One of the most common questions couples ask when booking wedding videography is: “How many hours of coverage do we actually need?” With options like 8, 10, and 12 hours, it can feel overwhelming to decide what’s best for your day.

The truth is, the right amount of coverage depends on how complete you want your wedding story to feel — from quiet, emotional morning moments to the high-energy celebration at night.

As wedding videographers, we’ve seen firsthand how coverage length affects the final film. Below, we’ll break down what you get with 8, 10, and 12 hours of wedding videography so you can confidently choose the option that fits your vision.

Why Wedding Videography Coverage Matters

Wedding films aren’t just about capturing the ceremony and first dance. They’re about telling the full story — the anticipation, nerves, laughter, and details you spent months planning. They also include moments you didn’t even realize were happening.

More coverage allows for:

• A stronger narrative flow in your film
• More candid, unscripted moments
• Better pacing and emotional buildup
• A true “beginning-to-end” experience

The difference between coverage lengths isn’t just time — it’s how immersive and complete your wedding film feels.

8 Hours of Coverage: Highlights Only

Best for: Shorter wedding days, streamlined timelines, or couples who want the highlights without extra coverage.

With 8 hours, we typically capture:

• Final getting-ready moments
• The ceremony
• Formal portraits and key creative shots
• Cocktail hour
• Major reception events (grand entrance, first dances, toasts)

This option works well if:

• Your getting-ready locations are close together
• You’re okay skipping early morning details
• Your reception ends earlier in the evening

While 8 hours still delivers a beautiful film, it focuses mostly on the core events. Some quieter moments — like early-morning anticipation or late-night dance floor energy — may be missed.

10 Hours of Coverage: Balanced Storytelling

Best for: Most traditional weddings with a full timeline and multiple locations.

Ten hours gives more flexibility, allowing us to capture:

• Getting ready for both partners
• Details like dress, rings, stationery, and florals
• First look and pre-ceremony emotions
• Ceremony and full cocktail hour
• Reception events plus early open dancing

This coverage level allows the day to unfold naturally on film. There’s less rushing, more creative shots, and more candid interactions between you, your wedding party, and guests.

Why 10 Hours Works Well

For many couples, 10 hours hits the sweet spot. It balances coverage and storytelling while still feeling efficient. Also, it captures most of the day’s special moments without extending into late-night celebrations, which might not be needed for some weddings.

12 Hours of Coverage: Full-Day Experience

Best for: Couples who want their entire wedding day documented from start to finish.

A full 12-hour day tells the complete story — from the very first moments of getting ready to everyone dancing the night away.

Morning and Getting Ready

Coverage includes:

• Morning preparations and detail shots
• Hair, makeup, and candid moments with family and friends
• Emotional exchanges, letters, or gifts

Pre-Ceremony and Ceremony

We capture:

• First look or ceremony anticipation
• Ceremony highlights
• Portraits and group shots

Reception and Late-Night Celebration

Also included are:

• Cocktail hour
• Full reception coverage, including late-night dancing
• Candid moments, reactions, and energy shifts throughout the day

With 12 hours, nothing feels rushed or skipped. We can capture the calm before the day begins, the energy shift as the celebration builds, and raw, unscripted moments late at night. This level creates a cinematic, immersive, and deeply personal film — one that truly reflects how the day felt, not just what happened.

How Coverage Affects Your Wedding Film

More hours doesn’t just mean more footage — it means better storytelling.

Longer coverage allows us to:

• Build emotional pacing
• Include natural audio and reactions
• Capture smooth transitions that make the film flow
• Show the full evolution of the day

As a result, a 12-hour film often feels richer and more emotionally complete, while shorter coverage produces a tighter, highlight-focused version.

Other Factors to Consider

When deciding how many hours you need, ask yourself:

• Do you want getting-ready moments included?
• Are there multiple locations or travel time?
• Will your reception go late into the night?
• Do you want candid guest moments and dance floor energy?

If your timeline is full or emotionally important from start to finish, more coverage gives flexibility and peace of mind.

Our Recommendation

8 hours: Highlights of the day

10 hours: A well-rounded story

12 hours: A complete, start-to-finish experience

Also, most couples who choose 12 hours later say it was one of the best decisions they made — nothing was missed, and their film reflects the entire experience.

Let’s Capture Your Story

Your wedding day happens once, and your film is how you’ll relive it for decades.

Whether you choose 8, 10, or 12 hours, we approach every wedding with intention, creativity, and care.

If you’re planning your wedding and would like to be considered for photography and videography, we’d be honored to capture your day. Reach out to learn more about our coverage options and how we can tell your story authentically, cinematically, and unforgettable.