How Much Wedding Photography Coverage Do You Actually Need?
December 15, 2025
How Much Wedding Photography Coverage Do You Actually Need?
One of the most common questions couples ask when planning their wedding photography is:
“How many hours of coverage do we need?”
It’s a fair question — but it’s not always the most helpful way to think about wedding photography.
Rather than starting with a set number of hours, I encourage couples to think about what parts of the day matter most to them, and how they want their story told. Every wedding is different, and coverage should reflect that.
Why I Focus on Moments, Not the Clock
Weddings rarely run exactly to time — and that’s part of what makes them special.
By focusing on the key elements of your day, rather than watching the clock, your photography coverage stays flexible, relaxed, and true to what’s actually happening. This approach allows space for real moments to unfold naturally, without rushing or forcing anything for the sake of a schedule.
The Core Elements I Cover on a Wedding Day
Most weddings include a combination of the following moments. These are the building blocks that shape your gallery and tell the full story of your day.
Getting Ready
This is where the story begins.
Getting ready coverage captures the quieter moments — details, anticipation, nerves, and connection with the people closest to you. It sets the tone for the day and adds depth to your final collection of images.
The Ceremony
The heart of the day.
From the walk down the aisle to the vows, reactions, and those just-married moments immediately after, ceremony coverage is about documenting emotion as it happens — honestly and unobtrusively.
Family Portraits
These images quickly become some of the most meaningful over time.
I keep this part of the day organised and efficient, allowing you to spend less time posing and more time celebrating, while still creating images that feel natural and timeless.
Bridal Party & Location Portraits
This is where we slow things down just a little.
Using beautiful light and thoughtful locations, I’ll gently guide you into relaxed, confident portraits that feel polished without being stiff. This time is also about giving you space together — a pause in the day that often becomes one of couples’ favourite parts.
Reception Coverage: Where Timing Comes In
The reception is the one part of the day where timing matters more, simply because events are often scheduled.
I offer two common approaches to reception coverage:
Option One: Short Reception Coverage
This includes:
- reception details
- room styling
- atmosphere
- cake cutting and/or first dance
(these can be done naturally or in a relaxed, mock format if needed)
This option is ideal if you’d like those key moments documented without full evening coverage.
Option Two: Formalities Through to the Dance Floor
This covers:
- entrances
- speeches
- formalities
- first dance
- the energy as the dance floor opens
It’s a great choice if the reception is a big part of your celebration and you’d like that story told in full.
So… How Much Coverage Is “Enough”?
The right amount of coverage depends on:
- the flow of your day
- how many locations you’re using
- what moments matter most to you
- whether you want a shorter or more complete reception story
Rather than fitting your day into a fixed number of hours, I work with you to shape coverage around your priorities, ensuring nothing important is rushed or missed.
A Thoughtful, Personal Approach
My goal is always the same:
to create a wedding gallery that feels true to your day, not dictated by the clock.
If you’re unsure what coverage will suit your plans, I’m always happy to talk it through and help you decide what will work best — calmly, honestly, and without pressure.
Thinking about your own wedding photography coverage?
You’re welcome to get in touch anytime to chat through your plans or ask questions. Every wedding is different, and your coverage should feel just as personal.
