Do we really need a photographer all day for our wedding?

This is one of the most common questions couples ask when they’re planning their wedding, and it usually comes from a very practical place. You’re juggling budgets, timelines, opinions, and advice from every direction, and it’s natural to question what actually matters. So heres an honest answer from someone who has been both an all day wedding photographer of hundreds of people, to an couple of hours with a bride, groom and 2 witnesses...

The honest answer is no. You don’t need a photographer all day. gasp - i've just said the thing no photographer should ever say - but bare with me... whether it’s the right choice depends on what you want your photographs to hold.

All-day wedding photography isn’t about getting more photos for the sake of it. It’s about telling the full story of the day, from the quieter beginnings through to the later moments that often get forgotten.

Morning coverage captures a part of the day that feels very different to everything that follows. There’s anticipation, nerves, excitement, and a strange calm before things properly begin. People are more themselves in these moments because there’s no audience yet. These photos often become some of the most emotionally meaningful later on.

As the day moves on, moments start to overlap. Guests arrive. Emotions run higher. Conversations happen quickly and disappear just as fast. All-day coverage allows space for these interactions to be documented naturally, without rushing from one planned part of the day to the next.

If you choose shorter coverage, you’ll still receive beautiful photographs. You’ll have the ceremony, group photos, and time together as a couple. What you may miss are the connecting moments. The context. The small details that turn a collection of images into a story.

All-day photography is especially valuable for couples who want a relaxed, documentary approach. When there’s time built in, nothing needs to be forced. You can be present with your guests without constantly thinking about what’s coming next.

That said, full-day coverage isn’t right for everyone. Some couples prefer a simpler structure. Some are planning smaller celebrations where fewer hours make more sense. Choosing less coverage doesn’t mean your day matters any less.

When deciding how long to book a photographer for, it helps to think less about hours and more about moments. Are there parts of the day you’ll want to remember but might not be thinking about yet? Are there people you want captured naturally, not just during posed photos?

Your wedding photos will outlast the planning stage by a long way. Long after timelines and budgets fade, the photographs remain.

There’s no pressure to do what everyone else does. The best choice is the one that feels aligned with your day and your priorities.

I photograph weddings in a calm, documentary way across Boston, Lincolnshire and surrounding areas. If you’re unsure what level of coverage suits your plans, I’m always happy to talk it through.