How Long Does Wedding Photography Really Take? (From Start to Finish)

One of the most common questions couples ask when planning their wedding is:“How long does wedding photography actually take?”

The answer goes far beyond just your wedding day. If you’re planning a wedding in Erie, Pennsylvania, here’s a realistic breakdown of how much time wedding photography truly requires — and why it matters.

Wedding Photography Starts Long Before the Wedding Day

Wedding photography doesn’t begin when your photographer arrives — it begins weeks (and sometimes months) before your wedding.

This includes:

• Timeline planning and revisions

• Venue and lighting considerations

• Weather planning (especially important in Pennsylvania)

• Communication with planners and vendors

• Gear prep and backups

All of this behind-the-scenes preparation is part of what a wedding photographer really does on your wedding day — and before it even starts.

Learn more about what goes on behind the scenes in this post:What a Wedding Photographer Really Does on Your Wedding Day

How Many Hours of Coverage Do Most Erie Weddings Need?

Most weddings in Erie, PA typically need 6–10 hours of photography coverage, depending on:

• Number of locations

• Size of the wedding

• Getting-ready photos

• Reception traditions and exits

Here’s a general breakdown:

• 6 hours: Shorter weddings, limited locations

• 8 hours: Most common — full ceremony + reception

• 10+ hours: Larger weddings or full-day storytelling

What Happens After the Wedding Day?

This is where most of the time is spent — and where couples are often surprised.

After your wedding, your photographer:

• Backs up your images immediately (multiple copies)

• Sorts through thousands of photos

• Selects the best images for storytelling

• Hand-edits each chosen image

• Ensures consistency, color accuracy, and quality

Editing alone can take 30–50+ hours per wedding.

How Long Until You Receive Your Wedding Photos?

Most professional Erie wedding photographers deliver galleries within 6–12 weeks, depending on the season.

This timeframe allows for:

• Careful editing

• Quality control

• Proper backups

• A polished final gallery you’ll love for years

Final Thoughts

Wedding photography is a full process — not just a few hours on your wedding day. From planning to editing, your photographer invests significant time into preserving your memories.

Understanding this helps couples set realistic expectations and truly appreciate the value behind their photos.