A No-Fluff Guide to Choosing the Right Coverage for Your Day
If you’re planning your wedding and looking at photography packages, you’ve probably asked yourself this:
“Do I really need 8 hours? What if we’re only doing a small wedding? What even happens during 10 hours?”
You’re not alone — most brides aren’t exactly sure how many hours of photography they truly need. And honestly? It depends on your timeline, your priorities, and the kind of story you want your photos to tell.
As a wedding photographer who’s documented everything from intimate beach elopements to full-scale luxury weddings in Tampa Bay and beyond, I’m here to walk you through it — clearly and confidently.
First, Ask Yourself This: What Do You Want Captured?
Do you want the full story — getting ready moments, first look, ceremony, sunset portraits, reception, exit?
Or do you just want the ceremony and a few portraits?
Your answer will help determine the ideal amount of coverage. Let’s break it down.
📷 Typical Wedding Photography Coverage Options:
6 Hours
Best for: Elopements, micro weddings, or small-scale celebrations
What it usually covers:
- A few getting ready shots
- Ceremony
- Couple’s portraits
- Family + bridal party portraits
- Partial reception coverage
✅ Pros: Great for shorter timelines and more intimate events
⚠️ Watch out for: Rushed timelines and skipped moments (like toasts or dances)
8 Hours
Best for: Most full weddings
What it usually covers:
- Getting ready
- Detail photos (dress, invitations, florals)
- First look (if you choose to do one)
- Ceremony
- Portraits
- Reception highlights (first dances, toasts, cake cutting, some party time)
✅ Pros: The sweet spot for most weddings — covers the full story from start to finish without feeling rushed
⚠️ Watch out for: If you’re doing multiple locations or want lots of creative portraits, 8 hours can still feel a little tight
10+ Hours
Best for: Luxury weddings, multi-location events, or extended receptions
What it usually covers:
- Full story from getting ready to grand exit
- More time for creative, relaxed portraits
- Multiple looks or outfit changes
- Full reception and party coverage
- Additional travel time between venues
✅ Pros: The most relaxed, full-coverage option — no rushing, plenty of time for in-between moments
⚠️ Watch out for: You’ll want to be sure your photographer is experienced enough to pace the day without burnout
Add-ons to Consider:
- Second photographer: Great for larger weddings or if you want both of your getting ready moments captured simultaneously
- Film or video coverage: Add cinematic storytelling to your gallery
- Engagement session: Helps build comfort and connection before the big day
- Rehearsal dinner coverage: Perfect for multi-day storytelling
🔍 Real Talk: What I Recommend (And Why)
After 6+ years photographing weddings, here’s my honest advice:
✨ 8 hours is the ideal starting point for most weddings
It gives us time to capture your story from start to finish without stress. We can build in breathing room, shoot details beautifully, and capture all the moments that matter — not just the big ones.
If your day has a longer reception, a separate ceremony location, or cultural traditions that extend the day, 10 hours or a custom package might be the way to go.
I always help my couples build a timeline that fits their day perfectly — no guesswork needed.
🧡 Final Thoughts: It’s About More Than Hours — It’s About Experience
You’re not just booking time. You’re booking someone to preserve the memories you’ll look back on for the rest of your life. My job isn’t just to take beautiful photos — it’s to make sure you feel taken care of from the first inquiry to the final gallery delivery.
When we work together, I’ll help you choose the coverage that actually fits your wedding — and your vision.
📍 Serving Tampa Bay, Sarasota, and destination weddings
📸 Explore wedding galleries + packages at KingsleyJames.com
📲 Or reach out on Instagram: @KingsleyJamesStudios