One of the most common questions couples ask when booking wedding photography is simple: How many hours do we actually need?
The answer depends less on what other couples are doing and more on how your wedding day is structured. Choosing between 8, 9, or 10 hours of wedding photography coverage isn’t about picking the “biggest” package, it’s about making sure your timeline supports the kind of memories you want documented.
If you're planning a Wisconsin wedding, here’s how to think through it.
What 8 Hours of Wedding Photography Typically Covers
Eight hours of wedding photography is often perfect for couples who are planning a streamlined, intentional day.
In most cases, 8 hours allows coverage of:
Final getting-ready moments (think buttoning up the dress and pretending to put some makeup on for a staged shot)
First look (if you’re doing one)
A shorter ceremony
Family and wedding party portraits
Reception events through some of the open dance floor
If your ceremony and reception are in the same location, or very close together, eight hours can flow beautifully. It works especially well for weddings that begin in the early afternoon and don’t require extensive travel between venues.
However, if you’re hoping for full getting-ready coverage on both sides and a grand exit at the end of the night (or if your ceremony is 1-2 hours long), 8 hours likely won’t be enough.
When 9 Hours Makes a Big Difference
Nine hours of wedding photography coverage can be the sweet spot.
That extra hour creates breathing room in your timeline. It allows space for:
More relaxed getting-ready coverage
Travel time between locations
Sunset portraits without feeling rushed
Additional reception candids (aka: you get to spend some time with your guests!)
Many Wisconsin weddings benefit from that added flexibility, especially when couples are incorporating multiple locations, like a church ceremony followed by a downtown reception.
An extra hour can be the difference between a timeline that feels hurried and one that feels calm and intentional.
When 10 Hours Is Worth It
Ten hours of wedding photography is ideal for larger celebrations, multi-location weddings, or couples who want full storytelling (like the gorgeous documentary looks you see on Pinterest) from start to finish.
Ten hours often includes:
Full getting-ready coverage for both partners
Ceremony and portraits
Cocktail hour and reception + time with your guests
Open dancing
Late-night moments or a grand exit
Plus, plenty of extra time is built in just in case your timeline gets thrown off track
If your wedding day includes significant travel time, cultural traditions, extended family portraits, or a later reception timeline, 10 hours provides the space needed to capture everything without compromise.
For many Milwaukee wedding days that begin mid-morning and extend into late evening celebrations, 10 hours ensures no important moments are missed.
The Real Question: What Do You Want to Remember?
Instead of asking, “What package should we choose?” try asking:
Do we want photos of the quiet morning anticipation?
Do we want sunset portraits?
Do we want hilarious dance floor chaos documented at 9:30 PM?
Do we want a sparkler exit?
Will fewer hours make us feel rushed or anxious?
Do we want to allow extra time to spend with our guests?
Your answers will naturally point you toward 8, 9, or 10 hours, especially once you’ve created a rough draft of your timeline (which your photographer can help you do by the way!)
A well-built timeline paired with the right amount of coverage ensures your wedding photos feel complete. Not rushed, not cut short, and not missing the moments you’ll care about years from now.
If you’re unsure which wedding photography package makes sense for your day, I’m always happy to walk through your timeline and help you decide what fits best. Click here to connect with me so we can chat about all your wedding day options.
