Creating the Perfect Wedding Day Photography Timeline

A timeline acts as a roadmap for your photographer (and other suppliers), helping everyone stay organized and stress-free. It ensures there’s enough time to:

• Capture genuine moments without feeling rushed

• Allow for lighting changes throughout the day

• Handle unexpected delays (which always happen!)

• Maximize the best natural light (hello, golden hour!)

Before you begin mapping out your wedding day, keep the following in mind:

• Ceremony Time: The anchor point for all planning

• Venue Distance: Factor in travel time between prep, ceremony, and reception locations

• Lighting: Consider the sunset time for portraits, especially outdoor weddings

• First Look: Decide if you want to see each other before the ceremony

• Cultural or Religious Traditions: Some may require additional time and photo coverage

(For a wedding with ceremony at 3:00 PM and 8 hours of photography coverage)

💄 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Getting Ready (2 hours)

• Bride & groom prep: makeup, hair, and detail shots (dress, rings, invites, shoes, etc.)

• Candid moments with the entourage

• Individual portraits of bride & groom

• Photographer Tip: Choose a clean, well-lit room for prep photos

📸 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM | First Look (Optional)

• Private first look between the couple

• Emotional reactions, intimate moments

• Couple portraits with fresh hair/makeup

• If you’re not doing a first look, adjust the couple portraits to post-ceremony.

👨‍👩‍👧 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM | Bridal Party & Family Portraits

• Group shots with bridesmaids, groomsmen, and immediate family

• Saves time after the ceremony and lets everyone enjoy cocktail hour

• Photographer Tip: Create a shot list ahead of time to avoid confusion

🏛️ 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Travel + Break Time / Ceremony Setup

• Allow buffer time for travel, bathroom breaks, snacks, or outfit changes

• Photographer captures venue details and guest arrivals

💒 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Ceremony Coverage

• Processional, vows, ring exchange, first kiss, recessional

• Guest reactions, decor, and emotional moments

• Tip: Remind guests not to block the aisle with phones. Unplugged ceremonies are ideal!

💕 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Post-Ceremony Group Photos

• Extended family and group combinations

• Start with the largest group and work your way down

🌇 4:30 PM – 5:15 PM | Couple’s Portraits (Golden Hour!)

• The most romantic and visually flattering time of day

• Outdoor or scenic location recommended

• Candid and posed shots for your wedding album

🎉 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Reception Coverage

• Grand entrance, speeches, first dance, dinner, cake cutting, bouquet/garter toss

• Dance floor action and emotional moments

• Candid guest interactions and behind-the-scenes details

• Tip: Plan key reception moments earlier if your photography package ends before the party finishes.*

📋 Tips for a Smooth Photography Timeline

• Add Buffers: Things will run late. Always include 15–30 minute buffers between major activities.

• Coordinate with Suppliers: Ensure your planner, makeup artist, and videographer are aligned with the timeline.

• Assign a Coordinator: Designate someone who knows your family to help wrangle groups for portraits.

• Trust Your Photographer: We’re here to guide you! We’ll help adjust the schedule based on light, weather, or unexpected delays.