Why You Really Need More Than 8 Hours of Photography Coverage on Your Wedding Day

Let’s have a real talk about wedding photography coverage. You’ve booked the dream venue, curated every single detail, and spent hours mapping out your timeline, yet you’re only hiring your photographer for 8 hours? Let’s unpack that.

Photo by Baylee Dennis

From a planner’s perspective, with nearly two decades of wedding days under my belt, I’m telling you 8 hours isn’t always enough. It can get the job done, sure, but is that really the energy we’re going for on your once-in-a-lifetime day? You’re spending all this time and money crafting this experience. You deserve full, rich documentation of the moments you’ll never get back.

Here’s the deal:
8 hours gives you two options, not both:

Option A: You get your “getting ready” moments. The robes, the champagne, the tearful note exchange, the outfit reveals with your wedding party, the photos with your dog in a bowtie, all that goodness. But your photographer will likely be wrapping up before your reception hits its peak.

Option B: You skip those early-day moments and bring your photographer in closer to the ceremony. This way they capture your vows, the emotional toasts, and those unforgettable dance floor moments with CO2 cannons, disco balls, and Grandma breaking it down to “Yeah” by Usher. But guess what? No documentation of the sentimental morning.

You don’t get both without extending your coverage.

Let’s talk second shooters.
Even the most insanely talented solo photographers cannot be in two places at once. That’s just physics. One of you is in the bridal suite popping prosecco. The other is down the road getting ready with the guys. Meanwhile, your floral designer needs five things confirmed, your family is arriving early, and the ceremony site is having a linen situation. The planner, me, is handling it, but the photographer can’t capture everything solo.

Adding a second shooter, or even a third and an assistant, can massively expand your gallery. More candids. More reactions. More behind-the-scenes magic. It’s the difference between 400 photos and 1,200. Between good and unforgettable.

Look, we get it — budgets are real.
This is why we don’t make the decision for you. But as your planner, I will always advocate for what gives you the most joy, the most coverage, and the best return on your investment.

So no, you don’t have to hire your photographer for 10, 12, or 14 hours. But if you want the full story, not just the highlight reel, you should seriously consider it.

And if that photographer doesn’t include a second shooter? Ask for one. Or we’ll help you find one who does.

More gallery. More magic. Less regret.
That’s the vibe.