When I talk to couples in the early (and exciting!) stages of wedding planning, they often assume they need a photographer for 10–12 hours. But here’s the secret: with a well-planned timeline, you can capture all the most important moments with just 6 hours of coverage.
As a Vancouver Island wedding photographer, I specialize in relaxed, meaningful weddings (dogs included!). I’ve learned over the last ten years of photographing weddings that a longer day doesn’t necessarily suit every wedding and every couple. A shorter, intentional photography schedule can keep your day fun and stress-free (not to mention, on-budget).
1. Focus on the moments that matter.
Full-day coverage can feel exhausting and unnecessary for the couple. In a 6-hour day, we can focus on your ceremony, couple portraits, and candid memories with friends and family. It’s almost always enough time to capture the tail-end of getting ready, through to the speeches or first dance.
2. A well-planned timeline can cover everything.
Even with 6 hours, a thoughtful schedule can include:
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Getting ready photos
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Ceremony
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Family and wedding party portraits
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Newlywed portraits
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Reception highlights like speeches, dances, and cake
3. Invest in a more experienced photographer without compromising coverage.
Choosing a 6-hour wedding photography package can actually allow you to hire a more experienced photographer who might be outside your budget for 8-10+ hours of coverage. With a well-planned timeline, a skilled wedding photographer can capture all the essential moments and creative magic in those 6 hours, so you’re not missing a thing. Shorter coverage doesn’t mean less. It means getting the best possible images with the time you need.
Sample 6 Hour Timeline
1:30 – 2:00 PM
Getting ready + detail shots
2:00 – 3:00 PM
First look, couple portraits + wedding party photos
3:00 – 3:30 PM
Ceremony
3:30 – 4:00 PM
Family photos
4:00 – 5:00 PM
Cocktail hour + candid guest moments
5:00 – 7:30 PM
Reception highlights and speeches, followed a 15 minute golden hour portrait session on my way out!
This timeline covers the full story of your wedding day while keeping things relaxed.
Who would benefit from a 6 Hour Timeline?
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Couples planning an intimate or laid-back wedding
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Couples with pets or kids who want a stress-free day
- Couples on a budget who don’t want to sacrifice the quality of their photos
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Anyone who wants to focus on experiences rather than long hours of portrait time!
A shorter photography package doesn’t mean fewer memories. It means intentional storytelling. A 6-hour timeline can deliver everything you want, with a gallery full of genuine moments, portraits, and even some of that golden-hour magic.