How Many Hours Of Utah Elopement Photography Do You Need?

Your wedding day is a once in a lifetime experience! And because of that you deserve to have every moment captured. But how many hours of Utah elopement photography will you need for that? It may be difficult to judge the amount of time you should hire your wedding photographer for, simply because you have never done this before. But as a seasoned Utah elopement photographer, I am giving you my recommendations so that you don’t have to guess!

utah elopement photographer captures wedding pictures with bride and groom under a large rock arch at their Arches National Park wedding

Getting Ready Photos – 1 Hour

You will want at least an hour (30 minutes for both the bride and groom) to capture moments as you are finishing getting ready. In addition, we will also take this time for some detail shots of your dress, rings, handwritten vows and so on. However, if you are wanting a more in depth getting ready photoshoot it can take up to 3 hours. This would include flatlays, detail shots, hair and makeup, ironing suit coats, toasting beers or campaign, reading private letters, and so much more!

detail shot of groom sitting on the edge of his bed with his shoes on before his Utah elopement
Utah elopement photographer captures bride putting on her wedding shoes in her bridal suite for elopement getting ready pictures
Utah elopement captures bride holding up her wedding dress on a hanger in her bridal suite before her Utah elopement

First Look – 30 Minutes

A first look typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes. We will find the perfect intimate and gorgeous spot, then capture you walking up to your groom, as well as his reaction! These can be such tender moments and make for really emotional wedding photos. Some couples opt to have a private vow reading at this time, or take wedding portraits at their first look location.

Arches National Park wedding with bride standing on a red rock while holding her floral wedding bouquet captured by Utah elopement photographer
groom holding his bride around the waist while she holds her arms around his neck and they both laugh and smile for their wedding first look captured by Utah elopement photographer
Arches National Park wedding with Utah elopement photographer capturing bride and groom embracing against red rocks in a cave

Ceremony – 2 Hours

A wedding ceremony in Utah is only about 15-20 minutes. So why would you need 2 hours of wedding photography? Before your wedding ceremony I will capture the location and any seating or decor you have set up, and then after we will take lots of photos in that location! Usually I will have you pose with family and friends that attend, then we will have celebration photos with everyone there. After that we will take the rest of the time for capture your love story through bridals in your ceremony spot.

Utah elopement photographer captures Arches National Park wedding with bride and groom standing together with their officiant in red rocks while they read their personal vows together
Arches National Park wedding ceremony with bride holding a piece of paper and reading her vows to her groom captured by Utah elopement photographer
groom putting on brides wedding band as part of their Arches National Park wedding ceremony captured by Utah elopement photographer

Hiking To Location – Depends

Hiking can take up a lot of your wedding day. Along the way we will stop off to take photos in the different scenic locations of Southern Utah. This way you get a good variety in your gallery of backdrops, locations and poses. Typically an easier hike of 1-2 miles will take about 4 hours. And if you are looking for a longer more adventurous hike, I recommend booking a Full Day package. These hikes are longer and more difficult, so we will really take time to enjoy the journey!

bridal portraits for Arches National Park wedding with bride and groom standing together on a red rock cliff while bride holds grooms arm and they look into the valley
Arches National Park wedding with bride and groom hiking to the top of a mountain and kissing captured by utah elopement photographer
bride and groom dancing on a mountain top for their Arches National Park wedding captured by utah elopement photographer

Photo Session – Depends

How many hours of wedding photography you will need for your photo session will depend on what you are wanting. Ideally we will spend about an hour per location. A lot of my couples love to road trip around the park to get multiple options. This is a super fun way to learn more about the place your are getting married, as I share all I know about the area as I guide you through. As well as add more variety to your gallery!

bride and groom standing at the top of a mountain at Arches National Park wedding while the sun sets in the distance and the brides veil flows in the wind captured by utah elopement photographer
bridal portrait with bride in a bright white wedding dress with bride holdin gher gown to her chest and closing her eyes and gently smiling captured by utah elopement photographer

Celebratory Dinner/Reception – 2-4 Hours

Each wedding is different. You may want to have a simple and intimate dinner, which will only take an hour of photography. Or you may want to have a cake cutting, a first dance, and toasts. Also consider what details you want captured. Your table settings, decor, florals, cake and all those other detail make up a special part of your wedding day. These are all things to consider when planning how man hours of Utah elopement photography you will need.

wedding picnic with bride and groom laughing as they eat wedding cake together on a white blanket on top of a mountain captured by utah elopement photographer

Hours Of Utah Elopement Photography – Let’s Talk About It!

You deserve to have all the important moment captured! This is something that I am passionate about as a Utah elopement photographer. And because of that I want to give you exactly what you want for your wedding day photos. Let’s chat about the most important parts of your wedding day and create a custom timeline together!

sunset wedding with bride and groom sitting together on a mountain top while the sun sets over the horizon as the groom leans over and kisses his bride for their Arches National Park wedding
utah elopement photographer captures wedding portrait of groom dipping his bride backwards and holding her leg up as they kiss passionately as the sun shines while it sets
Arches National Park wedding with bride and groom standing side by side while holding hands and posing in front of a sunset over the mountains on the horizon

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