One of the questions I frequently get asked as a wedding photographer is:
“How much time should we set aside for couple portraits?”
It is a brilliant question to ask because it already shows you understand how important it is to make time for romantic portraits on your wedding day. After all, nobody wants to feel like they are missing their own wedding or disappearing for hours at a time while guests wonder where they have gone.
At the same time, most couples also want beautiful photographs of the two of them; images that reflect their personality, relationship and the excitement of finally getting married.
After photographing weddings across Essex, London and beyond, I have found there is usually a lovely balance between being fully immersed in your wedding day and quietly stepping away for a short time to create beautiful photographs that feel reflective of who you are.
In most cases, I recommend allowing around 45 minutes in total for couple portraits, but that certainly does not mean disappearing for one long photoshoot. Very often, portrait time works best when split into two shorter sessions across the day. Not only does this mean you spend more time with your guests, but it also allows us to photograph you in different lighting conditions and at different points of the day.
By allowing enough time for couple portraits, you naturally feel more relaxed and less rushed, making it much easier to interact in a way that feels normal for you and resulting in photographs filled with joy and personality.
Is 45 Minutes Always Necessary?
Every wedding is different, and the amount of time you choose to allow for portraits should feel aligned with the kind of day you are planning.
For example, a relaxed country house wedding with beautiful grounds and a later ceremony may naturally allow more space for portraits than a London city wedding with a tighter timeline. Likewise, if spending as much time with guests as possible is one of your top priorities, that is absolutely something we can work around too.
That said, I do encourage couples not to rush this part of the day too much. Time often moves surprisingly quickly on a wedding day, and many couples later tell me they are grateful they allowed space for portraits rather than squeezing them into ten rushed minutes.
Why I Often Recommend Splitting Portrait Time
Rather than setting aside one long portrait session, I often recommend dividing things into two shorter parts. For example:
20–25 Minutes Shortly After the Ceremony
This tends to feel joyful and full of energy. The excitement is still fresh, emotions are high and there is often a wonderful sense of relief and happiness now that the formal part of the day has happened. Although please do not worry – we will not skip all those hugs and well wishes from your guests after you walk down the aisle, and you can absolutely enjoy a glass of champagne first too.
15–20 Minutes Later in the Day
Often this happens closer to sunset for that gorgeous golden glow (weather permitting), or simply when you fancy stepping away for a short time together. By this point, you will no doubt feel more comfortable in front of the camera, and this often gives the portraits a more personal, relaxed feel. You may also have had chance to freshen up, enjoy a drink together and settle into the day a little more.
Splitting portraits in this way means you are not away from guests for too long at any one time, whilst still creating enough space for beautiful photographs.
What If We Feel Awkward in Front of the Camera?
Most couples I work with tell me they feel nervous about being photographed or worry they might feel awkward in front of the camera. That is totally normal and to be expected, after all, very few people spend their lives being professionally photographed.
During couple portraits, I never expect you to suddenly know what to do or feel like models for the afternoon. Instead, I create an environment where you can settle into things naturally.
Sometimes that means taking a short walk together, chatting, laughing about the day so far or simply taking a quiet moment away from the excitement. I will guide you where needed, usually through prompts or ideas rather than static poses, so that you look your absolute best whilst still feeling comfortable and recognisable as yourselves.
Why Couple Portraits Often Become Favourite Photographs
Interestingly, many couples initially tell me that candid photographs are their priority and those natural moments with family and friends are incredibly important. Yet it is often the couple portraits that end up framed on walls, selected for albums or shared online time and time again.
Very often, they become the photographs that remind you of that rare moment together amongst the excitement of the day; a chance to pause, take it all in and shine on camera.
If you are wondering how much time to allow for couple portraits, my advice would simply be try not to rush them too much.
You do not need hours away from your guests, but allowing enough time for portraits to feel enjoyable rather than hurried can make a huge difference, both to the experience itself and the photographs you take away from the day.
Please also remember that there is no single perfect timeline. The right amount of time will always depend on your priorities, your venue and the kind of experience you want your wedding day to feel like.
If you are planning a wedding in Essex, London or beyond and would like to know more about how I work, you can read more about me here.
WEDDING DAY PORTRAITS FAQS
How long should couple portraits take at a wedding?
I recommend allowing around 45 minutes in total for couple portraits, but that certainly does not mean disappearing for one long photoshoot. Very often, portrait time works best when split into two shorter sessions across the day. Not only does this mean you spend more time with your guests, but it also allows us to photograph you in different lighting conditions and at different points of the day.
Can we split couple portraits across the day?
Yes. I often recommend dividing couple portraits into two shorter parts. For example:
20–25 Minutes Shortly After the Ceremony
This tends to feel joyful and full of energy. The excitement is still fresh, emotions are high and there is often a wonderful sense of relief and happiness now that the formal part of the day has happened. Although please do not worry – we will not skip all those hugs and well wishes from your guests after you walk down the aisle, and you can absolutely enjoy a glass of champagne first too.
15–20 Minutes Later in the Day
Often this happens closer to sunset for that gorgeous golden glow (weather permitting), or simply when you fancy stepping away for a short time together. By this point, you will no doubt feel more comfortable in front of the camera, and this often gives the portraits a more personal, relaxed feel. You may also have had chance to freshen up, enjoy a drink together and settle into the day a little more.
What if we feel awkward in front of the camera?
Most couples I work with tell me they feel nervous about being photographed or worry they might feel awkward in front of the camera. That is totally normal and to be expected, after all, very few people spend their lives being professionally photographed.
During couple portraits, I never expect you to suddenly know what to do or feel like models for the afternoon.
Instead, I create an environment where you can settle into things naturally. Sometimes that means taking a short walk together, chatting, laughing about the day so far or simply taking a quiet moment away from the excitement.
SHARE YOUR WEDDING PLANS WITH ME
If you’re planning your wedding and want to chat about how I would capture your day with empathy and creativity, please click below. I’ll be in touch within 24 hours with more information.