When you’re planning your wedding day, one of the most common questions that comes up is: “How many hours of wedding photography do I really need?”

After more than a decade photographing weddings across Philadelphia and Delaware, I’ve seen just about every kind of timeline under the sun—from short-and-sweet two-hour elopements to ten-hour extravaganzas with multiple locations and sparkler exits. Your wedding day should feel like you, and the photography coverage you choose should match the kind of experience you’re planning.

Below I’ll walk you through a few common wedding types and what a sample wedding photography timeline might look like for each. I’ll also share real examples from past couples so you can see how it all comes together.

It’s all about finding the sweet spot that makes sense for your day!

Elopement Photography

Recommended Photography coverage: 2–4 hours

For elopements, 2 to 4 hours of photography coverage is typically perfect. The final number really depends on how many guests are attending (if any!), and whether you’re planning a meal or celebration afterward.

During elopements, we prioritize portraits of the two of you, candid moments as you exchange vows, and any unique touches that make your day personal. Without a large wedding party or big reception to manage, we get to slow down and document the quiet, emotional moments and beautiful scenery around you.

Sample 4-hour Wedding Photo Timeline

• 2:00 PM — Photographer arrives for details and couple portraits
• 4:00 PM — Ceremony coverage
• 4:30 PM — Portraits with family/friends (if applicable)
• 5:00 PM — Post-ceremony celebration or champagne toast
• 6:00 PM — Photographer departs

Example: Amanda and Joseph’s Elopement at the Hotel DuPont

Amanda and Joseph brought along their dog, who wore a custom floral collar (yes, I squealed🥹). Their celebration was intimate, heartfelt, and joyful. And the best part? We captured it all in just a few hours!

Micro Wedding Photography

Recommended Photography coverage: 4–6 hours

Micro weddings usually involve fewer than 50 guests and no wedding party. Without the time-intensive parts of the day like wedding party photos or a high-energy reception, you can easily fit everything into 4 to 6 hours of coverage.

We’ll focus on what matters most: your connection with each other, meaningful moments with your closest family and friends, and all the little details you’ve so thoughtfully planned. Micro weddings are beautifully intentional, and I love how the slower pace allows me to be even more observant and creative with storytelling.

Sample 5-hour Wedding Photo Timeline

• 2:00 PM — Photographer arrives for couple portraits + getting ready
• 3:00 PM — Ceremony coverage
• 3:30 PM — Portraits with family and guests
• 4:00 PM — Cocktail hour coverage
• 5:00 PM — Dinner or reception details + toasts
• 7:00 PM — Photographer departs

Example: Anne and Matthew’s Wedding

Anne and Matthew’s day had a cozy, close-knit feel all on one beautifully manicured property. Without a formal venue or wedding party, the entire day flowed organically and it reminded me of a heartfelt family reunion.

Standard Wedding Photography

Standard weddings typically need 8 to 10 hours of photography coverage, depending on your timeline, locations, and number of guests. Here’s how to figure out what’s best for you:

Sample 8-Hour Wedding Photo Timeline

Best for: One location for everything, small wedding party (under 6 people on each side), 1 hour of reception dancing coverage

If you’re getting ready, tying the knot, and celebrating at the same venue—and you’re not planning on a full-blown late-night dance party—8 hours might be just right.

• 1:00 PM — Getting ready + details
• 2:30 PM — First look + couple portraits
• 3:30 PM — Wedding party + family photos
• 4:30 PM — Ceremony
• 5:00 PM — Cocktail hour
• 6:00 PM — Reception starts
• 6:30 PM — Toasts + special dances
• 8:00 PM — One hour of open dancing
• 9:00 PM — Photographer departs

Example: Sara and Jacob’s Wedding at the Lake House Inn

Everything took place in one gorgeous location, and the timeline was seamless from start to finish.

Read more: Black and White Lake House Inn Wedding in Perkasie

Sample 9-Hour Wedding Photo Timeline

Best for: Two locations close together or one location with a larger wedding party, extended dance floor coverage

Have an extra large crew? Want a little more time to soak in cocktail hour or sneak away for golden hour portraits? That extra hour makes a huge difference.

• 12:30 PM — Getting ready + flat lays of your invitations and accessories
• 2:00 PM — First look + portraits
• 3:00 PM — Wedding party + family photos
• 4:30 PM — Ceremony
• 5:00 PM — Cocktail hour
• 6:00 PM — Reception starts
• 6:30 PM — Dinner, toasts, and first dances
• 8:30 PM — Dance floor opens
• 9:30 PM — Photographer departs

Example: Ashley and Zachary’s Wedding at Loch Aerie Mansion

With a larger wedding party and more time spent dancing the night away, 9 hours let us capture the full scope of their celebration.

Read more: How To Host a Dreamy Summer Black Tie Wedding at Loch Aerie Mansion

Sample 10-Hour Wedding Photo Timeline

Best for: Early church ceremonies, 2–3 different locations, lots of dance floor coverage

If you’re having a traditional church ceremony earlier in the day and then heading to another venue for the reception, I highly recommend 10 hours. It gives you room to breathe and ensures we’re not racing against the clock to capture everything.

• 11:30 AM — Getting ready
• 12:30 PM — Travel to the church
• 1:00 PM — Ceremony at church
• 2:00 PM — Family photos at church
• 2:30 PM — Travel to portrait location
• 3:00 PM — Couple and wedding party portraits at new location
• 4:30 PM — Travel to reception
• 5:00 PM — Cocktail hour
• 6:00 PM — Reception begins
• 6:30 PM — Dinner + speeches
• 7:30 PM — First dances + open dance floor
• 8:30 PM — Night portraits, dance floor moments
• 9:30 PM — Photographer departs

Example: Lauren and Ryan’s Wedding at The Willows at Ashcombe

Their wedding day started at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and then transitioned to the beautiful Willows at Ashcombe venue! The timeline gave us the ability to travel to multiple locations and capture heartfelt moments from start to finish.

Read more: Pastel Summer Wedding at The Willows at Ashcombe Mansion

How Many Hours Do You Need a Wedding Photographer?

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• Elopement: 2–4 hours
• Micro Wedding: 4–6 hours
• Standard Wedding:
  • 8 hours → Single location, smaller party
  • 9 hours → Bigger party or more moments to cover
  • 10 hours → Multiple locations, church ceremony, or dance floor emphasis

If you still have questions, I’d love to walk through your timeline and help you choose the best coverage for your day. Every wedding is different, and your photo coverage should reflect what matters most to you!

Send me an inquiry and let’s chat about the details! I’ll have my sample timelines ready and we’ll make a plan for capturing all the special moments you’re dreaming about.