How Many Hours of Wedding Photography Do I Really Need?
Recently, while photographing surprise proposals, a question kept coming up: “How many hours of photography do you think we’ll need for our wedding?” It got us thinking. This year we’ve been transitioning more into wedding photography and just recently put together packages that reflect different coverage options. From our personal experiences, reading countless posts in Facebook wedding groups, and seeing honest discussions on Reddit, we realized couples everywhere are trying to figure this out. So we put together this blog in hopes it helps someone who’s wondering if 3, 5, or 7 hours of wedding photography is the right fit.
Exchanging rings is more than a tradition — it’s the moment that marks the beginning of your forever. Whether you’re planning an intimate courthouse wedding, a romantic Temecula vineyard ceremony, or a full-day celebration in Palm Springs, capturing these once-in-a-lifetime memories matters. At Last Minute Photoshoot, we offer wedding photography packages designed to fit your vision, from 3 hours of elopement coverage to full-day storytelling. Secure your date today and let us preserve every vow, every detail, and every emotion.
Every wedding is unique—some couples want a few hours for vows and portraits, while others dream of full-day coverage. Our Elopements & Weddings Packages are flexible, designed to fit your vision and ensure no important moment goes uncaptured.
📸 Explore Wedding Packages
3 Hours of Wedding Photography — Best for Elopements & Courthouse Ceremonies
If you’re planning a courthouse wedding, elopement, or small intimate gathering, 3 hours can be the perfect amount of coverage. This allows time for:
The ceremony itself
Family portraits afterward
A short couple’s session at or near the location
📌 Example: A Santa Ana Courthouse elopement where we cover vows, group photos, and then take a quick walk around the historic district for portraits.
Who it’s perfect for: Couples who value simplicity, are on a tighter budget, or don’t need every moment of the day captured.
5 Hours of Wedding Photography — A Balanced Option
Five hours is ideal for couples who want more than just the ceremony but don’t need all-day coverage. With 5 hours, we can capture:
Pre-ceremony details (like getting ready shots)
Ceremony coverage
Family and bridal party portraits
The beginning of the reception (first dances, toasts)
📌 Example: A vineyard wedding in Temecula where we document the ceremony, bridal party, and early reception moments before sunset.
Who it’s perfect for: Couples who want storytelling beyond the ceremony but are planning a shorter celebration.
7 Hours of Wedding Photography — Full Storytelling Coverage
Seven hours (or more) ensures your wedding story is told from start to finish. This timeline usually includes:
Getting ready and detail shots
Ceremony coverage
Group and couple portraits
Reception highlights through the evening (cake cutting, speeches, dancing)
📌 Example: A Palm Springs resort wedding where the couple wanted every detail — from the morning champagne toast to their final sparkler exit.
Who it’s perfect for: Couples with larger weddings, multiple traditions, or anyone who doesn’t want to miss a moment.
Recap: How Many Hours Do You Really Need?
3 hours → Intimate elopements, courthouse ceremonies, or small gatherings.
5 hours → Balanced option for couples who want ceremony + early reception.
7 hours → Full wedding day storytelling, from prep to late-night dancing.
At the end of the day, choosing coverage comes down to your priorities: which moments matter most, and how you want to remember them years from now.
Final Thoughts
Choosing how many hours of wedding photography you’ll need is one of those decisions that feels big — and it is. These photos will be the story of your day, the memories you’ll revisit for years to come. From courthouse elopements to full-day celebrations, we’ve seen how coverage time shapes the entire experience. Too little, and you risk missing moments you can’t get back. Too much, and you might stretch your budget on hours you don’t need. The sweet spot is finding coverage that matches your vision, timeline, and priorities.
