How Long Do I Book A Photographer For My Wedding Day?
By: Maria Serra
honeylens photoYou’ve done it! You found your dream photographer who will surely bring the exact aesthetic on your wedding mood board to life. So, in order to make your consultation call run even smoother, we’ve got you covered on how long you should book your photographer based on what type of ceremony and reception you’re hosting.
Then, once you’ve signed your contract, you can start getting to work on your shot list. P.S. We’ve simplified your search by rounding up our favorite spots in and around The Elliot. You’re welcome!
Elopements
If you’re eloping, you don’t need to stress too much about keeping a wedding photographer around for hours on end. Many industry pros suggest booking 2-4 hours.
diana galay photoThis accounts for getting ready time, the ceremony, and post-ceremony shots. So, even if you’re hosting an intimate courthouse, park, or small venue elopement, you can still receive the royal treatment. After all, you did all that work to look stunning and have a new ring, too!
When inquiring with your preferred photographer, check if they have minimum hour requirements. This can better inform your decision and time frames.
Micro Wedding
Defined as a wedding celebration with 50 or fewer guests, micro weddings give you the best of both worlds. You can party all night, and with your dearest friends and closest family members. (This really allows you to cut down on inviting those random third cousins you’ve never actually met.)
Unlike traditional weddings, micro weddings take place over the course of roughly four hours. This means that scheduling your photographer for 4-6 hours is the sweet spot.
Traditional Ceremony & Reception
A traditional wedding often averages a little more than 100 guests. Though, if both newlyweds come from a large family, you may be inviting well over 300 people. (I’m Italian, I don’t judge!) Fortunately, whether you have 100 or 1,000 attendees, your photography booking time frame will be the same.
Whether you hire one photographer or a team, you’ll likely need them for 8-12 hours. This allows them to be with you while you and your bridal party get ready in the morning before they capture the ceremony. Then, you’ll have your photographer(s) by your side during your cocktail hour, first dance, cake-cutting, and dancing.
Some couples opt to contract their photographers for more than 12 hours to capture a grand sparkler exit, while others are content drunkenly waving goodbye before the night officially ends.
falorio photographyFortunately, most photographers will offer a timeline consultation and guidance on when it’s best to take your pictures. For many wedding industry pros, your big day isn’t their first rodeo. So, just be prepared to smile for your personal team of paparazzi. You are celebrities for the day, after all.
Rehearsal Dinner & Morning Brunch
Should you desire a photographer to document your rehearsal dinner and/or morning-after brunch, 2-4 hours should be the perfect amount of time to capture these sweet pre- and post-wedding moments.
AT A GLANCE
Elopement: 2-4 Hours
Micro Wedding: 4-6 Hours
Traditional Wedding: 8-12 Hours
Rehearsal Dinner & Brunch: 2-4 Hours Each
ABOUT THE ELLIOT
The Elliot is not a party center. It’s a boutique wedding & event venue that offers two aesthetically distinct and versatile spaces, ideal for hosting weddings, corporate gatherings, private parties, and any other reason you have to celebrate.
tyler james photographyOur venue was designed to take on the personality of every client who walks through its doors. Whether you’re saying, “I do,” celebrating a milestone, or thanking your employees for a successful year, we offer services designed to cater to the needs of you and your guests and have curated packages based on client feedback, industry trends, and what we believe works best in our space. Our team is dedicated to making your event memorable and stress-free, allowing you to focus on celebrating your special moments.
