When it comes to planning your elopement, you may find yourself wondering how many hours of photography coverage you should book. As more and more couples opt for intimate, adventurous elopements, it can certainly be difficult to figure out what photography package is best suited for your elopement. While some may assume that 2-4 hours of photography coverage is plenty, I strongly suggest opting for full-day coverage. As an intimate wedding and elopement photographer, I’ve photographed over 100 weddings at this point. If that’s not reason enough to trust me 😉, I’m here to share why you need full-day photography coverage on your elopement day.

Benefits of Full-Day Photography Coverage

Flexibility

One of the biggest benefits of full-day coverage for your elopement is the flexibility it provides. Couples are able to relax easier knowing that they have plenty of time to capture all the incredible moments. Nobody wants to rush their elopement! You can take your time getting ready, enjoy a leisurely breakfast or hike, and even incorporate some of your favorite activities to do as a couple without sacrificing documenting those moments. 

Maybe you want to take a helicopter to a glacier, or have a beautiful catered picnic deep in the woods. Maybe you’re more of a “let’s hike all day and say vows at sunset” kinda person. You could even go kayaking on an alpine lake before meeting up with your family for dinner. Full-day photography coverage ensures that you have ample time to do quite literally everything you could ever dream of. There is no “fitting in” portraits, vows, and activities into just a couple hours. 

Spontaneity

Full-day photography coverage for your elopement means that you have the entire day to work with. Having the opportunity to seize the moments as they arise, like capturing the perfect light, or stumbling upon a hidden waterfall, provides such a unique experience that cannot be “scheduled”. Some of my favorite moments as a photographer happen when my couples are least expecting it. It’s your day + your chance to make the most of your time together; after all, it’s your elopement!!

Tell the Whole Story

As an elopement photographer, one of my personal favorite parts of an elopement is having the opportunity to tell the complete story of the day (not just a fraction of it). From the details to the getting process, the first look, through the celebratory dinner hours later… Your entire day + love story deserves a chance to shine. With full-day coverage, there is plenty of time to craft a visual narrative that tells the unique story of your day. I find so much value in straying from the norm and allowing my couples to do their thing. 

Take a Breather!

When you’re not spending the entire day rushing around strapped for time with your photographer, you’re able to take breaks when you want! Opting for full-day photography coverage means that you can enjoy a catered picnic – you’ll have plenty of time to actually spoil yourselves (you deserve it). The hours tick by so quickly when you’re having fun. A big part of your day is meant for celebrating and being able to soak up your time together. This includes staying fed! Whether you opt for a fancy meal after vows, or meet up with friends and family later, those little moments are fun to capture. They may even become some of your favorite photos to look back on. 

So while 2-4 hours of photography coverage may seem adequate, I’m so glad that you now know why you need full-day photography coverage for your elopement. And hey, I get it! It is an investment… but it is an invaluable investment. Your photos will last a lifetime, and you’ll be so happy knowing each little detail was documented. I am so excited for you to have a beautiful, memorable day to look back on fondly some day. Your adventure deserves to be documented.

Searching for more elopement tips? You can head directly to the BLOG for my best resources. And as always, I’d love to be friends over on Instagram (@sydneybreannphoto). Are you ready to wander?