How Many Hours of Wedding Photography Do You Really Need?

When you're planning your wedding, choosing the right amount of photography coverage can feel overwhelming. Too little, and you may miss capturing those magical in-between moments. Too much, and you may be investing in hours you don’t really need.

Together with By Cherry Photography, we've broken it down into a simple, easy-to-understand guide to help couples determine the ideal coverage for their celebration. Most photographers offer packages around 6, 8, or 10+ hours, and the right fit depends on a few key details of your day.

4 Key Factors to Consider

Before choosing your package, think about:

1. Size of the Wedding
   How many guests will be there? Larger weddings often benefit from more hours to capture everything from wide crowd shots to intimate moments.

2. Number of Locations
   Will you be getting ready, having your ceremony, and hosting your reception in different places? Travel time between locations eats into the photography schedule.

3. How Much of the Day Do You Want Captured
   Do you want photos of getting ready and the final dance? Or just the ceremony and portraits? Your vision matters here.

4. Whether You’re Doing a First Look
   A first look can help free up time later in the day for portraits, and may reduce the need for extended evening coverage.

Pro Tip from ByCherry Photography

"If you're on the fence between two packages, always think about what moments you don’t want to miss. Sunset portraits? The sparkler exit? Booking 1-2 extra hours can make all the difference in your final gallery."

Ready to Choose?

Still unsure? Chat with our photographers about your timeline—many are happy to help you build a custom schedule that fits your day perfectly. And if you're working with a planner, they can help map out the flow of events, so you’re not overbooking or underbooking your coverage.

With the right timeline and a thoughtful plan, your wedding day will be beautifully captured from start to finish.