Photo Count Guide: How Many Wedding Photos & Hours You Really Need
Planning a wedding means juggling a thousand details, and the photography part can feel like a puzzle. You want enough pictures to capture every special moment, but you don’t want to waste money on extra hours or a flood of blurry shots. Below you’ll get straight‑to‑the‑point advice on how many hours to book and what photo count to expect, so you can set realistic expectations with your photographer.
How Many Hours Should You Book?
Most couples book between 6 and 10 hours. Six hours usually cover the ceremony, a quick family portrait session, and the early part of the reception. If you have a long ceremony, a cocktail hour, or want photos of the first dance and cake cutting, plan for 8 to 10 hours. The extra time lets the photographer move at a relaxed pace, catch candid moments, and adjust for any delays without rushing.
Ask your photographer for a detailed timeline. A typical schedule might look like this:
- Prep & getting ready – 1.5 hours
- Ceremony – 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Family & wedding party photos – 1 hour
- Cocktail hour & candid reception shots – 2 hours
- Evening events (first dance, speeches, cake) – 2 hours
If you love videography or want a second shooter, add an extra hour or two. Remember, the key is to match the hours to the events you care about most.
How Many Photos Do You Get?
Professional wedding photographers typically deliver between 500 and 1,200 edited images. The exact number depends on the length of coverage and the style of the photographer. A 6‑hour shoot might end up with 500‑700 photos, while a full‑day shoot can push past 1,000.
Quality matters more than quantity. Look for photographers who focus on key moments – the vows, the first look, the laughter during speeches – rather than snapping every single guest. A well‑curated gallery saves you time scrolling and makes it easier to create albums or prints.
Ask for a sample gallery before you book. Seeing the ratio of candid shots to posed portraits will give you a realistic idea of the final photo count. If you’re worried about missing a specific moment, discuss a shot list with your photographer ahead of time.
In the end, the right photo count balances your budget, your timeline, and the story you want to tell. Book enough hours to cover all the must‑have events, and trust a seasoned photographer to deliver a focused collection of images that feels just right for you.
