Creating Your Wedding Day Timeline

Sep 27

If you're not working with a planner it's important that you and your photographer work together to create a schedule that will not only allow them to do their best work but also, so you will have a stress-free day.

A good timeline will make sure you —

Enjoy your day and be present (not thinking about what you have to do next or what time it is)
Get all the photos you want with great lighting
Avoid being stressed, rushed, or bored

Most weddings need 8-10 hours of coverage, and don’t forget to account for travel time and buffer time in case anything goes overtime. You don't want to cram too many things into a tight schedule because nothing is perfect and that’s just how life goes. I don’t make the rules! Plan for things to take longer than you think and everyone can feel relaxed and present all day long. A fast-paced, tight schedule will literally make you feel like your day is going faster and will result in stress. We're going to avoid that together.

Other than that, lighting is what makes or breaks photos so natural sunlight should be a top consideration when making timeline decisions. In fact, the first thing I want you to do is go look up the sunset time on your wedding day. Go do it right now!

Details | 30-45 minutes

Details is where you’ll typically start the photo timeline. It includes documenting the setting like the landscape, weather, the atmosphere, venue, and surroundings. It also includes all the details and accessories you’ve spent time choosing, like your dress, flat lays of your invitations, shoes, rings, heirlooms and really anything that's important to you two to tell the story of your day. It’s best if you gather all the details ahead of time so your photographer can jump right in when they arrive.

Getting Ready | 60-90 minutes

Getting ready together is such an amazing part of the wedding day that is often overlooked. My favorite photos of wedding days come before the ceremony even happens.

Include plenty of buffer time for the morning things to run behind. Hair & makeup notoriously take long (but we love them anyway!) Leave some extra time to put your dress on and soak everything in. If you have a 2nd shooter, I'll send them over to shoot one party, otherwise, I’ll split my time between you two.

If you’re thinking of skipping photos of this time - read this first: Why Not to Skip “Getting Ready” Photos

First Look | 30-45 minutes

Beforehand, your photographer will help you find a spot that’s private and intimate, set you both up, and then give you some time together to soak it all in. No rush, and when you’re ready, you can take a couple of portraits together. Check out my blog on why you should have a first look, here.

Wedding Party | 30 minutes

For wedding parties, how much time you need depends on how big your party is. A good rule of thumb is 30 minutes for the wedding party so your photographer can get a few large group shots, group shots of each side of the wedding party, and individual portraits with you and each member so each of your friends has their own photo with you!

Ceremony Details | 20 minutes

Make sure you give your photographer some time to get into the ceremony space and document the details and the room before guests start to enter.

Ceremony | 30-60 minutes

You should include 30 minutes of buffer time before the ceremony to hide away while guests arrive & give your photographer time to shoot the details before anyone gets in the room. Ceremonies typically last anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes.

Family Photos | 30-45 minutes

What can often be a chaotic part of the day, how much time you need depends on how big your families are. A good rule of thumb is 30-45 for family. It can take 3-4 minutes to capture each family combo.

Reception Details | 20 minutes

Your photographer will usually photograph the reception room during cocktail hour and get photos of all the details and decor. If you skipped a first look and have a second photographer, they can jump in a do this while the lead is taking family & wedding party photos.

Cocktail Hour | 60-90 minutes

If you skip a first look for a more traditional timeline, you’ll want to consider extending your cocktail hour to 90 minutes since you’ll need to cover family photos, wedding party photos, and your couples portraits during this time. Otherwise, take a few minutes for extra portraits, take a few extended family photos, and/or just head to cocktail hour and spend more time with your guests. Cocktail hour is also great for tons of candids!

Couples Portraits | 30-45 minutes

Always make sure you leave time for yourself! A lot of my couples will split this time between portraits after a first look, after family/wedding party photos, and to sneak out at sunset. If you want, schedule the whole time for golden hour.

Golden Hour Portraits | 30 minutes

“I regret taking photos at golden hour” said NO ONE EVER. Golden hour is the last hour before sunset and I highly highly recommend making time for them. If you must skip them, booooo, consider taking a few minutes from your reception for some high-flash editorial portraits after the sun goes down.

Dinner & Dancing | 3-5 hours

Receptions typically last from 3 to 5 hours. If you don't want me to cover your exit, it's recommended I leave after an hour of dancing. Think 15-20 minutes for your entrance, first dance, & parent dances, 10 -20 minutes for toasts, 1 hour for dinner, 10 minutes cake cutting, 1 hour+ for dancing photos, and 20 minutes to set up and shoot a grand exit.