How many hours of wedding photography do you need? Are you planning a first look or not? Keep reading – below are timelines you can save now – created by Suess Moments, a NJ Photographer

How to know which timeline is best:

Ask these questions

1. Budget (see wedding photography in New Jersey pricing here)
2. How many venues? (include getting ready for bride/groom)
3. Do you want a wedding video?
4. Do you want a first look (before the ceremony) or wait to see each other at the ceremony? 

• • Opting for a first look will allow for most photos as a couple, with your wedding party and immediate family before the ceremony, allowing you to enjoy the cocktail hour as newlyweds! 
  • If you choose not to have a first look, you must extend cocktail hour with your venue by 30 minutes (for a total of 90 minutes) to allow enough time for photos as newlyweds with your families and wedding party. However, you may not be able to enjoy the cocktail hour. 
  • If you are not planning a first look and want to wait to see each other at your church ceremony, a custom timeline is needed based on travel between locations. This typically requires 2-3 hours between the end of the ceremony and the start of the cocktail hour to allow enough time for photos and travel. This also means guests will have ample time to wait for the reception eagerly.

 

Why book two photographers?

The lead photographer will direct and help with posing and capturing bridal preparations, focusing on the couple and those they interact with. The second photographer will direct and pose the groom’s preparations and groomsmen, capturing candid moments and documenting the reactions of the wedding guests. Adding a second photographer will give the couple more photos to treasure.

 

Why book videographer(s)?

For a seamless experience, it’s recommended to have the same number of videographers as photographers. The video team documents motion and sound, capturing a more comprehensive story than photos. The video allows you to hear voices and see your loved ones laughing, dancing, and mingling. This is the best way to keep a record of storytelling moments. 

 

Suess Moments recommends the best videographers in New Jersey and New York but does not sell video services.

 

 

How many hours of wedding photography do you need?

Below are eight wedding timelines to consider when hiring photography and videography services for your wedding day. When you contact Miranda of Suess Moments Wedding Photography in New Jersey, you will get a custom timeline, including travel and your contracted venue time, so she can help you find exactly how many hours of wedding photography you need. Feel free to save the timelines by screenshot or simply highlight, copy & paste to a Word or Google doc so you can edit it as you wish.

Please note Suess Moments also photographs LGBQT+ couples, and these timelines mention bride & groom/bridesmaids/groomsmen. Please note that a custom timeline is given to same-sex couples.

 

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FIRST LOOK | ONE PHOTOGRAPHER OR ONE PHOTOGRAPHER AND ONE VIDEOGRAPHER (minimum 6 hours)

*expect 400-600 images delivered by Suess Moments photography

*if travel is involved, add 15-minute buffer on top of eta

No flatlay detail shots

No getting ready photos

Time | 45 MIN | First look + portraits 

Time | 30 MIN | Wedding party photos 

Time | 30 MIN | Prepare for the ceremony

Time | 30 MIN | Ceremony 

*If church ceremony, add 75 minutes (total 105 minutes) to allow time for an hour church ceremony + 45 minutes photos afterward at the church

Time | 60 MIN | Cocktail hour 

*The couple may not be able to attend cocktail hour

• • Family photos (10 groups max)
  • TBD Golden hour/sunset photos
  • Reception decor photos
  • Room reveal/Practice first dance or mock cake cut 

Time | 165 MIN | Reception party photos

• • TBD Golden hour/sunset photos
  • TBD Extended family photos/table photos

 

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FIRST LOOK | TWO PHOTOGRAPHERS AND TWO VIDEOGRAPHERS (minimum 8 hours)

*expect 1,000-1,500 images delivered by Suess Moments photography

*if travel is involved, add 15-minute buffer on top of eta

Time | 15 MIN | Flatlay detail photos (leads + seconds)

*One flatlay with invitations, vows & rings only

Time | 60 MIN | Bridal prep photos (leads)

*No photos of getting ready with bridal party in pjs/robes. 

