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How Many Hours of Photography Do You Really Need on Your Wedding Day? | Perry Hancock Photography

When you’re planning your wedding and booking your photographer, one of the first questions you’ll run into is:
How many hours of wedding photography do you really need?

For most couples, the sweet spot is 10 hours — and that’s why my signature package includes a full 10 hours of coverage. It’s the perfect amount of time to tell the whole story of your wedding day, from the quiet getting-ready moments to your big send-off at the end of the night.

If you’re wondering how much coverage you need (or if 10 hours is really enough), keep reading — I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the right choice for your day.


Why 10 Hours is the Perfect Amount of Wedding Photography

Your wedding day is more than just the ceremony and a few portraits. It’s a whole story — and you’ll want to remember all of it. Ten hours gives us time to capture:

  • Getting ready (hair, makeup, and all those little details)
  • First look (if you choose to do one)
  • Ceremony
  • Family & wedding party portraits
  • Reception events (first dances, toasts, cake cutting)
  • Plenty of dancing and your grand exit

According to Brides’ wedding day timeline guide, most traditional weddings benefit from at least 8–10 hours of photography. I firmly believe that 10 is the perfect balance — enough time to document everything without feeling rushed or overly long.


Is 6–8 Hours Ever Enough?

For smaller weddings or elopements, 6–8 hours can work if you’re okay with skipping coverage of the very beginning or very end of the day. But if you want a full, stress-free story of your wedding day, 10 hours is ideal.


When You Might Want More Than 10 Hours

If your wedding includes multiple locations, a long cultural or religious ceremony, or you plan an epic late-night after-party, we can always add extra time. I’m happy to help you figure out what fits your vision best.


How to Decide How Much Coverage You Need

Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
💍 Do you want getting ready photos with both of you?
📋 Are you planning a first look?
🎉 Do you want your grand exit photographed?
🕒 Are all of your events happening at one venue, or multiple?
💌 Do you want lots of reception dancing captured?

We’ll talk through all of this together when you inquire — and I’ll help you craft a timeline that feels just right.


Ready to Chat About Your Wedding Day?

If you’re ready to talk through your timeline, secure your date, or just have questions about what kind of coverage you need, contact me here. I’d love to hear about your vision and help you plan the perfect photography package for your wedding.

Weddings
July 16, 2025

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CATEGORIES

BROWSE THROUGH MY

I’m not the photographer who will turn your day into a production or pull you out of a moment for a staged shot. My work lives in the space where documentary meets editorial — honest and unscripted, but shaped with an artist’s eye for light, composition, and mood. I’m not strict, and I’m not there to control your every move. I guide when it matters — finding the best light, easing you into a natural pose — but I’m just as comfortable stepping back, letting life unfold, and catching the beauty in what’s already there.

For me, photography isn’t about checking boxes on a shot list. It’s about creating a living, breathing record of a moment in time — something that will feel as true and beautiful decades from now as it does today. I want you to look back and remember the sound of the laughter, the weight of the hug, the way the air felt at golden hour. That’s the magic I’m after.

If you value photographs that feel like you — not a trend, not a performance — then we’ll work beautifully together. You’ll get a gallery that is real, artful, and timeless, made by someone who sees you as more than a client — I see you as a story worth telling well.


Honest, timeless,
and beautifully
unscripted

From the very first conversation, we knew Perry was the photographer we wanted to trust with our wedding at the Space & Rocket Center. She has a calm confidence that immediately put us at ease, and her eye for detail is unmatched. Perry didn’t just show up to take photos — she came prepared, communicated clearly every step of the way, and made us feel like we could be fully present in the day while she captured it all.

Our wedding was filled with so many moving parts — from portraits under the towering Saturn V rocket to our reception surrounded by museum exhibits — and Perry somehow managed to capture the grandeur and the quiet, intimate moments we’ll cherish forever. She made us feel completely comfortable in front of the camera, and we could tell she genuinely cared about telling our story, not just filling a gallery.

When we look at our photos now, we see more than beautiful images — we see our love, our friends and family, and the magic of that day exactly as it felt. Perry poured her heart and soul into our wedding, and it shows in every single frame. We can’t imagine having trusted anyone else.


Lexi & Adam

Perry is amazing! I’m so grateful I found her to capture such a special season in my life. From the moment we met, she was kind, professional, and instantly put me at ease. She has this calm, confident presence behind the camera that made me feel beautiful and comfortable — even when I was feeling anything but graceful in the third trimester!

Her editing style is timeless and true-to-life, and the way she captured both the quiet, intimate moments and the joy of this season absolutely took my breath away. When I received my gallery, I couldn’t stop scrolling — every image felt like a piece of my story preserved forever. Perry’s talent, warmth, and genuine care make her one of a kind, and I know these photographs will mean even more to me as the years go by.

rachaeL  MaLone

There are truly no words to describe how amazing Perry was in capturing the most important day of our lives at Lake Martin. From the moment she arrived, she made us feel so valued and celebrated. I felt confident, beautiful, and completely myself in front of her camera — she has a way of hyping you up while also making you feel calm and comfortable.

Her talent is unmatched — every image feels like the best version of our day, preserved forever. Perry isn’t just a photographer; she’s someone who invests in you, cares about your experience, and becomes a true friend in the process. I couldn’t recommend her more — 10,000/10.

SarA & Jacob

If you're looking for a family photographer who is not only incredibly talented but also kind, patient, and professional—look no further than PerryAnn! We did a family portrait session with her, and it was truly a fantastic experience from start to finish.

She was so patient and gentle with our newborn, which made a huge difference in keeping things calm and natural. What really stood out was her ability to guide us through poses in a way that felt easy and comfortable. No awkwardness, just genuine moments captured beautifully.

The final photos absolutely exceeded our expectations. They were delivered quickly and are now proudly displayed all around our home. We've already received so many compliments, and each time we look at them, we're reminded of how grateful we are to have worked with PerryAnn.

Highly, highly recommend her to anyone wanting timeless, heartwarming family portraits. You won’t be disappointed!

alex annE & MichaeL