How Many Hours of Wedding Photography Do You Really Need?
The answer depends on your day, your priorities, and how you want your story told.
Choosing the right amount of coverage ensures your most meaningful moments are captured naturally without feeling rushed.
As a Bay Area wedding photographer, I work with couples to help them choose the best coverage that fits their vision, timeline, and budget.
Let’s break it down.
Why Wedding Photography Hours Matter
Wedding photography isn’t just about showing up for the ceremony, it’s about documenting the entire experience.
The number of hours you book affects: How relaxed your day feels, how much of your story is captured, whether moments are documented fully or rushed, and how cohesive your final gallery feels. More time allows for breathing room, candid moments, and flexibility when things inevitably run a little off schedule.
What to Consider When Choosing Your Coverage
When deciding how many hours you need, ask yourself:
How many locations are we using? Do we want getting-ready photos? Is our timeline relaxed or tightly scheduled? Are we prioritizing candid moments over posed photos? and How important is reception coverage to us?
Once you share your itinerary, I’ll help you fine-tune your timeline so everything flows smoothly and nothing feels forced.
3 Hours of Wedding Photography: Ideal for Elopements & Intimate Ceremonies
Best for Courthouse wedding, Elopements, Very small, intimate ceremonies, and Couples who want focused coverage only. With 3 hours of wedding photography, we’ll capture Your ceremony and vows, Couples portraits, Family or guest interactions, and all of the meaningful moments in between. This option is perfect if your day is on the simpler side.
6 Hours of Wedding Photography: Balanced & Story-Driven
Best for Small-sized weddings, Couples who want storytelling without full-day coverage, and Celebrations with one main location. With 6 hours of coverage, we can typically document your Ceremony, Couples + family portraits, and Early reception moments. This is a great choice if you want your day documented authentically, while still keeping things efficient and relaxed.
9 Hours of Wedding Photography: No Moments Missed
Best for Traditional weddings, Single or Multi-location timelines, and Couples who value storytelling and candid moments With 9 hours of wedding photography, we capture everything. From getting ready details and quiet moments, to the First Look, Ceremony, Portraits and group photos, Full reception coverage, the Candid interactions, emotions, and all of those in-between moments. This option allows your story to unfold naturally, without rushing or cutting any precious moments short. It’s ideal if you want a full, complete gallery that reflects all of the detail and emotion of your day.
Destination Weddings & Travel Photography
Planning a wedding or elopement outside the Bay Area? Destination and travel packages are fully customized based on your location, timeline, and vision.
Final Thoughts: There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Answer
The right number of hours isn’t about doing more, it’s about choosing the amount of coverage that reflects your needs. Wedding photography should support your experience, not control it.
If you’re unsure which package fits your day best, I’m always happy to help you walk through your timeline and priorities.
Based in the Bay Area and available to travel. Flexible coverage starting at 3 hours.
