One of the biggest decisions when planning your wedding is figuring out how much time you’ll need for a wedding photographer. It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation, and that’s the beauty of it! The timeline depends on what moments you want captured and how your day is structured. Here’s a breakdown of key events that couples typically want photographed and the estimated time for each.

1. Getting Ready – 1 to 2 Hours

The “getting ready” shots are all about those intimate moments before the ceremony. Think about candid shots of you and your bridal party hanging out, getting dressed, and sharing a few laughs. This is also the time to capture close-ups of your wedding dress, shoes, invitations, and other meaningful details. If you want a calm, relaxed vibe during this part, allot at least an hour to two hours, depending on how large your party is.

2. First Look – 15 to 30 Minutes

A first look, if you decide to have one, is a special moment where you and your partner see each other before the ceremony. It’s incredibly emotional and private, which is why many couples want this documented. You’ll want about 15 to 30 minutes for this, especially if you want some portraits together right after the initial reactions.

3. Ceremony – 30 Minutes to 1 Hour

The length of your ceremony will vary, but most tend to last around 30 minutes to an hour. If you’re having a religious or traditional ceremony, it might be longer. Your photographer will capture key moments like walking down the aisle, exchanging vows, and the first kiss. You might also want photos of guests’ reactions or special rituals. Budgeting about an hour ensures your photographer can get a wide range of shots.

4. Family and Wedding Party Photos – 45 Minutes to 1 Hour

After the ceremony, you’ll want time for formal family photos and shots of your wedding party. This part can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how many groupings you need. Keeping an organized list of must-have family shots can help move this part along quickly.

5. Couples Portraits – 30 Minutes to 1 Hour

This is the time where the two of you get to step away from the crowd and soak in the fact that you just got married. Your photographer will guide you through some posed shots, but also allow space for candid moments. If you want photos at a couple of different locations, you might want closer to an hour for this part.

6. Reception – 2 to 3 Hours

The reception is where your photographer will capture your entrance, speeches, first dance, cake cutting, and all the fun on the dance floor. Whether you want every detail or just the major events covered will determine how long you’ll need your photographer. Many couples like having the photographer stay for the first couple hours of the reception to capture the essentials, leaving once the dance floor is fully open.

7. The Exit – 15 to 30 Minutes

If you’re planning a fun grand exit, like a sparkler send-off or confetti toss, you’ll need to add some time for that as well. This usually happens at the end of the night, so depending on your reception schedule, consider adding an extra 15 to 30 minutes to your coverage.

On average, most couples book their photographer for 8 to 10 hours to cover all the major moments of the day. If you’re having a smaller wedding or only want specific events captured, you might be able to get away with 6 hours. Ultimately, it’s about what’s most important to you. Talk with your photographer about how much time you’ll need for a wedding photographer, and they can help create a timeline that makes sure nothing gets missed.

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