I'm Eric Goldstein, a Boca Raton wedding photographer. My wedding packages run from 6 to 10 hours of coverage. This is how to work out which one fits your day.
Count Backward From the Last Thing You Want Photographed
Start with the moment you'd hate to miss at the end of the night. A grand exit, the last dance, the cake. Then work back through everything before it: the room entrance, toasts, dances, cocktail hour, couple portraits, family formals, the ceremony, a first look, getting ready. The hours between your first and last item are the hours you need.
| Coverage | What it usually covers |
|---|---|
| 6 hours | The ceremony, family formals, couple portraits, cocktail hour and the main reception moments, when the ceremony and reception share one venue. |
| 8 hours | Adds getting ready, or a first look and more portrait time before the ceremony. |
| 10 hours | Adds getting ready for both sides, travel between locations if you have them, and a longer reception through the send-off. |
These are starting points. Your timeline decides.
What Adds Hours
- Getting ready in a different place from the ceremony
- A ceremony at one venue and a reception at another
- A first look with portraits before the ceremony
- A long ceremony with cultural or religious traditions
- A late send-off or an after-party you want covered
Plan Portraits Around the Light
Put the sunset time on your timeline. Portraits in the last stretch of daylight look better than portraits at 2 p.m., and in South Florida the difference is large. If the ceremony ends well before sunset, it can make sense to hold some of the couple portraits for later in the evening.
Family Formals Take Less Time Than You Think
Done right, family formals take about eighteen minutes. A written list in order, oldest relatives first, and a point person on each side keep it that short. The family shot list PDF has the groups most couples need.
Adding Hours on the Day
If the schedule changes and I'm available to stay, I'm happy to. Additional hours are billed at the rate in your contract. A heads-up as early as possible helps.
Do You Need a Second Photographer?
Most weddings I shoot on my own. A second photographer is a paid add-on for larger weddings or when two rooms need covering at the same time. Tell me the guest count and the venue and I'll tell you honestly whether it's worth adding.
Common Questions
How many hours of wedding photography do I need?
Most couples need 6 to 10 hours. Six covers the ceremony, formals, portraits, cocktail hour and the main reception moments at one venue. Eight or ten add getting ready, a first look, travel between locations and a longer reception.
How long do wedding family photos take?
Done right, about eighteen minutes. A written list in order, oldest relatives first, and one point person on each side of the family keep it that short.
Can I add hours on the wedding day?
If the schedule changes and I'm available to stay, yes. Additional hours are billed at the rate in your contract. Tell me as early as you can if the timeline is shifting.
Do I need a second photographer for my wedding?
Most weddings are covered by one photographer. A second makes sense for larger weddings or when two rooms need covering at the same time. Share your guest count and venue and your photographer can tell you honestly.
What time should we take couple portraits?
In the last stretch of daylight before sunset. Put the sunset time on your timeline and plan the portraits around it.
Planning a South Florida Wedding?
Send me your date and venue and I'll tell you if I'm free. Get in touch here.
Related: what a wedding photographer's price depends on, the wedding photography checklist and how to plan for good light.