• Getting in the dress + first looks with parents/bridesmaids + letter reading

Time | 60 MIN | Groom prep photos (seconds)

Time | 60 MIN | First look + portraits (leads + seconds)

Time | 30 MIN | Wedding party photos (leads + seconds)

Time | 30 MIN | Family photos (leads + seconds)

Time | 30 MIN | Prepare for the ceremony (leads + seconds)

Time | 30 MIN | Ceremony (leads + seconds)

*If church ceremony, add 75 minutes (total 105 minutes) to allow time for an hour church ceremony + 45 minutes photos afterward at the church

Time | 60 MIN | Cocktail hour (leads + seconds)

• • TBD Golden hour/sunset photos
  • Reception decor photos
  • Room reveal/Practice first dance or mock cake cut 

Time | 165 MIN | Reception party photos (leads + seconds)

• • TBD Golden hour/sunset photos
  • TBD Extended family photos/table photos

 

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NO FIRST LOOK | TWO PHOTOGRAPHERS AND TWO VIDEOGRAPHERS (minimum 8 hours)

*expect 1,000-1,500 images delivered by Suess Moments photography

*if travel is involved, add 15-minute buffer on top of eta

Time | 45 MIN | Flatlay detail photos (leads)

Time | 90 MIN | Bridal prep photos (leads)

Time | 30 MIN | Bride’s: Immediate family + bridesmaids + individuals (leads)

Time | 60 MIN | Groom prep photos (seconds)

Time | 30 MIN | Groom’s: Immediate family + groomsmen + individuals (seconds)

Time | 30 MIN | Prepare for the ceremony (leads + seconds)

Time | 30 MIN | Ceremony (leads + seconds)

*If church ceremony, add 75 minutes (total 105 minutes) to allow time for an hour church ceremony + 45 minutes photos afterward at the church

Time | 90 MIN | Cocktail hour (leads + seconds)

*Must contract with venue for an extended cocktail hour

• • Family photos (10 groups max)
  • Wedding party group shot
  • Quick newlywed portraits 
  • Reception decor photos
  • Room reveal/Practice first dance or mock cake cut 

Time | 165 MIN | Reception party photos (leads + seconds)

• • TBD Golden hour/sunset photos
  • TBD Extended family photos/table photos

 

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FIRST LOOK | TWO PHOTOGRAPHERS AND TWO VIDEOGRAPHERS (minimum 9 hours)

*expect 1,000-1,500 images delivered by Suess Moments photography

*if travel is involved, add 15-minute buffer on top of eta

Time | 45 MIN | Flatlay detail photos (leads)

Time | 90 MIN | Bridal prep photos (leads)

Time | 60 MIN | Groom prep photos (seconds)

Time | 60 MIN | First look + portraits (leads + seconds)

Time | 30 MIN | Wedding party photos (leads + seconds)

Time | 30 MIN | Family photos (leads + seconds)

Time | 30 MIN | Prepare for the ceremony (leads + seconds)

Time | 30 MIN | Ceremony (leads + seconds)

*If church ceremony, add 75 minutes (total 105 minutes) to allow time for an hour church ceremony + 45 minutes photos afterward at the church

Time | 60 MIN | Cocktail hour (leads + seconds)

• • TBD Golden hour/sunset photos
  • Reception decor photos
  • Room reveal/Practice first dance or mock cake cut 

Time | 165 MIN | Reception party photos (leads + seconds)

• • TBD Golden hour/sunset photos
  • TBD Extended family photos/table photos

 

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FIRST LOOK | TWO PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ONE VIDEOGRAPHER (minimum 9.5 hours)

*this is not the best timeline if the getting ready locations are not at the same address, such as venue/hotel.

*expect 1,000-1,500 images delivered by Suess Moments photography

*if travel is involved, add 15 15-minute buffer on top of eta

Time | 45 MIN | Flatlay details for photo (lead)

Time | 30 MIN | Venue shots or candids at bridal prep (lead)

Time | 60 MIN | Groom prep photos (second + video)

Time | 15 MIN | Flatlay details for video (second + video)

Time | 90 MIN | Bridal prep photos (lead + second + video)

Time | 60 MIN | First look + portraits  (lead + second + video)

Time | 30 MIN | Wedding party photos  (lead + second + video)

Time | 30 MIN | Family photos  (lead + second + video)

Time | 30 MIN | Prepare for the ceremony  (lead + second + video)

Time | 30 MIN | Ceremony  (lead + second + video)

