Wedding planning can be a whirlwind of excitement, but one question that often arises is: "How many photo coverage hours do we need for our big day?" Don't worry, we've got you covered! In today's blog post, I am thrilled to announce the guest writer for this post - the talented Ashley Norton, with Ashley Norton Photography, who will guide you through the process of determining the perfect number of photo coverage hours for your wedding.

Ashley is a wedding and portrait photographer based in Fresno, California who believes love should always be celebrated. Fueled by equal parts lemonade and passion, she spends her days capturing the kinds of images that make you stop, smile, and ask time to please slow down.

Whether you're having an intimate celebration or a grand extravaganza, Ashley’s insights will be invaluable in ensuring that no precious moment goes uncaptured. From getting ready to the final send-off, her tips will help you document each chapter of your special day, creating timeless memories that you'll cherish forever.

Let's capture the magic together!

How Many Hours of Wedding Photo Coverage Do I Need — Ashley Norton, Ashley Norton Photography

As you embark on the incredible journey of planning your wedding day, there's one aspect that holds immense importance: the hours of photography coverage. The memories made on your special day are priceless, and it's crucial to find the right amount of time to capture every precious moment. However, as most couples discover when they dive into wedding planning, it’s challenging to know what would be the best fit for you two.

Today, I want to be a resource for you so that you two can make the best decision that aligns with your wedding day priorities. I’ll explore the traditional options of 6 hours, 8 hours, and 10 hours of coverage, and how they can beautifully encapsulate your wedding story.

6 Hours of Coverage

When you first begin looking at photographers, a 6 hour collection can feel very tempting. You already had to put down so much for other vendors, that the thought “We can probably fit everything” feels tempting to follow. However, your wedding day is not something that should feel rushed, or like you’re on a strict timeline with no room to enjoy the day.

I typically recommend a 6 hour collection to my couples with elopements or intimate weddings with less than 50 people. When there are less people to manage on a wedding day, the schedule tends to move along much more quickly and be a little more flexible.

“Can you still have 6 hours of photo coverage with a larger wedding - like 100 - 150 guests?”

Alternatively, a 6 hour collection can work with a larger wedding if you do not want your photographer there while you’re getting ready, and you’d like to opt-out of those detail photos. Detail photos can include your rings, invitation suite, jewelry, vow books, or heirloom items. I always love getting to capture detail photos because you’ve spent so much time hand-selecting those items just for your day, and it’s such a beautiful way to begin your wedding day gallery.

However, I also know that all couples have different wedding day priorities. Ultimately, you’ll still have photo coverage for all the big moments of your wedding day: your ceremony, family portraits, first dance, etc.

If you’re okay with skipping detail and getting ready photos, and limiting your reception photo coverage to just the “big” events like the parent dances, cake cutting, and toasts then a 6 hour collection may be the right fit for you.

8 Hours of Coverage

There’s a good reason why 8 hours of wedding photo coverage is typically the most popular amount of coverage. 8 hours provides enough time for your photographer to capture the tail end of you two getting ready, detail photos, and a good amount of your reception.

“But shouldn’t my photographer arrive when we start getting ready?”

While every wedding is unique, I've found that arriving right after the bride has finished getting her hair ready is the perfect time to begin capturing those first memorable moments of the day. This allows me time to design and capture the beautiful details she has planned so carefully as her makeup is being applied. Once her hair and makeup are fresh, dress pristine, and the sweet scent of mimosas and decadent treats are in the air, it’s the perfect time to capture those timeless getting-ready portraits that are filled with joy, laughter, and excitement.

For some couples, being in front of a camera can be quite daunting, especially on your wedding day. But I’m here to share an insight that may surprise you: more photo coverage can actually be better, especially if you're camera-shy.

During the course of 8 hours, you have plenty of time to take breaks from photos, slow the day down a little, and get to know your photographer better. Creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere takes so much pressure off, and it’s easier for most couples to feel more comfortable in front of the camera.

“Will 8 hours of photo coverage be enough to cover my wedding from beginning to end?”

The short answer? It depends on your unique needs and priorities.

