How Many Hours of Wedding Photography Do You Actually Need?

One of the questions I get asked most when couples are comparing packages is "how many hours of wedding photography do we actually need?" It's such a good question, and honestly, there's no one size fits all answer:)

The short answer is that it depends on which parts of your day you want to remember. Some couples only want their ceremony and a few portraits. Others want everything, from getting ready in the morning right through to the first dance. So rather than thinking in hours, I find it much easier to think about which moments matter most to you.

That's actually exactly how I've built my packages.

Why my packages are based on blocks, not hours

Instead of booking me for a set number of hours, my packages cover blocks of your day. For example, from your ceremony through to the end of your speeches, or from your preparations right through to your first dance.

I do it this way because weddings almost never run exactly to schedule, and that's completely okay! The ceremony might start ten minutes late, the speeches might run on because everyone's having such a lovely time, or the weather might mean we move your couple portraits to a little later when the light is looking best.

With hourly coverage, all of that can start to feel stressful. Nobody wants to be glancing at the clock or worrying about paying extra because the day is running behind. With blocks, there's no clock watching and nothing feels rushed. Everything can flow naturally, and I'll simply be there for the parts of the day your package covers.

It also means you don't need to plan your timeline to the minute. I'll keep an eye on the timings, light and weather throughout the day, so you can properly see everyone, have a drink and enjoy yourselves:)

How many hours of wedding photography is right for your wedding?

Here's a little guide to help you work out what might suit your plans.

If you're having a small, intimate wedding or elopement

If your day is mainly about the ceremony, my Intimate Moments package covers your ceremony, group photos and couple portraits. It's perfect for registry office weddings, small gatherings and couples who want the key moments captured without a full day of coverage.

If the ceremony and speeches are the heart of your day

My Story Collection covers your ceremony right through to the end of your speeches. That includes confetti, group photos, couple portraits, your drinks reception, the details of your venue and all those guest reactions during the speeches. It's a really popular choice for couples who don't need the getting ready or evening.

If you want the whole story

My Signature Full Day covers everything from your preparations through to your first dance. This is the one for you if you'd love to have the nervous excitement of the morning, the little details like your rings, shoes and flowers, and that first dance with everyone watching. All the big moments, little moments and everything in between.

If you'd love a little extra time and flexibility

My Signature Experience includes a pre-wedding shoot, which is a lovely way to get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day. It also gives you extra flexibility on the day itself, so I can arrive a little earlier for your preparations and stay a bit later to capture more of the dancing and evening celebrations:)

You can see everything each package includes on my wedding photography packages page.

A few questions to help you decide

If you're still not sure, these questions usually help:

• Would you like photos of you getting ready, or of the little details like your dress, rings and flowers?

• Are the speeches a big part of your day?

• Is your first dance something you'd love to look back on?

• Are your ceremony and reception at the same venue, or will there be travel in between?

• How many group photo combinations are you hoping for?

  
  

There are no wrong answers. It's all about what feels right for you and the kind of day you're planning.

Still not sure? Just ask!

If you're planning your wedding in Devon, Somerset, Bristol, the Cotswolds or anywhere across the South West and you're not sure which package would work best, I'm always happy to help you work it out. Just tell me a little bit about your plans and I'll point you in the right direction, absolutely no pressure at all:)

You can have a look at my packages or get in touch here. I'd absolutely love to hear from you!