As a wedding photographer, one of the questions I get asked more than almost any other is…
“How many hours of wedding photography do we actually need?”
The honest answer?
It depends far less on the size of your wedding than most people think.
Some couples only want their ceremony, a handful of family photographs and some beautiful portraits together before heading off to celebrate with their favourite people.
Others want every little moment captured, from the nervous excitement while getting ready right through to the first dance.
There isn’t a “right” answer. There is only the right answer for your wedding.
Here’s a simple guide to help you decide.
Two Hours – Perfect for Intimate Weddings
If you’re planning a registry office wedding, elopement or a small celebration, two hours is often exactly the right amount of coverage.
Typically this allows time for:
✔ Guests arriving
✔ Your ceremony
✔ Confetti
✔ Family photographs
✔ Couple portraits nearby
✔ A faux cake cut if required
Then I leave you to enjoy the rest of your day with your family and friends.
Many couples are surprised by just how much can be covered in two relaxed hours.
This is why my two-hour package has become so popular for registry office weddings throughout Perthshire and Central Scotland.
Four Hours – The Happy Medium
Four hours gives you a little breathing room.
It usually covers things like:
• Final preparations
• Ceremony
• Confetti
• Family groups
• Couple portraits
• Drinks reception
This is ideal if you’re having a smaller wedding but would also love some relaxed candid photographs of everyone celebrating afterwards.
Six Hours – The Story Starts Earlier
Six hours allows me to tell much more of the story.
Depending on your timings this might include:
Bride getting ready
Guests arriving
Ceremony
Confetti
Group photographs
Couple portraits
Reception details
Speeches
Relaxed moments with your guests
It’s often the sweet spot for couples who want a fuller story without booking all-day coverage.
Full Day Coverage – Every Chapter
If you don’t want to wonder whether something was missed…
Full day coverage lets me document everything.
The quiet moments while you’re getting ready.
Parents seeing you for the first time.
The laughter before the ceremony.
The tears.
The hugs.
The speeches.
The dancing.
Those little moments you never even knew happened.
Your wedding isn’t one big event.
It’s hundreds of tiny moments that become your memories.
Remember... It's Not About the Hours
The biggest misconception is that more hours automatically means better photographs.
It doesn’t.
It’s about choosing enough coverage to tell your story.
If you’re having a beautiful registry office wedding followed by lunch with your closest family, two hours could be absolutely perfect.
If you’re planning a full day celebration with 120 guests and dancing into the evening, you’ll probably want longer.
Neither is better.
They’re just different.
Not Sure? Just Ask.
If you’re unsure how much coverage you’ll need, I’m always happy to chat through your plans.
I’ll never try to sell you more hours than you actually need.
Sometimes couples think they need a full day when two or four hours would be perfect.
Other times they realise they’re squeezing too much into a short package.
We’ll work it out together.
Whether you’re planning a relaxed registry office ceremony, an intimate celebration at Gleneagles or a full day wedding surrounded by family and friends, I’d love to hear all about your plans.
Let’s find the right amount of coverage for your day.
| Coverage | Usually Includes |
|---|---|
| 2 Hours | Ceremony, confetti, family photos, couple portraits |
| 4 Hours | Plus arrivals, drinks reception |
| 6 Hours | Plus preparations or speeches |
| Full Day | Your complete story from getting ready to dancing |