The long answer requires a bit more explanation. Generally, 8 hours is a good timeframe for capturing those bigger, most cherished moments of the wedding day. The heartfelt getting ready moments, the intricate details, the heart-melting first look, the soul-stirring ceremony, the timeless family photos, the tender first dance, the heartfelt toasts, the joyous parent dances, the sweet cake cutting. All those special moments that make your wedding day unforgettable.

However, there are times when you may need more coverage to ensure that you capture all the unique moments that matter most to you. Perhaps you have a surprise performance in mind, or you want to capture all the fun and joy of your wild dance floor shenanigans. Maybe you simply want more time to capture thoughtful candid moments shared between loved ones or savoring the romance of your first sunset as a married couple. Let’s dive into when 10 hours of photo coverage would be right for you.

10 Hours of Coverage

For those who want to document every moment of their wedding day and cherish it for a lifetime, a comprehensive 10-hour package may be absolutely perfect for you two. 10 hours of coverage allows your photographer to capture not just the intricacies of the day, but also the grand finale—the magical ending to one chapter and the beginning of another.

With 10 hours of coverage, you'll have the opportunity to capture every last moment at your reception. From the joyful laughter and heartfelt speeches to the tearful whispers shared during the last dance, those precious memories will be preserved. And let's not forget the grand exit! Whether you choose sparklers, rose petals, or a shower of confetti, your photographer should be able to capture the euphoria and the love that radiates as you bid your guest’s farewell.

“What if our ceremony and reception are in different locations?”

Traveling to different locations can add a layer of complexity to your wedding day. However, it's often necessary, especially if your getting ready space, ceremony, reception, or portraits will be in different spots.

The key to smooth travel on your wedding day is careful planning. Start by mapping out the distances between all the locations you'll be visiting. Whether it's from the church to your reception venue or from your getting-ready location to the ceremony site. Once you have these distances, here's a tip: add about 10-15 minutes of buffer time.

Let me give you an example. Imagine your church is just a short 15-minute drive away from the AirBnB where you and your girls got ready. By adding that buffer time, you can plan for the trip to take roughly 30 minutes. Trust me, it's not just about the distance. It's about accounting for the inevitable moments—gathering a group of people to move, the unpredictability of traffic that can sometimes play tricks on our plans, and, oh, the little things that may get left behind. That buffer time will be your saving grace to help you stay on track and help ensure a stress-free wedding day.

Choosing the Perfect Hours: Honoring Your Unique Story

When it comes to choosing the perfect amount of photo coverage for your wedding day, it's all about understanding your unique priorities and needs, and finding a photographer who deeply cares about capturing the essence of your love story.

Close your eyes for a moment and let your dreams paint a vibrant picture in your mind. Envision the moments that hold the most significance to you both. Is it the anticipation and excitement of getting ready with your loved ones by your side? Those precious hours that are filled with laughter, joyful tears, and heartfelt conversations? Or perhaps it's that magical moment of locking eyes with your soulmate for the first time, as if time stands still and the world fades away?

And what about the grand exit? That final chapter of your remarkable day, when you bid farewell to your loved ones and embark on a new adventure together as newlyweds. Will it be a shower of confetti, a sparkler-lit pathway, or the warm glow of candlelight leading the way? These are the details that weave together the tapestry of your love story, each thread adding depth and significance to the precious memories you'll hold dear.

Remember, no two love stories are alike. Each one is a beautiful, unique masterpiece, crafted with its own set of dreams, desires, and priorities. Some couples long for professional photos capturing every detail, every fleeting moment, while others crave a more low-key celebration where the focus is on those big, emotional moments that make their hearts skip a beat.

But here's the thing: you deserve to have a photographer who truly understands your dreams and values your priorities and needs. Someone who will document your day with an unwavering passion, an eye for those silent, tender moments, and a knack for capturing the joy found in life's simplest pleasures.

I would like to express my many thanks to Ashley for sharing her expertise and knowledge on determining the ideal number of photo coverage hours needed for your wedding. Ashley’s insights have been truly invaluable in helping soon-to-be newlyweds make informed decisions about capturing their special day.

To stay connected and keep up with Ashley’s stunning work and stay informed about her latest tips you can connect with her on her website at Ashley Norton Photography or Instagram page AshleyNorton.Photography.

Once again, thank you, Ashley! I cannot wait to see the magic you continue to capture each special day!

Photos: Ashley Norton Photography