Bride and groom sharing their first dance at their wedding reception, surrounded by guests in a dimly lit venue, captured in a candid black and white moment.

How Long Wedding Photography Coverage Do You Really Need?

One of the most common questions couples ask when planning a Brisbane wedding is:
“How many hours of photography do we actually need?”
If you’re worried about booking too little — or too much — coverage, you’re not alone. This guide will help you decide based on your day, not pressure or packages.

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A Brisbane photographer specialising in candid and editorial style photography dedicated to making your wedding unforgettable.  If you’re after timeless, heartfelt images with an editorial touch, I’d be honoured to tell your story.

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A Calm Guide for Brisbane Couples

One of the most common questions couples ask when planning a Brisbane wedding is:
“How many hours of photography do we actually need?”
If you’re worried about booking too little — or too much — coverage, you’re not alone. This guide will help you decide based on your day, not pressure or packages.

Start With Your Day — Not the Hours

Instead of thinking in time blocks, think in moments.
Every Brisbane wedding is different. A city elopement looks very different to a hinterland winery or bayside celebration — and your coverage should reflect that.

Ask yourself:

  • What moments matter most to us?
  • Do we want our full story documented or just the key highlights?
  • How relaxed do we want the day to feel?

A Helpful Way to Think About Coverage

Here’s a gentle breakdown to help you visualise what coverage often includes:

Short Coverage (4–6 hours)
Best suited for:

  • Intimate Brisbane elopements
  • Registry ceremonies
  • Smaller celebrations at one location

Typically covers:

  • Ceremony
  • Couple portraits
  • Family photos
  • A short portion of the reception

This option works beautifully when everything happens in one place.

Mid Coverage (7–8 hours)
Best suited for:

  • Most Brisbane weddings
  • One or two locations
  • Couples wanting a relaxed pace

Typically covers:

  • Getting ready (one partner or both)
  • Ceremony
  • Portraits
  • Family photos
  • Early reception moments

This is often the sweet spot for couples who want strong storytelling without feeling rushed.

Full Coverage (9–10+ hours)
Best suited for:

  • Full-day Brisbane weddings
  • Multiple locations
  • Larger guest lists
  • Couples who want the entire story

Typically covers:

  • Both partners getting ready
  • Ceremony
  • Portraits
  • Reception through to key events
  • The natural flow of the day without clock-watching

Many couples choose this for peace of mind — knowing nothing important is missed.

Brisbane-Specific Factors That Affect Coverage

There are a few things unique to Brisbane weddings that can influence how much coverage you’ll need:

  • Travel time between city, riverside, or hinterland locations
  • Natural light, especially for outdoor ceremonies
  • Weather flexibility, which can shift timelines slightly

Having enough coverage allows space for the day to unfold naturally — without feeling rushed or stressed.

Why More Coverage Often Feels More Relaxed

One of the biggest misconceptions is that more hours means more posing.
In reality, it’s often the opposite. More coverage means:

  • Less rushing
  • More breathing room
  • More genuine moments

When there’s time, couples relax — and that’s when the most meaningful photos happen.

My honest advice as a Brisbane wedding photographer

I never recommend coverage based on upselling.

Instead, I help couples choose what supports:

  • Their timeline
  • Their priorities
  • Their energy on the day

If you’re unsure, I’ll always talk it through with you — calmly and honestly — so you feel confident in your decision.

If you’d like to understand how coverage fits into the full experience, this guide pairs well:
Your Wedding Photography Journey: What to Expect, Step by Step

A Calm Next Step

If you’re planning a Brisbane wedding and would like to explore coverage options designed around real wedding days, you can view One Avenue’s Wedding Photography Packages here.

No pressure — just clear information to help you decide what feels right.

Not sure how to plan a smooth, stress-free wedding schedule? Grab this free wedding planner and create a timeline that keeps your day relaxed and beautifully organised
 — made for the modern brides.

Download the ultimate wedding day timeline guide

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