Your wedding day is filled with special moments that you’ll want to cherish forever. But how much time should you actually allocate for wedding photography? From getting ready to the final dance, ensuring you have enough time for stunning photos is essential.


This guide will help you plan the perfect wedding photography timeline, ensuring every precious moment is beautifully captured.

How Many Hours of Wedding Photography Do You Need?

8–10 Hours: Standard Wedding Coverage

A wedding photography package typically ranges from 8 to 10 hours, which provides comprehensive coverage of the day. This time frame allows your photographer to capture:

✅ Getting ready shots (bride and groom preparation) ✅ First look (if applicable) ✅ Ceremony moments ✅ Family and wedding party portraits ✅ Reception events (first dance, cake cutting, toasts, etc.) ✅ Sunset couple’s shoot

A 10-hour package ensures flexibility and enough time to adjust for small delays while still capturing every key moment.


12 Hours: Extra Time for Larger Weddings

If your wedding includes a larger guest list, multiple locations, or elaborate setups, consider booking a 12-hour package. This extra time is especially useful if you want:

✔ Extended bridal party and family portraits ✔ Additional candid shots of guests and details ✔ More coverage of the wedding reception

Pro Tip: Limit formal group portraits to around 15 groupings to keep the process efficient and enjoyable.

15 Hours: Extensive Wedding Coverage

For couples who want every detail documented, from early morning preparations to late-night celebrations, 15 hours of coverage ensures nothing is missed. This option is great for:

🎥 Capturing behind-the-scenes moments from morning to midnight 🎉 More candid guest interactions 🌅 Golden-hour and nighttime photography sessions.

20+ Hours: Multi-Day Wedding Events

For destination weddings or multi-day celebrations, a 20-hour or longer package might be ideal. This allows coverage of:

🌟 Rehearsal dinner 💍 Pre-wedding cultural ceremonies 📸 Post-wedding brunch or day-after portraits

Having a second photographer ensures comprehensive coverage of both partners getting ready and different angles throughout the day.

Best Time of Day for Wedding Photos

📷 Golden Hour (Just Before Sunset) – The most flattering natural light for dreamy outdoor portraits.

📷 Midday (12–3 PM) – Harsh lighting, best suited for shaded areas or indoor photos.

📷 Evening Reception (After Sunset) – Ambient lighting and dramatic effects with string lights and candles.

Final Tips for a Stress-Free Wedding Photography Experience

Schedule buffer time – Unexpected delays happen. Add an extra 15-30 minutes between key moments to stay relaxed. ✅ Communicate with your photographer – Share must-have shots and special requests in advance. ✅ Consider a first look – This private moment allows for emotional, intimate portraits before the ceremony. ✅ Limit family formals – Stick to essential groupings to maximize time for couple portraits and candids.

Choosing the Right Wedding Photographer

Your wedding photos are a lifelong investment. The best photographers typically charge between $100 and $150 per hour, and selecting a skilled professional ensures your memories are preserved beautifully.

🚨 Avoid "shoot and burn" photographers – These photographers may take thousands of images but deliver unedited, lower-quality shots. A professional photographer will carefully select and edit the best images to create a polished final collection.

Ready to Book Your Wedding Photographer?

At Shoocha Photography, we specialize in capturing timeless wedding moments in Corpus Christi, TX, and surrounding areas (up to 100 miles).

📅 Schedule a consultation today! Let’s create a custom photography timeline that perfectly fits your wedding vision.

📸 Visit our Contact Page to inquire! 📷 Follow us on Facebook for more wedding photography inspiration!