Wedding Photographer Hours: Planning the Right Coverage for Your Day

When you book a wedding photographer, the first question is usually "how many hours do I need?" Getting the right amount of time can mean the difference between missing key moments and paying for empty slots. In this guide we break down common hour packages, how to match them to your timeline, and smart ways to stretch every minute of coverage.

Typical Hourly Packages

Most Bristol photographers offer three standard bundles:

• 4‑hour package – Ideal for a short ceremony and a quick portrait session. You’ll capture the vows, a few cocktail shots, and a handful of family photos.
• 6‑hour package – The most popular choice. It covers the ceremony, a short cocktail hour, and the start of the reception. You’ll have time for formal portraits and some candid moments as guests mingle.
• 8‑hour (or full‑day) package – Perfect for a longer celebration. It includes everything from the morning prep to the last dance. You’ll get a complete story of the day.

Prices rise with each extra hour, but the value grows too. A full‑day shoot usually includes a second photographer, which adds different angles and more coverage of guests.

How to Build Your Own Timeline

Start by writing down the exact time of each event: the ceremony start, cocktail hour, dinner, speeches, and dancing. Then add a 30‑minute buffer before and after each slot for travel, set‑up, and unexpected delays.

Example timeline for a 10 am ceremony:

• 8:30 am – Hair & makeup (photographer arrives for prep shots)
• 9:30 am – Detail photos (rings, invitation, shoes)
• 10:00 am – Ceremony (90 minutes including music)
• 11:30 am – Cocktail photos (guests arriving, toasts)
• 12:30 pm – Family portraits (about 45 minutes)
• 1:15 pm – Lunch break for photographer (if you have a long reception)
• 2:00 pm – Reception starts (first dance, speeches, dancing)
• 5:00 pm – End of coverage (last dance)

This schedule adds up to roughly 8 hours of shooting, which covers most of the day without feeling rushed. If your ceremony is later or you have a sunset photo session, shift the hours accordingly.

Here are a few quick tips to make every hour count:

• Prioritise key moments. Make sure the photographer knows what you cannot miss – first look, vows, first dance.
• Use a “must‑have” list. Share a short list of must‑have shots with your photographer ahead of time.
• Consider a second shooter. Two photographers can split duties, covering both the ceremony and the reception simultaneously.
• Plan buffer time. Unexpected delays happen; a 15‑minute cushion keeps the schedule smooth.

Finally, talk openly with your photographer about their working style. Some prefer long, continuous coverage, while others break for lunch and come back refreshed. Knowing their preferences helps you match the right package to your day.

In short, the number of hours you book should reflect the size of your timeline, the moments you value most, and your budget. By mapping out a clear schedule and communicating your priorities, you’ll get a photo story that feels complete and natural.

Ready to lock in your photographer’s hours? Start with a simple list of events, add a few buffers, and pick the package that covers everything without extra waste. Your Bristol wedding will look amazing in the photos, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing every important second was captured.