How much time do I need???

Figuring out exactly how much time you need to book isn’t always easy, but it’s a great way to save a lot of money on your package! We never want couples spending more than they have to, so we’ve come up with this cheat-sheet for you to use to add up how much time you’ll need in total.

Use the below segments that apply to your wedding. Skip those that don’t. Adjust each segment to what is appropriate for your wedding per the descriptions below. Our goal is to time block each segment approximately, then add it all up!

Grab a piece of paper and let’s begin! Remember everything is optional. Time must be booked continuous from beginning to end.

Getting Ready - Average time: 1 hour
Includes end of hair/makeup or faking it, dress hanging if you’d like, jewelry, and getting dressed for one or both parties. Most of our couples do only book 1 photographer, and we stack the getting ready (usually girls first guys last but can be any order) to grab both.

First Look (optional) - Average time: 1 hour
Includes first look moment followed by couple’s portraits in full, as well as bridal party portraits. You can also come back for couple’s portraits during sunset to grab a couple more.

Break: 30 minutes
We highly recommend a 30m break before the ceremony to touch up, calm down, and get lined up.

Ceremony - Average time: 20-30 mins
(Catholic ceremonies: 1-1.5 hrs)
As mentioned, most couples with us book 1 photographer. Generally they’ll stand at the front (if allowed) to grab the couple’s reaction and pivot between that moment.
This is often where a couple decides if they want 2 photographers instead of 1.

Cocktail hour (optional) - Average time: 1 hour
If a first look wasn’t done, all portraits will be done here.
If a first look was done, family photos will be done here, and any other photos we want to quickly grab. If only family photos are done, usually photos only take 20-30 mins.

Reception - Average time: 2-4 hours
This is the hardest part of the day to predict. In short, couples will decide if they a) want us there until the end (or have an exit at the end) or b) only want the main events of the evening such as dances, toasts, etc.
If you’re looking for main events of the evening, most couples use 2-3 hours here depending on the reception setup. This is a safe time estimate.
If you’re looking for the entire evening, the easiest way to calculate is by what time the venue is booting you out, tracked back to the ceremony time (let’s say you need to leave at 10 pm and the ceremony is 5 pm), and then add on the before-ceremony events and there’s your time estimate.

Helpful Notes:

• If you’re looking to do an exit but don’t want us to have to wait until the end, you can also do your exit either going into the reception, or coming out of the ceremony. You can also do a fake exit at any time during the reception. Keep in mind that doing an exit at the very end will extend coverage and also leave out a lot of guests as many guests do leave the reception early, especially older folks.

• Your timeline is 1000% up to you. You don’t need to follow any of the above; it’s just there to help you figure out how long things normally take.

• You can always add on time later!