How Many Hours Should You Hire a Wedding Videographer For?

Deciding how long to hire your wedding videographer might not seem like a big deal at first. But trust me, it’s one of those decisions you don’t want to overlook. After all, a videographer is there to capture the most meaningful moments of your day—and you don’t want to miss a thing!

“Marriage is the beautiful beginning of two lives intertwined, and a wedding is the first step of that incredible journey.”

So, how many hours of coverage do you really need? The answer depends on your schedule, the moments you want captured, and your budget. Let’s break it down into simple, relatable terms so you can make the best decision for your wedding.

1. What Does Wedding Videography Coverage Include?

Before deciding on the number of hours, it’s helpful to know what videographers typically cover:

Getting Ready: The excitement, laughter, and sweet moments as you prepare for the day.
The Ceremony: The heart of your wedding, including your vows, the ring exchange, and “I do.”
Cocktail Hour: Candid guest interactions and fun atmosphere shots.
The Reception: The first dance, toasts, cake cutting, and all the dance floor magic.
Special Moments: Grand exits, sparklers, or any unique touches you’ve planned.

Each of these parts takes time to film, so think about which moments are most important to you.

2. Standard Wedding Videography Packages

Most wedding videographers offer packages based on hours of coverage. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect:

6 Hours of Coverage

Perfect for smaller weddings or couples on a tighter budget. This typically includes:

The ceremony.
Key moments of the reception (e.g., first dance, speeches).

Best For: Elopements, micro weddings, or couples who only want the essentials captured.

8 Hours of Coverage

The sweet spot for many weddings. This usually covers:

Getting ready shots.
The ceremony.
Reception highlights, including major moments like toasts and the cake cutting.

Best For: Traditional weddings with a moderate schedule.

10–12 Hours of Coverage

Ideal for full-day coverage. This includes:

Pre-wedding prep for both partners.
The entire ceremony.
A full reception, from grand entrances to the last dance or grand exit.

Best For: Large weddings, cultural celebrations, or couples who want every moment documented.

3. Questions to Help You Decide on Hours

Still not sure how much coverage you need? These questions can help:

What Are Your Must-Have Moments?

Think about the parts of your day you want to relive the most. If it’s the ceremony and first dance, a shorter package may work. If you want everything from morning prep to the sparkler exit, go for longer coverage.

How Big Is Your Wedding?

Larger weddings with more guests and activities take more time to film. A second shooter (often included in longer packages) may also be necessary to capture multiple angles and candid moments.

What’s Your Timeline?

Look at your schedule. If your wedding has a long gap between the ceremony and reception, you might need extra hours to ensure continuous coverage.

Do You Want Getting Ready Shots?

Capturing the pre-wedding excitement—like your bridal party helping you into your dress or your partner adjusting their tie—is a special part of many wedding films. If this matters to you, factor in extra time.

Are You Planning a Grand Exit?

If you’re ending your night with a grand exit (think sparklers, confetti, or vintage car send-offs), you’ll need your videographer to stay until the very end.

4. How to Save on Videography Hours

If your budget is tight, there are ways to get creative with coverage:

Focus on Key Moments: Skip getting ready shots or late-night reception footage if they’re not priorities.
Stagger Start Times: Ask your videographer to arrive later in the day, so they’re there for the ceremony and main reception moments.
Opt for a Highlight Reel: Shorter films often require less editing time, which can save you money.

5. The Importance of Communication

Your videographer is your partner in capturing your day, so communicate your vision clearly. Share your schedule, must-have moments, and any special details they should know about. A good videographer will help you determine the perfect amount of coverage based on your needs.

6. Final Recommendations

Here’s a quick summary to guide your decision:

10–12 Hours: Perfect for large or elaborate weddings. Covers your entire day, from prep to the grand exit.

6 Hours: Great for elopements or smaller weddings. Covers the ceremony and key reception moments.

8 Hours: The most popular choice for standard weddings. Covers getting ready, the ceremony, and major reception highlights.

Final Thoughts

Choosing how many hours of videography coverage you need comes down to what matters most to you. Whether you go for a shorter package or full-day coverage, your videographer’s job is to capture the magic, love, and joy of your wedding day so you can relive it for years to come.

Take the time to plan your timeline, prioritize key moments, and communicate with your videographer. With the right coverage, you’ll end up with a wedding film you’ll treasure forever.