multiple Locations

If you’re getting ready at one place, having the ceremony at another, and then moving again for the reception, we’ll need to factor in travel time (plus buffer time in case things run behind).

First Look or Not?

Doing a first look can be a great way to get your portraits done before the ceremony so you can enjoy more of the cocktail hour. But it does mean starting coverage earlier in the day.

Room Decor & Details

Want beautiful photos of the ceremony or reception setup before guests arrive? That needs to happen before people are in the space, and I’ll need time to sneak in and capture everything.

Bridal Prep Details

If you’d like styled flat lays or detail shots (dress, shoes, rings, stationery), I usually need 30–45 minutes during prep time with everything gathered and ready.

3. Common Coverage Options

Every wedding is different, but here are a few typical examples of how many hours you might need:

📷 6 Hours

Good for smaller weddings or elopements with everything in one location. Usually covers:

Final getting ready touches
Ceremony
Couple & group portraits
Reception start (dinner, speeches)

📷 8 Hours

Most popular option! A great fit if:

You want getting ready photos + some reception coverage
There are two locations (ceremony + reception)
You’re doing a first look

📷 10+ Hours

Ideal for full-day storytelling and larger weddings with lots going on. Typically includes:

Full getting ready (both partners, if logistics allow)
First look + portraits before ceremony
Ceremony
Room setup/details at both ceremony + reception spaces
Full reception coverage including dancing

Planning your wedding in Vancouver, BC or the surrounding areas? Whether your celebration takes place in the heart of downtown, along the scenic Stanley Park seawall, in the North Shore mountains, or on one of the beautiful nearby beaches, I offer wedding photography coverage tailored to your unique day. From intimate elopements to full-day celebrations, I’ll capture every moment so you can relive your day for years to come. Let’s connect to create a Vancouver wedding photography package that’s the perfect fit for your vision.

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How Many Hours of Photography Coverage Do I Really Need for My Wedding?