How many hours to hire a wedding photographer?
What is the ideal timeframe or typical duration for a wedding photographer?
As photographers, I think we are so use to just putting down on our packages cost for investing in “6 hours, 8 hours, 10 hours” of photography. And that’s because it’s what the norm is. While we’re familiar with the wedding industry because it’s our job to be, I don’t think we consider how confusing it could be to someone who has never had a wedding. So I’d like to break it down with some things to consider.
Choosing how many hours is very personal. It completely varies from person to person how many hours you’ll need. It totally depends on what you want from your day. If you want a first look or time for yourselves (which I always suggest and recommend) you may want to book more hours. Additionally, if you’re having a large wedding with many guests, opting for more hours tends to make a huge difference.
Every wedding is unique, so there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Here are 8 things to consider:
Consider Your Timeline
Think about your wedding timeline. Are you having a chill backyard ceremony or a full-blown party? The length of your celebration should guide your photography timeline. Do you want a lot of photos or photos that just scratch the surface of the day? More hours mean more memories captured, more time enjoyed between the two of you and less rushing around.
Getting Ready Moments
Consider getting ready shots if you haven’t already. I think of these as the behind-the-scenes moments that help piece together your unique story. It’s more than you getting dressed. It’s time to yourself, casual time with your family/friends. It’s memories that are worth capturing.
first look /Portraits
Will you be having a first look or taking photos after you get married? Think about where you’re getting married and consider the time it takes to find a quiet location for portraits of the two of you. Are your portraits together important to you? Or are you looking for just a few good photos and mostly candids of the actual day?
Ceremony (and Reception if you’re having one)
Your ceremony is the heart of it all, and your reception is where the real party kicks off. Consider what’s important to you and make sure your photographer is there to capture that. You don’t necessarily need someone there for the reception unless you want photos of the actual celebration/party. This is a totally personal decision but I think having at least some of your reception captured is important. I get some of my favorite shots of the night during receptions because of all the candid opportunities.
Photos with friends and family
Wrangling family and friends together for group photos always takes significantly longer than you’d think. Between locating where everyone is after the ceremony and positioning them into a good spot for formal photos, I’d consider this as taking more time than less.
Sunset Shenanigans / night portraits
Portraits during Golden hour? Dancing under a streetlight? If you're dreaming of those dreamy photos, consider your photography hours accordingly.
Budgeting Wisely
Weddings can be pricey. But trust me, prioritize your photography budget. Whether you are eloping or having a more traditional style wedding, photographers are the number one vendor you will want to invest in. They are the main vendors that will be spending time with you and who will be providing life long souvenirs. These are the memories you'll cherish forever, so it's worth investing in capturing them beautifully. They are an investment for your future self.
Consult with Your Photographer
Your photographer is basically your wedding day BFF. They know the ins and outs of capturing love in all its glory. Chat with them about your vision, timeline, and budget. They right one will help you nail down the perfect hours to ensure your day is captured flawlessly.
In conclusion, remember, there's no right or wrong answer here. It's all about what feels right for you and your boo.
