As an Annapolis-based micro wedding photographer, I want to answer one of the most frequently asked questions about wedding photography: how long should you book a wedding photographer for a micro wedding? Small, intimate weddings don’t follow the same rules as a traditional wedding, so typical packages won’t always fit your needs. So what do you actually need for a micro wedding? It might surprise you! 

What is a Micro Wedding? 

First things first, let’s talk about micro weddings. If you’re new here, hello! I’m Laura, and I’m obsessed with micro weddings! They may have started as a trend post-COVID, but I believe they’re here to stay. These small weddings usually have between 10 and 50 guests, creating a much more intimate atmosphere. I’ve found that micro weddings are more focused on connection, are often slower paced, and really value presence over performance. While all of this is still possible with a large wedding, a larger guest count requires more logistics, getting pulled in different directions, and having less time with each guest. 

The micro weddings I have photographed have all been vastly different. Some took place at a sentimental location (like Grandma’s house!) while others were in art galleries and breweries. You really get more freedom with a micro wedding, designing your wedding around your specific needs and personality. I could go on and on about micro weddings… but wait, I already did! If your interest has been piqued by the idea of a small wedding that breaks all the rules, read my blog, A Micro Wedding Photographer on Small Versus Big Weddings. 

Moments You Should Absolutely Have a Photographer For 

When it comes to how long you should book a wedding photographer for, you need to figure out your priorities. What do you want to have documented? What moments matter most to you? You can discuss this with your photographer before your wedding, but there are a few moments I think everyone should have photos for. 

Final Getting Ready Moments 

First, your final getting-ready moments. These are those moments when you and your wedding party members (if you choose to have them!) are dressed, just putting on your final accessories. These photos capture so much joy and excitement!

Your Ceremony

This is the reason everyone is gathered. We absolutely want to document the monumental moments that change the rest of your life! Walking down the aisle, exchanging vows and rings, and, of course, your first kiss! Micro wedding ceremonies tend to be even more meaningful because I can capture the emotion on the face of each of your guests as you are declared married!

Family Portraits

It’s so important to get intentional photos with the people who mean the most to you—whether they’re family by blood or by choice. You may think you’ll make time for those photos during the reception, but you’d be shocked at how fast those things can get away from you. Setting aside a few minutes before or after your ceremony for family portraits will make sure you get these important images. 

Couple’s Portraits

These are my personal favorites. First, this is the time for you and your partner to soak in the fact that you are finally married. But this is also where most of my couple’s favorite photos are taken! During this time, I follow you around, directing you as much or as little as you need. While you bask in the joy of being newlyweds, I am capturing portraits that feel authentic. My job is to ensure you can forever remember the way your wedding felt. 

Your couple’s portraits can be anything you want. We can sneak outside during golden hour or explore the city. We can find a hotel bar for editorial shots or embrace something entirely candid. We’ll discuss this before your wedding and make sure that your couple’s portraits feel easy and restful.

Reception 

Micro weddings don’t always follow the traditional reception timeline. This, too, can look however you want! Some people opt for toasts, dinner, and dancing. Others transition right to party mode. Whatever your reception looks like, it’s important to have photos of you interacting with your guests, and of everyone enjoying themselves! These are the people who made the cut, if you know what I mean, and I want to make sure you have photos of every one of them.

So, How Long Should You Book A Wedding Photographer For Your Micro Wedding? 

Look, I finally made it back to my main point! You should be proud of me. But I did it this way on purpose, showing you everything that’s possible with a micro wedding. If you want everything listed above, four to six hours is the perfect amount of time to have a photographer. 

If you only want ceremony photos, family and couple portraits, and your reception, you can stick to four hours. This is the bare minimum to capture those moments! But if you want to add getting ready and more time at your reception (which I highly recommend!), we’ll bump the time to six hours. 

Overall, I recommend six hours. This way, your wedding doesn’t feel like a photoshoot. You can rest easy, knowing everything will be documented, without having to think about the camera at all times. The goal is to give you memories of the day as it happens, not to spend the entire day taking pictures and missing out on those moments as they unfold around you.

But really, working with a photographer for your micro wedding should give you just as much flexibility as the wedding itself! Some couples want more time for portraits, or their wedding is happening in multiple locations. If that’s the case, eight hours would be a safer option, so we have plenty of time to capture everything you want! I work directly with you to make sure you have everything you need.

Maryland Micro Wedding Photographer 

Because micro weddings are so unique, I offer a range of packages to best fit your needs. Six hours of coverage is the most popular option, which gives you an online gallery, one to two rolls of film, keepsake polaroids, and a print release. This package begins at $4,500. For small packages, you can choose between two to four hours of coverage, which gives you the online gallery, keepsake gallery, and print release. These packages range between $1,500 and $3,200. Here’s the thing. This is your wedding. You should be able to do whatever the fuck you want, and have high-quality photos that capture your memories! I love photographing micro weddings for exactly that reason: they are so unique and exciting. So, if you’re planning a micro wedding and are looking for a photographer to capture your memories, your way, reach out! I would love to hear your vision and build a package that matches it.