Do You Really Need 10 Hours of Wedding Photography Coverage?

By: Auckland Wedding Photographer Danni

The Honest Guide to How Many Hours You Actually Need

Wondering how many hours of wedding photography coverage you really need? We break down full-day vs. half-day vs. short wedding packages for every kind of couple and budget.

When planning a wedding in New Zealand, especially in beautiful places like Auckland, the question of photography coverage always comes up.

You’ve probably heard that full-day coverage is the “standard,” but do you really need 8–10 hours of a photographer following you around? Or can you get away with just 2–3 hours and still capture the magic?

Let’s talk about it.

📸 Do You Need a Professional Wedding Photographer?

Short answer: no. Weddings can happen without a professional photographer. Wedding photography is not a necessity but a luxury add-on. Every guest now has a smartphone with a camera, and if you’re on a tight budget, it may feel tempting to skip the pros altogether.

But also… yes. Your wedding is one of the most emotional, fleeting days of your life. Lighting changes, timelines shift, people cry, and beautiful chaos happens. A professional wedding photographer knows how to adapt to it all, capturing natural moments and making you look your best in any condition.

So if the memories matter to you, hiring a pro is worth every cent. But how many hours of coverage do I need? Let’s look at the options.

🕒 Wedding Photography Coverage Options

1. Full-Day Coverage (8–10 Hours)

💰 Average Cost: $4,000+ ✅ Best for: Full-scale weddings, larger guest lists, storytelling from start to finish

This is ideal for couples who want the entire wedding documented, from getting ready in the morning to dancing the night away.

What’s typically covered:

• Bridal prep and groom’s prep

• Ceremony and vow exchange

• Family and group portraits

• Couple’s session

• Reception (speeches, first dance, cake)

• Sparkler send-off or final dance

If you want a wedding album that tells the complete story, this is the option for you.

2. Half-Day Coverage (4–5 Hours)

💰 Average Cost: $2,500-3,000 ✅ Best for: Smaller weddings or prioritised coverage

Half-day packages are perfect when you want more than just the ceremony but don’t need every single moment documented.

You can choose:

• Prep → Ceremony → Portraits OR

• Ceremony → Portraits → Reception intro

This is a smart option for couples who want meaningful memories, quality photographs but are also being mindful of time and budget.

3. Short Coverage (under 4 Hours)

💰 Average Cost: <$2,000 ✅ Best for: Elopements, registry weddings, or couples on a budget

You’ll get the essentials:

• Ceremony coverage

• A small group of family/friends

• A couple’s portrait session

Ideal for intimate settings like a beach elopement, backyard wedding, or courthouse vows.

🎯 How Do You Decide What’s Right for You?

Ask yourself:

• How important are photos to you?

• What moments do you want captured?

• Do you have a detailed timeline or more of a relaxed plan?

• Is your wedding big or small? One location or multiple?

There’s no wrong answer—only what works for you.

🎁 Bonus Tip: Win a FREE Engagement Shoot!

Every so often, we GIVE AWAY an engagement session to lucky couples as part of our promotions. It’s the perfect way to try us out, get comfortable in front of the camera, and walk away with beautiful photos - all before your wedding day.

📩 Send us a message to check if a spot is available. You won’t want to miss this opportunity!

Want help deciding how much photography coverage you really need? Let’s chat! We’d love to help you figure out the perfect fit for your wedding day, whether it’s 2 hours or 10. 💬

Get in Touch