This is one of the most overcomplicated parts of wedding planning.
You’ll often see packages framed in a way that nudges you toward more hours. The reality is simpler: it depends on what you want covered.
In short...
For most weddings:
6 hours covers ceremony to probably the end of the wedding breakfast and speeches
8 hours covers prep through to dancefloor
10+ hours is for full-day coverage with more breathing room
View my wedding photography prices and packages page for details of my flexible and affordable pricing for each of the above.
What each option actually looks like
6 hours: Arrivals, ceremony, confetti, group photos, some couple portraits, and the start of the reception.
You won’t get morning prep or much of the evening.
8 hours: A more complete story. Usually includes prep, ceremony, portraits, speeches, and dancing.
This is what most couples go for.
10 hours+: Extra space. Less rushing. More coverage of quieter in-between moments.
What matters more than hours
It’s not just about length - it’s about how your day is structured.
A tight timeline with lots happening in a short window might actually need more coverage than a slower day with everything in one place.
Avoid overthinking it
You don’t need to document every second.
The goal is to cover the parts of the day that matter to you, without stretching things out unnecessarily.
If you’re unsure, map out your timeline first. The hours usually become obvious after that.