*If church ceremony, add 75 minutes (total 105 minutes) to allow time for an hour church ceremony + 45 minutes photos afterward at the church

Time | 60 MIN | Cocktail hour  (lead + second + video)

• • TBD Golden hour/sunset photos
  • Reception decor photos
  • Room reveal/Practice first dance or mock cake cut 

Time | 165 MIN | Reception party photos (lead + second + video)

• • TBD Golden hour/sunset photos
  • TBD Extended family photos/table photos

 

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NO FIRST LOOK | ONE PHOTOGRAPHER OR ONE PHOTOGRAPHER & ONE VIDEOGRAPHER (minimum 9.5 hours)

*expect 800-950 images delivered by Suess Moments photography

*if travel is involved, add a 15-minute buffer on top of eta

Time | 45 MIN | Flatlay detail photos

Time | 60 MIN | Groom prep photos

Time | 90 MIN | Bridal prep photos 

Time | 30 MIN | Groom’s: Immediate family + groomsmen + individuals

Time | 30 MIN | Bride’s: Immediate family + bridesmaids + individuals

Time | 30 MIN | Prepare for the ceremony 

Time | 30 MIN | Ceremony

*If church ceremony, add 75 minutes (total 105 minutes) to allow time for an hour church ceremony + 45 minutes photos afterward at the church

Time | 90 MIN | Cocktail hour (leads + seconds)

*Must contract with venue for an extended cocktail hour

• • Family photos (10 groups max)
  • Wedding party group shot 
  • Quick newlywed portraits 
  • Reception decor photos
  • Room reveal/Practice first dance or mock cake cut 

Time | 165 MIN | Reception party photos

• • TBD Golden hour/sunset photos
  • TBD Extended family photos/table photos

 

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FIRST LOOK | ONE PHOTOGRAPHER OR ONE PHOTOGRAPHER & ONE VIDEOGRAPHER (minimum 10 hours)

*expect 800-950 images delivered by Suess Moments photography

*if travel is involved, add 15 minute buffer on top of eta

Time | 45 MIN | Flatlay detail photos

Time | 60 MIN | Groom prep photos

Time | 90 MIN | Bridal prep photos 

Time | 60 MIN | First look + portraits 

Time | 30 MIN | Wedding party photos 

Time | 30 MIN | Family photos 

Time | 30 MIN | Prepare for the ceremony 

Time | 30 MIN | Ceremony

*If church ceremony, add 75 minutes (total 105 minutes) to allow time for an hour church ceremony + 45 minutes photos afterward at the church

Time | 60 MIN | Cocktail hour 

• • TBD Golden hour/sunset photos
  • Reception decor photos
  • Room reveal/Practice first dance or mock cake cut 

Time | 165 MIN | Reception party photos

• • TBD Golden hour/sunset photos
  • TBD Extended family photos/table photos

 

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FIRST LOOK + ALL RECEPTION | TWO PHOTOGRAPHERS AND TWO VIDEOGRAPHERS (minimum 10 hours)

*expect 1,000-1,500 images delivered by Suess Moments photography

*if travel is involved, add 15 minute buffer on top of eta

Time | 45 MIN | Flatlay detail photos (leads)

Time | 90 MIN | Bridal prep photos (leads)

Time | 60 MIN | Groom prep photos (seconds)

Time | 60 MIN | First look + portraits (leads + seconds)

Time | 30 MIN | Wedding party photos (leads + seconds)

Time | 30 MIN | Family photos (leads + seconds)

Time | 30 MIN | Prepare for the ceremony (leads + seconds)

Time | 30 MIN | Ceremony (leads + seconds)

*If church ceremony, add 75 minutes (total 105 minutes) to allow time for an hour church ceremony + 45 minutes photos afterward at the church

Time | 60 MIN | Cocktail hour (leads + seconds)

• TBD Golden hour/sunset photos
• Reception decor photos
• Room reveal/Practice first dance or mock cake cut 

Time | 225 MIN | Reception party photos (leads + seconds)

*All but the last 15 minutes of reception are captured

• TBD Golden hour/sunset photos
• TBD Extended family photos/table photos

 

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Read: Discover the top three wedding timelines I use most