How to Choose the Right Wedding Photography Coverage for Your Big Day
One of the most important decisions when booking a wedding photographer is choosing the right amount of coverage. Most photographers offer 6, 8, or 10-hour packages, but which one is right for you?
The right coverage depends on your wedding timeline, events, and priorities. Are you planning a small elopement or a full-day celebration with multiple locations? Do you want every candid moment captured, or just the key highlights? Let’s break down the options so you can choose the package that’s perfect for your wedding day.
6 Hours of Wedding Photography Coverage
Best for:
- Small, intimate weddings
- Elopements
- Simple timelines with minimal reception events
What 6 hours covers:
- Final touches of getting ready (not full prep)
- Ceremony and family formal portraits
- Wedding party and couple portraits
- Reception entrance, cake cutting, and first dance
What’s missing:
- Full getting ready coverage for both partners
- Extended reception coverage, especially late-night dancing
- Grand exit or late-night moments
Who should choose 6 hours?
If you want only the key moments captured and aren’t focused on full reception coverage, 6 hours can work well. However, traditional weddings often require at least 8 hours to capture everything without feeling rushed.
If you’re searching for wedding photography with heart, depth, and a dreamy feel, you’ll find everything you need here.
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8 Hours of Wedding Photography Coverage
Best for:
- Traditional weddings with full ceremony and reception
- Couples who want a balanced timeline
- Weddings with separate ceremony and reception locations
What 8 hours covers:
- Some details + getting ready coverage for both partners
- Ceremony and family portraits
- Wedding party and couple portraits
- Reception entrance, speeches, dinner, first dance
- Some dance floor coverage
What’s missing:
- Extended reception coverage and late-night candids
- Grand exit (unless scheduled early)
- Extra time for relaxed portraits or unexpected delays
Who should choose 8 hours?
This is the sweet spot for most couples. It covers the full day without overbooking, letting you capture every important moment efficiently.
From mountaintop vows to beachfront ceremonies, destination weddings allow space for magic.
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10 Hours of Wedding Photography Coverage
Best for:
- Couples wanting full-day storytelling
- Larger weddings with multiple events and locations
- Weddings that require flexibility and extended coverage
What 10 hours covers:
- Full getting ready coverage including detailed shots
- Ceremony and extended family portraits
- Wedding party and couple portraits (daytime + golden hour)
- Full reception coverage: first dances, toasts, cake cutting, dancing
- Grand exit (sparklers, bubbles, getaway car)
What’s missing:
- Nothing. This package covers everything from start to finish.
Who should choose 10 hours?
If you want the full wedding experience, 10 hours is the best option. It gives you a relaxed timeline, allows for creative portraits, and ensures no moments are missed. This is the most popular package for couples who want stress-free, comprehensive coverage.
This is more than documentation — it’s storytelling. If you want photos that feel like memories, not poses, you’re in the right place.
Looking for the perfect wedding photographer?
Which Wedding Photography Package is Right for You?
- 6 hours: Small, simple weddings or elopements
- 8 hours: Traditional weddings with full ceremony and reception
- 10 hours: Full storytelling, stress-free coverage, and capturing every detail
Still unsure? I’d love to help you plan your day and determine the perfect coverage for your wedding.
💌 Contact me here to discuss your timeline and create a photography plan that fits your day perfectly!
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