How Many Hours of Wedding Photography Coverage Do You Need?

One of the most common mistakes couples make is not booking enough coverage. Here is an honest breakdown of how many hours you actually need.

Typical Wedding Day Timeline

6 hrs coverage — Getting ready through first dance. Tight but doable for small weddings.
8 hrs coverage — The sweet spot for most weddings. Covers everything from prep to cake cutting.
10 hrs coverage — Full day. Includes getting ready, ceremony, portraits, reception, and send-off.

Hour-by-Hour Breakdown

• Hour 1-2: Getting ready — details, dress, prep portraits
• Hour 3: First look and wedding party portraits
• Hour 4: Ceremony
• Hour 5: Family formals and couple portraits
• Hour 6: Cocktail hour candids
• Hour 7: Reception — grand entrance, first dance, toasts, dinner
• Hour 8: Dance floor, cake cutting, golden hour portraits
• Hour 9-10: Dancing, candid moments, send-off

When to Add More Coverage

• Getting ready at a different location than the ceremony
• More than 100 guests
• Multiple venues
• Wanting a grand send-off captured

At Alphares Studio we help every couple build the right timeline. Contact us for a free planning consultation.