How to Choose the Right Wedding Photography Coverage + QUIZ

A Salmon, Idaho Wedding Photographer’s Guide

One of the first questions couples ask when planning their wedding is, “How much wedding photography coverage do we actually need?” As a Salmon Idaho photographer and Idaho wedding photographer, I see this question come up again and again and it almost always comes from a place of wanting to do things right.

The truth is, wedding photography coverage isn’t about choosing a number of hours. It’s about understanding your day, your priorities, and how you want your wedding to feel. When couples shift their focus from time to experience, choosing the right coverage becomes much easier and far less stressful.

Below is the same guidance I give my own couples when helping them decide what level of coverage best fits their wedding day.

Plus I included a little QUIZ at the end to help you decide how many hours you may need or want.

Start With the Moments That Matter Most to You

Every wedding day is different, and every couple values different moments. Before thinking about coverage, ask yourself what you truly want remembered.

This might include:

• The quiet moments before the ceremony
• Time with parents, grandparents, or close friends
• Your ceremony and immediate reactions afterward
• Portraits that feel relaxed and unhurried
• The celebration, laughter, and connection at your reception

The more moments you want documented, the more flexibility you’ll want in your coverage.

Consider the Pace You Want for Your Day

One of the biggest differences I notice between coverage levels isn’t what’s photographed, it’s how the day feels.

Coverage with built-in flexibility allows for:

• Buffer time if hair, makeup, or travel runs late
• A calmer portrait experience
• Less pressure to rush from one part of the day to the next

If the idea of watching the clock feels stressful, that’s usually a sign that more breathing room will serve you well.

Getting Ready Is Part of Your Story

Getting ready photos aren’t just about details. They capture anticipation, nerves, laughter, and meaningful time with the people who are with you before the ceremony begins.

Whether you’re exchanging letters, sharing a first look, or simply soaking in the moment, having space for this part of the day allows those memories to be documented naturally, without feeling rushed or forced.

Think About How Much of the Reception You Want Remembered

Receptions are often where guests relax and emotions fully come out. Toasts, first dances, candid hugs, and dance floor moments are a big part of your wedding story.

If you value documenting the celebration, not just the formal events, coverage that extends into the reception helps tell a fuller, more honest story of your day.

Will You Be Doing a First Look?

A first look can greatly influence how your wedding day flows. Many couples choose one because it:

• Creates a calmer timeline
• Allows portraits earlier in the day
• Gives more time to enjoy guests after the ceremony

This doesn’t necessarily mean you need more coverage, but it does change how that coverage is used, often resulting in a smoother, more relaxed day overall.

Focus on Experience, Not Just Coverage

Most couples are surprised by how quickly the day goes. Choosing coverage that gives you flexibility often leads to:

• Less pressure
• A smoother timeline
• A more complete wedding gallery

Photography works best when it supports your experience, not when it feels like something you’re racing against.

As an Idaho wedding photographer, my goal is always the same: for you to feel present, comfortable, and able to actually enjoy your wedding day, without stress or constant clock-watching.

Photography experience isn’t just about taking beautiful images. It’s about knowing how a wedding day truly moves, understanding where timelines tend to slip, and recognizing when it’s time to gently guide things back on track, and when it’s okay to slow down and let moments unfold naturally.

There are times during a wedding day when I’ll step in and “push” things forward, and I do that with kindness, clarity, and your best interests in mind. If we’re running 55 minutes behind, the groomsmen are missing, and the light is fading, that’s not the moment to hope it works itself out. That’s the moment when experience matters. I know how to redirect, communicate clearly, and keep things moving without adding stress or tension to your day.

At the same time, I also know when we don’t need to rush. When a moment deserves space, whether it’s a quiet pause before the ceremony, a meaningful hug, or a few extra minutes together, I protect that time. Not everything needs to be hurried just because it’s on a timeline.

This is why I help every couple build a timeline that reflects their priorities, their needs, and their coverage. Not a copy-and-paste schedule, but a plan that actually works for their wedding day. One that leaves room for real moments, buffer time for the unexpected, and a flow that supports both the experience and the photography.

At the end of the day, my role isn’t just to document your wedding, it’s to help your day run smoothly so you can be fully present in it. When experience guides the coverage, everything feels better, and it shows in your photos.

Wedding Photography Coverage FAQs

How do we know how much coverage we need?
You don’t have to figure it out alone. I help guide couples based on their plans, priorities, and vision for the day.

Do couples ever regret having more coverage?
Almost never. Most couples say they’re grateful for the flexibility and breathing room.

Can coverage be added later if needed?
Yes, additional coverage can typically be added as long as availability allows.

Do smaller or intimate weddings need less coverage?
Not always. Intimate weddings often include slower, more meaningful moments couples want fully documented. I offer both full day and elopement style packages. 

What if we don’t care about certain parts of the day?
That’s completely okay. Coverage is always tailored to what matters most to you.

The Wedding Coverage Quiz (Because Guessing Isn’t Fun)

Choosing wedding photography coverage shouldn’t feel like a math problem or a pop quiz you didn’t study for. Most couples think they know how much coverage they need, until they start planning their timeline and realize how quickly the day fills up. That’s exactly why I created the Wedding Coverage Quiz, to help take the pressure off and give you a realistic starting point without overthinking it.

This quiz isn’t about locking you into a decision or telling you what you must choose. It’s simply designed to help you think through your day: what moments matter most to you, how relaxed you want your timeline to feel, and how much of your celebration you want documented. By answering a few quick questions, you’ll get a recommendation for coverage that may fit your wedding day best, always landing within the coverage options I offer.

Think of this quiz as a conversation starter. Your result gives us a place to begin, but the real magic happens when we talk through your plans together. Every wedding is different, and coverage should support your experience, not the other way around. The goal is simple: less stress, more presence, and photos that reflect how your day actually felt.