As you and your partner are budgeting for your upcoming wedding, you’re probably wondering how long you should probably hire your wedding photographer for. In this blog, we’ll discuss some of your priorities and turn-offs that might help guide you in the right direction. You can also see some example timelines that might inspire you to book more or less hours!

Let’s dive in. If you haven’t already, have you and your partner discussed what’s most important to capture on the big day? What shots will hold the most sentimental value as you reminisce? Take a moment to reflect and jot down your thoughts.

Let’s start from the beginning of the day, the “getting ready” photos. Do these moments resonate with you for your final gallery? Do you want to have the getting-ready stage captured? If not, potentially booking an 8 or 6-hour wedding photo package might be a better fit (skip to the next section). If you answered yes, how much of the getting ready stage are you looking to have? Typically, a photographer will arrive close to the end of your hair and makeup slot. This will ensure that we get some photos of the makeup artist and hair stylist doing some final touches on you and your wedding party. Additionally, during the getting-ready stage, your photographer might be capturing details. These details can include a flatlay with your jewelry, invites, watches, perfumes, or anything sentimental. Scheduling them 2-3 hours pre-ceremony is a sweet spot—I usually start here.

Now, here’s everything in the middle that a photographer from 6-10 hours will typically cover.

Ceremony, formal family photos, wedding party photos,

Skipping ahead to the reception, what’s on your wish list? Grand entrances, toasts, dancing, late-night bites, or a grand exit? If not much of that resonates, a 6-hour package or less might suit. If you’re nodding along, an 8-10 hour package is likely your match. From the start of the reception to the final dance or exit, photographers usually cover 3-6 hours.

When you’re contemplating how long to hire your wedding photographer, there’s one final *most important* aspect to consider—how much time and space do you want to truly immerse yourself in the moments and events of your wedding day? If you’re leaning towards a shorter duration, you might find yourself feeling rushed to capture all the photos you’ve dreamed about. On the other hand, opting for longer hours can provide the breathing room to savor the day, avoid feeling rushed, and foster more natural, organic interactions. This consideration becomes even more important when you’re thinking about hiring a documentary photographer. Allowing enough time gives your photographer the freedom to wander and capture candid moments authentically.

In summary:

• 6 hours: Minimal getting-ready shots, limited reception coverage, a more compressed timeline with less room for organic moments.
• 8 hours: Includes getting-ready photos, a good portion of reception coverage, and aligns with industry standards for capturing moments with a bit more flexibility.
• 10 hours: Encompasses most getting-ready moments, full reception coverage, and grants you and your partner the greatest opportunity for intimate, organic interactions with guests and each other.

Consider these options carefully to ensure your wedding day is beautifully captured while giving yourself the time and space to create cherished memories. Hire a wedding photographer for the hours you believe is best for you. Wedding planning can be a whirlwind, but if you’re after a documentary-style photographer who can help with timelines and build a meaningful connection, you might just have found your match. Congratulations on this journey!

FREEBIE wedding timeline examples

*Keep in mind that these examples serve as a starting point, and every wedding timeline is unique, reflecting the priorities of each couple.

6 hour wedding timeline example:

12:00PM – Wedding photographer arrives
12:00PM – Begins a few getting ready shots and details
1:00PM – Wedding party photos on one side
1:20PM – Wedding party photos on other side
2:00PM – Ceremony start time
2:30PM – Ceremony end time
2:35PM – Formal family photos
3:00PM – Full wedding party photos
3:15PM – Formal couple’s photos
3:40PM – Reset, relax
4:00PM – Entrance of couple and wedding party
4:05PM – Reception events
6:00PM – Photographer departure

8 hour wedding timeline example:

2:00PM – Wedding photographer arrives
2:00PM – Begins a few getting ready shots and details
3:30PM – First look
3:45PM – Formal photos of bride and groom
4:15PM – Family photos
4:45PM – Wedding Party photos
5:10PM – Reset, relax
6:00PM – Ceremony start time
6:30PM – Ceremony end time
6:30PM – Cocktail hour
7:30PM – Reception events
10:00PM – Wedding photographer end time

10 hour wedding timeline example:

11:00AM – Wedding photographer arrives
11:00AM – Begins getting ready and detail photos 
1:00PM – First look and couple photos 
1:45PM – Wedding party photos
2:15PM – Reset, relax
3:00PM – Ceremony start time
3:30PM – Ceremony end time
3:30PM – Cocktail hour and Family photos 
4:45PM – Reset, relax
5:00PM – Reception events
9:00PM –  Photographer departure