One of the most common questions I hear from couples is: “How many hours of coverage do we actually need?” This completely depends on your elopement plans, your priorities, and the moments you don’t want to miss.
Whether you’re planning for the essentials like ceremony and portraits only or an intimate gathering understanding what each coverage option typically includes can help you make the best decision.
Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you decide between 2, 4, or 6 hours of photography and videography coverage.
You deserve to have all of your must have & in between moments captured; each elopement is unique so don't try to fit yours into a premade box.
When deciding on the perfect amount of coverage for your day and the planning + building of your timeline here are a few key things to think about:
- Do you have one elopement location or multiple? ( the biggest mistake is not accounting for the drive time and gathering of people between locations )
- Are you having a intimate grouping of guests or will it just be you and your spouse?
- Are you doing immediate family portraits ( the more groupings, the more time this portion takes! On average an immediate family grouping can take 15 to 30 minutes)
- Do you plan to do a first look? ( having a first look means more time with your partner throughout the experience!)
- Seasons can impact your elopement day timeline, the earlier the sun sets the earlier your ceremony start will need to be! ( when planning a earlier ceremony, plan for a earlier start time overall for the whole day! )
Before diving into the differences between 2, 4 & 6 hours of coverage; lets go over what events of the day are actually taking place within a timeline & some common planning thoughts that you may over look during the preparing of a timeline but they sneak up on elopement day!
DETAILS -
- Having all of the items that you want photographed gathered in a box and prepped
( unwrapped, no tags, cleaned & organized ) can make flat lay photos go quicker and seamless.
- For photos of your dress / suit, have it steamed and unbagged
- Plan for 15 to 30 minutes for these images
- Check out this blog for the things to include for detail photos -
GETTING READY -
Pajama Photos:
- Do you want images of you in your getting ready outfit? ( This is quick and easy )
Getting in your dress / suit:
- When it's time to put your dress/suit on, if you are having help the person " assisting " you in getting dressed needs to be fully ready before starting this!
- If you want clutter free images, the space will need to have been picked up and organized ahead of time.
- Allow time for putting on your undergarments & if your dress has a lot of buttons, prepare for extended time ( this is commonly overlooked when building timelines)
- When putting in your veil - do you need assistance?
- Plan for up to 30 minutes for these photos
FIRST LOOK -
- Plan for up to 25 minutes to complete your first look + vows with your partner!!
- Do you plan to have a first look with anyone other than your partner? ( plan for 5 to 10 minutes for each first look that is taking place )
- If you plan on doing vows during your first look, have your vow books with you ahead of time.
- Is there a specific area around the venue that you like best for this or another location? ( account for travel time )
WEDDING PARTY -
- Are you having anyone stand with you during your elopement?
- During this time we will complete both sides of the wedding party ( example: bridesmaids + bride, each bridesmaid with bride , groomsmen + groom, each groomsmen + groom )
- Entire wedding party ( posed formals + fun group photos )
- Plan for up to 30 minutes.
COUPLES + SOLO PORTRAITS -
- Have your bouquet ready ( stems dried )
- Plan for up to 45 minutes for these images + 15 to 20 minutes later in the timeline if you are doing sunset images too!
CEREMONY -
- On average a ceremony takes anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes ( & up to an hour for religious ceremonies )
To ensure a on time start time here's a few tips:
- If you are having guests, ask guests to arrive 15 to 20 minutes ahead of start time. This allows them time to find their seat and be seated without lingering. ( if you plan to have a guest book upon ceremony entry, ask them to arrive up to 45 minutes ahead of time, guest books tend to create a line )
- If you are having a outdoor ceremony during hot months, think about providing hand fans & umbrellas / parasols so that if you have guest arriving early they are comfortable during the wait.
- After your ceremony exit, immediately go off by yourself to create a seamless transition into family photos ( if you are in the cocktail area, guests will be pulling you all directions )
FAMILY PHOTOS -
- Are you doing immediate family traits ( the more groupings, the more time this portion takes! On average an immediate family grouping can take 15 to 30 minutes )
- Alert your families ahead of time who will need to be in photos & have the officiant make an announcement for them to stay at the ceremony site following the ceremony to complete these photos.
- Plan for photos request ( politely letting guests and other family members know that you will be taking photos during the reception with people and that this portion is for your formal photos )
- Keeping groupings of people simple will help save time
RECEPTION -
Receptions often flow well once the evening starts! Are you planning a small dinner, cake cutting or dance for your elopement day?
Dinner
- Once you start dinner, it can take up to an hour to complete the dinner when having guests.
- While you are eating, it's also the best time for your media team to eat dinner.
Cake Cutting
- Plan for 5 to 10 minutes for cake / dessert cutting, once you're finished you can move on and someone can be designated to cut and serve the cake.
Dances
- Plan for 3 to 5 minutes for each special dance
2 Hours: Perfect for the essentials
Two hours of coverage typically works the best for couples that are focusing on the essentials such as ceremony and couples portraits. This option is ideal for couples who want to capture the most meaningful moments and celebrate their elopement with just themselves. Typically, a 2-hour package includes a few getting ready images, solo portraits, ceremony & couples portraits.
4 Hours: the half day
Four hours of coverage is the sweet spot for most elopements and the most popular choice for couples. It allows for a full elopement experience without feeling rushed, while still capturing all of the essential moments. Typically, 4 hours covers a portion of the getting ready process for both partners, including final touches and personal details such as flatlay, rings and stationary. You’ll have full ceremony coverage, immediate family photos, and more extensive couples portraits, often at multiple locations. Reception coverage usually includes a private dinner or a first dance. This package is ideal for couples who want a longer coverage time when celebrating with just themselves or are having a small guest list of 10 - 15 people.
6 Hours: the micro wedding
Six hours of coverage typically works the best for couples that are hosting a smaller, more intimate wedding. This option is ideal for couples who want to capture the most meaningful moments of their shorter celebration without a long day of coverage. Typically, a 6-hour package includes either the final part of getting ready or detailed shots such as rings, invitations, and styled flatlays. Coverage extends through the ceremony, includes solo and couples portraits, wedding party and family photos, as well as key reception moments like dinner, toasts, and the first dances. Most 6-hour packages wrap up just before the dance floor opens fully, so while you’ll capture the essential celebrations and connection, the late-night party won’t be included. This option is perfect for couples who value quality over quantity and are planning a relaxed, intimate day.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right coverage comes down to your elopement style, timeline, and priorities.
No matter which option you choose, your photographer and videographer are there to tell the story of your elopement day. By selecting coverage that fits your vision and timeline, you’ll ensure your memories are preserved beautifully for years to come.
Meet YOUR photographer & VIDEOGRAPHER
Hi, I'm BETHANY SANNY
Anywhere your love story leads, I would love to connect with you. Let’s chat about your dream coverage and explore the wedding packages that Bethany Sanny Photo and Film offers.
My goal is to be a resource and a supporter during this process!
It is an honor & I am grateful you are here!
