When it comes to planning your wedding, one question that often arises is: How much wedding photography coverage do we really need? Your wedding day is a story that deserves to be captured in its entirety, but determining the right amount of wedding photography coverage can depend on the scope and flow of your special day. Let’s break down common wedding photography coverage options, ranging from 2-hour micro weddings to 10-hour full-day wedding coverage, so you can decide what suits your needs.

2-4 Hour Wedding Coverage: Intimate Moments in Focus

Ideal for: Micro weddings, elopements, or small ceremonies with fewer than 50 guests.
For those opting for a 2-4 hour wedding day coverage, you’re typically looking at the essentials. This time frame is perfect for couples who want to focus on the key moments of their day: the ceremony, a few family portraits, and couple photos. While you won’t have time for detailed shots of the preparation or reception, you can still expect beautiful coverage of your vows and those post-ceremony moments.

Pro Tip: If your ceremony is the highlight of your wedding day, this package will allow for capturing every tender look and heartfelt word. With a tight timeline, make sure to prioritize the key moments you want photographed, like the first kiss and confetti exit.

6-Hour Wedding Coverage: The Essential Package

Ideal for: Smaller weddings or minimalist couples who want a solid overview of their day.

The 6-hour coverage is a middle ground for couples who want a little more than just the basics. It covers the ceremony, portraits, and a portion of the reception. With this option, you can squeeze in some getting-ready shots if you keep the day on a tight schedule. Michaela Bell Photography will have time to capture the ceremony, group photos, and some of the candid moments from the reception.

In-Depth: Six hours allows for a fuller story of your day but still misses out on those quieter, behind-the-scenes moments in the morning or the late-night dancing. Consider the pace of your wedding day: is it more about efficiency and celebration? Then this is your go-to.

8-Hour Wedding Coverage: Telling Your Story

Ideal for: Traditional weddings with both a ceremony and reception.

For couples who want to capture the narrative of their entire day, 8 hours is the sweet spot. You’ll get full coverage of the getting-ready moments, ceremony, formal portraits, and most of the reception. From the anticipation in the morning, the exchanging of vows, and your first dance, this package is designed to showcase the full story of your wedding.

In-Depth: This timeline offers the flexibility to capture those in-between moments that make your wedding unique—the little tears, the laughter, and even the quirky moments in between. There’s also room to squeeze in more detailed shots, like décor and guest interactions.

10-Hour Wedding Coverage: Full-Day Extravaganza

Ideal for: Couples with large weddings, multiple venues, or events that stretch throughout the day.

The 10-hour wedding coverage is designed for those who want it all. With this package, Michaela Bell Photography will be there from the earliest moment of getting ready to the final moments of your reception, ensuring no detail is left behind. It’s perfect for larger weddings where the ceremony and reception take place at different venues or for those who have multiple locations throughout the day, such as a first look, cocktail hour, and extended dancing time.

In-Depth: This extended coverage allows for capturing every detail of the day without feeling rushed. You’ll get all the getting-ready excitement, first looks, multiple portrait sessions, the ceremony, and plenty of reception fun, from dinner to speeches, and those late-night dance floor moves!

Additional Considerations:

First Look: Are you planning a first look? If so, make sure to build in time for this when determining your coverage.

Travel Time: If your ceremony and reception are in different locations, add travel time into the mix, and consider whether it impacts the coverage you need.

Reception Events: Do you have special events planned for the reception, like a surprise performance or grand exit? Make sure you have enough time to capture those moments.

Why Buffer Time Is Important

Whether you choose 6, 8, or 10 hours, remember to account for buffer time. Weddings rarely run exactly on schedule, and things like hair and makeup delays or extra time for portraits can easily push your timeline back. Having some flexibility ensures your photographer can still capture all the must-have moments even if things go a bit off track.

What’s the Most Popular Wedding Coverage?

Most couples at Michaela Bell Photography opt for 8 hours of coverage because it balances getting ready, the ceremony, and key reception moments without feeling rushed. For larger or more complex wedding days, 10-hour coverage is also a popular choice, especially for those who want every little detail documented.

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At the end of the day, your wedding is a reflection of you and your partner, and the amount of coverage you choose should be, too. If you’re still unsure, I recommend reaching out to me here to discuss what’s most important to you and how to make the most of your wedding photography package. Whether you’re planning a micro-wedding or a full-day celebration, there’s a coverage option that will beautifully preserve your memories for years to come!