Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to deciding on how much photography coverage you need. With so many moments to capture, from the little details to the big events, it can be hard to know just how many hours you should book your photographer for. If you’re grappling with this decision, you’re not alone! Here’s a guide to help you figure out what’s best for your special day.

1. How Important Are Detail Photos to You?

Detail photos are those beautiful, artfully arranged shots that showcase the personal touches you’ve worked so hard to incorporate into your wedding. Think of the invitation suite, florals, perfume, shoes, rings, dress, and even a groom’s flat lay. These images are perfect for social media and are a wonderful way to remember the small but significant details of your day.

If detail photos are a priority, plan to set aside 45 minutes to 2 hours for these shots, depending on how intricate you want them to be. If you’re just looking for a quick shot of your rings, that can be done in about 5-10 minutes.

2. Are You Planning a First Look with Your Partner?

The first look is a special moment that many couples cherish. Not only is it an emotional and intimate moment, but it also has practical benefits. By seeing each other before the ceremony, you can take care of bridal party, family, and most couple portraits ahead of time. This way, after the ceremony, you can focus on celebrating with your loved ones.

If you’re considering a first look, we recommend scheduling your photographer to arrive 3-4 hours before the ceremony. This will give you plenty of time, especially if you’re moving between locations or want to spend more time with your bridal party or family.

3. Do You Want a First Look with Someone Special?

Beyond your partner, you might also want to share a first look with a parent, grandparent, child, or even your pets. These moments are quick but meaningful, typically taking about 5-10 minutes. Just remember that if emotions run high, you might need an extra 10 minutes for makeup touch-ups.

4. Are You Planning a Grand Exit?

The grand exit is a classic way to end your wedding day on a high note, but it’s important to consider the timing. If your reception has a long open dance floor, your photographer might not need to stay until the very end. A mock exit—where only the bridal party and parents participate an hour into dancing—can save time and still provide that “finished” look in your gallery.

For the exit, you can get creative with bubbles, sparklers, cold sparks, or even a vintage car for a memorable send-off.

5. Tailor Your Photography Coverage to Your Day

Ultimately, this is your wedding day, and what matters most is what’s important to you. Whether you want to keep the day moving with a back-to-back schedule or prefer a more relaxed pace with time to enjoy a drink and a bite at the bar, your photography coverage should reflect that.

All of our photography packages include a custom timeline that we’ll create about 30 days before your wedding. This ensures that everything runs smoothly, and you get the coverage you need without feeling rushed or stressed.

Our most popular package is 10 hours of coverage, which tends to be the perfect amount for most couples. But remember, we’re here to help answer any questions and make sure your wedding day is captured exactly how you envision it.

If you are looking for a wedding photographer, we would love to chat more about your big day!

🔗 Inquire here: https://autumnandjendry.com/contact