Planning your wedding comes with about a thousand tiny decisions. One of the big ones? Figuring out how long you need your photographer there.
If you’re searching “how many hours of wedding photography do I need?” or “wedding photography hours Nova Scotia”, don’t worry, you’re not alone.
This is one of the most common questions I hear during consult calls with couples.
And the answer? It depends. But don’t worry, I’ll walk you through exactly how to figure it out, based on real wedding days and what matters most to you.
So, How Many Hours of Coverage Do You Really Need?
Most couples in Nova Scotia book between 6 and 8 hours of wedding photography coverage.
But the right number for you depends on:
- How many locations you’ll be using (getting ready, ceremony, reception)
- Whether you’re doing a first look
- How large and busy your wedding will be
- What moments matter most to you
Here’s a breakdown of common options to help you decide.
4 Hours of Coverage
Best for:
– Elopements
– Intimate weddings (under 20 guests)
– One location only
What’s covered:
✔ Ceremony
✔ Couples portraits
✔ Some family and group photos
Not ideal if: you want getting ready shots or reception coverage.
6 Hours of Coverage
Best for:
– Small to mid-size weddings
– Couples who want a little of everything, without full-day coverage
What’s covered:
✔ Getting ready (for one or both partners)
✔ Ceremony
✔ Family & wedding party photos
✔ Couples portraits
✔ Reception entrance or first dance
This is a great “sweet spot” for many Nova Scotia weddings that happen in one or two locations.
8 Hours of Coverage
Best for:
– Full-day storytelling
– Weddings with multiple locations
– Couples who want breathing room
What’s covered:
✔ Full getting ready (both partners)
✔ Ceremony
✔ Portraits & family shots
✔ Reception events (first dances, speeches)
✔ Golden hour or sunset portraits
If you want more relaxed coverage without feeling rushed, this is a strong choice.
10+ Hours of Coverage
Best for:
– Larger weddings with travel
– Cultural/multi-day celebrations
– Capturing all the little details from morning to night
✔ From mimosas to the dance floor
✔ Custom timeline planning included
✔ Ideal for full creative storytelling with no gaps
Sample Wedding Day Timelines
Let’s break it down with a few real-life examples:
6-Hour Coverage – Small Wedding Example
- 1:00 – Getting Ready (partial)
- 2:30 – Ceremony
- 3:30 – Family & Group Photos
- 4:00 – Couples Portraits
- 5:00 – Reception Entrance
- 6:30 – First Dance + Guest Candid Moments
8-Hour Coverage – Standard Wedding Example
- 12:00 – Getting Ready (both partners)
- 2:00 – First Look
- 2:30 – Ceremony
- 3:30 – Portraits
- 5:00 – Reception Entrance
- 6:30 – First Dance
- 7:30 – Golden Hour Photos
- 8:00 – Cake Cutting + Party Begins
10-Hour Coverage – Full Day/Cultural Wedding
- 10:00 – Getting Ready
- 12:00 – First Look + Travel
- 2:00 – Ceremony
- 3:00 – Portraits + Cultural Events
- 5:00 – Cocktail Hour
- 6:30 – Reception Entrance
- 7:30 – Speeches, Dances, Games
- 9:00 – Sunset Photos + Dance Floor Coverage
How to Choose What’s Right for You
Here are a few questions to help you figure it out:
- What parts of your day matter most to be photographed?
- How much travel time is involved between locations?
- Do you want dance floor memories or just the quieter moments?
- Are you doing a first look or staying traditional?
Still unsure?
That’s where I come in. When you book with me, we build your timeline together. You don’t need to know everything in advance. I’ll help you sort it out based on what feels right for you.
Let’s Make It Easy
Need help deciding how many hours of coverage you need?
Let’s talk about your day, your vision, and your vibe.
You can book a free 20-minute consult call and I’ll walk you through the options.
Book a consult call: here
Explore my wedding photography packages: here
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade my hours after booking?
Yes! I offer flexible packages, and we can always add hours later once your timeline is clearer.
Do you offer custom packages?
Absolutely. Especially for elopements, backyard weddings, or multi-day events.
What’s the average for Nova Scotia weddings?
Most of my couples choose 6–8 hours, depending on how full their day is and how many locations are involved.
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