How Much Time Do Wedding Couples Need for Photography?
Covered in this post—Factors to consider when planning how much time is needed for wedding photography:
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and photographs are a crucial part of capturing the memories of this special day. You'll want to make sure you allocate enough time for your photographer to take the photos you desire while not leaving your guests waiting for too long. So—how much time is needed for photos?
The answer to this question is not a one-size-fits-all. The amount of time you need for your wedding photos depends on various factors such as the size of your wedding party, the locations of the wedding and reception and the type of shots you want to take.
Generally, wedding photographers suggest that couples allocate about two hours for wedding photos. However, this estimate can vary widely based on different circumstances.
Here is a more in-depth look at the factors that can influence the time you'll need for your wedding photos:
1. Size of wedding party.
The size of your wedding party will play a big role in determining how much time you'll need for photos. If you have a smaller wedding party, you can expect to need less time for photos. If your wedding party is on the larger side, you'll likely need more time for photos. A good rule of thumb is to allow 20-30 minutes for each group photo.
2. Locations of the wedding and reception.
The location of your wedding and reception can also impact how much time you'll need for photos. If the ceremony and reception are in the same location, it's easier to save time on travel between the two locations. However, if your ceremony and reception are in different places, you'll need to factor in travel time.
Additionally, if you have multiple locations in mind for your wedding photos, such as a park or beach, you'll need to allocate time for travel and setting up for the shots. You'll also need to consider the time of day. If you plan to take photos during golden hour, which is the time just before sunset, you'll need to factor in the time the sun sets.
3. Type of shots.
The type of shots you want to take can also impact how much time you'll need for photos. If you want to take more candid shots, you'll likely need less time for photos. If you want to take more posed shots, you'll need more time.
It's important to discuss the type of shots you want with your photographer before the wedding day. This way, they can plan the shots accordingly and allocate the appropriate amount of time.
4. Other factors to consider.
In addition to the above factors, there are a few other things to consider when allocating time for your wedding photos:
Hair and makeup: You'll want to factor in the time it takes for hair and makeup for the bride and bridesmaids. This can add an extra hour or two to the time needed for photos.
First look: If you plan to do a first look, where the couple sees each other before the ceremony, you'll need to factor in additional time for this.
Timeline: Make sure you have a timeline for the day and that everyone involved in the photos is aware of the schedule. This will help ensure that things run smoothly and that everyone is where they need to be at the appropriate time.
Weather: Finally, remember that weather can play a big role in the time needed for photos. If it's raining or overcast, you may need to allocate extra time for photos or adjust the locations of the shots.
The amount of time you'll need for your wedding photos depends on several factors, including the size of your wedding party, the locations of the wedding and reception, the type of shots you want to take, and other logistical factors. It's best to discuss your vision with your photographer ahead of time so that they can help you plan.
Want to learn more? We’d love to work with you and capture all the moments leading up to your special day.
Campbell Wedding Productions is a full-service Chicago wedding photography team with experience documenting all types of celebrations—from artistically photographing an intimate downtown Chicago city wedding to creating stunning images in a Chicagoland country club. We’re passionate about capturing your love story, so contact us today.