When inquiring couples reach out to me, there is one question that pops up more than any other:

“How many hours of wedding photography do we need?”

The answer depends on several factors, but after photographing countless weddings, I have found that 9 hours is the sweet spot.

While the industry norm used to be 8 hours, I found that timeframe often forced us to rush the “getting ready” portion of the day or cut coverage at the reception too short. Today, I make 9 hours my minimum to ensure your day is captured fully and stress-free.

However, every wedding is unique. To determine if you need 9 hours or if you should bump it up to 10, ask yourself these four questions:

1. Multiple Locations: Will your day take place at different spots (e.g., getting ready at a hotel, ceremony at a church, portraits at a park, reception at a venue)?
2. First Look: Are you planning to see each other before the ceremony?
3. Sunset: What time does the sun go down on your wedding date?
4. Reception Events: Do you have special events happening late in the evening that you need a photographer for?

The “First Look” Factor

Deciding whether to do a First Look doesn’t necessarily change how many hours you need, but it dictates how your timeline is structured.

• One Location: If you are doing everything at one venue, couples usually opt for a First Look. This allows you to complete portraits before the ceremony so you can enjoy cocktail hour.
• Multiple Locations: If your ceremony and reception are in different places, couples often skip the First Look. Instead, we use the travel gap to handle portraits.

My Recommendation: Most photographers (myself included!) recommend a First Look. It allows you to relax, get the “nerves” out, and enjoy more of your day together.

Note on Winter Weddings (Nov–March): If you are getting married in the winter, the sun sets between 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM. My photography style relies on natural light. If your ceremony is at 5:00 PM and you don’t do a First Look, your portraits will take place in the dark. To get the bright, beautiful style you see in my portfolio, you must prioritize daylight. In winter, this means either an earlier ceremony or a First Look is essential.

Understanding the Timing Breakdown

To help you budget your time, here is exactly how long different photography elements take:

Wedding Details (45 mins): I start the day photographing your flatlays (invites, rings, shoes, florals). This sets the scene for your album. Tip: Have these items set aside in a box for me when I arrive!

Getting Ready (60-90 mins): The Bride getting into her dress and the Groom putting on his suit. This includes portraits with parents and the wedding party.

First Look (10 mins): Short, sweet, and emotional. I will scout a secluded spot for this private moment.

Bridal Party Portraits (30 mins): We capture the full group, individuals, and separate sides. I prefer doing this before couple portraits so your friends can go relax!

Bride & Groom Portraits (45 mins): This is time to focus on YOU! We do not want to be rushed here, as you want to be relaxed to look your best. I will direct you through both playful and formal poses while my second shooter gets creative angles.

Family Portraits (30 mins): Immediately before or after the ceremony. Typically if done before I will only focus on the immediate family, then photograph a few extra large extended family shots after the ceremony.

Ceremony (30-60 mins): We shoot silently to capture the vows, the ring exchange, and the kiss (hold that kiss for a count of 5!).

Sunset Portraits (15 mins): Weather depending, we will slip out of the reception 45 minutes before sunset for those glowy, golden hour shots.

SAMPLE TIMELINE #1
One Location | First Look

Ideal for couples who want a relaxed flow and to attend their own Cocktail Hour.

1:00 pm
Photographers Arrive

1:00 – 1:45 pm
Details photos

1:45 pm
Bride & Bridesmaids Get Dressed | Bridal Portraits
Groom & Groomsmen Get Dressed | Groom Portraits

3:15 pm
First Look

3:30 – 4:00 pm
Bridal Party Portraits

4:00 – 4:30 pm
Bride & Groom Portraits

4:30 – 5:00 pm
Family Portraits

5:00 – 5:30 pm
Rest before saying I do!

5:30 – 6:00 pm
Ceremony

6:00 – 7:00 pm
Cocktail Hour

7:00 pm
Reception Begins

9:00 pm
Photographers Exit (8 Hours Total)

10:00 pm
Photographers Exit (9 Hours Total)

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SAMPLE TIMELINE #2
Multiple Locations | Without a First Look

Ideal for church ceremonies with travel time included.

11:00 am
Photographers Arrive

11:00 – 11:45 am
Details photos

11:45 am
Bride & Bridesmaids Get Dressed | Bridal Portraits
Groom & Groomsmen Get Dressed | Groom Portraits

1:00 – 1:30 pm
Travel to Ceremony Location

2:00 – 3:00 pm
Ceremony

3:00 – 3:30 pm
Family Portraits

3:30 – 4:00 pm
Travel to Reception Venue or Desired Photo Location

4:00 – 4:30 pm
Bridal Party Portraits

4:30 – 5:15 pm
Bride & Groom Portraits

5:15 – 6:00 pm
Travel to Reception Venue or break for couple if there

6:00 – 7:00 pm
Cocktail Hour

7:00 pm
Reception Begins

9:00 pm
Photographers Exit (10 hours total)

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Alexa’s Biggest Timeline Tips

• Have hair and makeup time to be complete the same time that Bridal Portraits start.
• Have your flowers arrive the same time as your photographer. The very first thing I photograph are your details. So many times the flowers have arrived two hours later and have missed making the flatlay – even the First Look. Florals help tell your story. Ask your florist for an extra, small bundle for me to use.
• Always expect to be running late. Especially during Getting Ready (us gals tend to fashionably run over!) and if your day includes multiple stops because… well, traffic. When looking at the lengths of time suggested for event, add an extra 5-10 minutes in between each.
• Not having photographers stay until the very end of the party? No problem. We can still capture your cake cutting! In fact, I nearly always “fake the cake.” If you are doing a private cake cutting, we will simply go to the side and pretend you are cutting it for a photo. The cake cutting typically occurs one hour after dinner is served.

These are just examples of two ways your wedding could go! As we talk through your plans, we’ll be able to customize a timeline that works perfectly for you.

Need help planning your own timeline? Contact me to learn more about working together with wedding photography!

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Download these Sample Wedding Day Timelines & tips!