By Natasha Miley- Laporte Texas Portrait and Wedding Photographer-

“How long should I book my wedding photographer for?”is one of our most frequently asked questions. This is a great question, and we’re here to help you find the answer.

What do you want covered?

First, consider what crucial details to cover. Do you want lots of images of you getting ready? Do you want us to remain the whole time? This will alter the time we need to be there.

Want us to stay till your reception leave and capture candid getting ready shots, then full day coverage is required. Just a few getting ready shots will save time. This will also shorten the day if we only stay for the key events and not until the last visitor leaves. Setting a start and/or end time for your package is the first step.

Ceremony Length

Next, you need to think about the ceremony length. In Catholic weddings the ceremonies tend to be longer, you will need to allot more time for that. If you want us to cover you getting ready, the ceremony, and the reception, I suggest 10 hours for Catholic weddings. If you have a shorter ceremony, you won’t need to take out as much time from your schedule. 

Location Transfer

Now let’s talk about location, if you have a shorter ceremony and your reception is at the same venue as your ceremony, then you won’t need as much time because you can take out travel time. I would say something like this would be good for six to eight hours, depending on the formal photos. 

On that same note, if your reception is at a different venue, you will need to include travel time into your schedule. Also incorporate the amount of time it takes to pack up all of your stuff to take to the reception. If you are going to take photos along the drive to the reception, more time will need to be added for that as well.

Formal Photo Requirements

Consider how many people will be in your wedding party and how many will be in your family photos when taking formal photos. Six hours will adequate if you have a small wedding party and a modest number of family members having photos taken (and you’re staying at the same place the entire time). You’ll need closer to eight hours if you have a large family or wedding party.

Special Exit

If you’re doing a special exit from the reception, like a sparkler exit, you’ll need to have full day coverage.

Many weddings can be done in four hours. Especially, when you’re having a backyard wedding or a courthouse wedding where your reception is short (no dancing, for example), then this could be done in four hours.

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