The anticipation I get for each of my couple’s wedding days is so exciting! I know how much time you’ve spent planning this perfect wedding day and hearing all the details and plans makes me so excited to capture them. One of the key elements to preserving your moments is having a well-planned wedding day timeline. A smooth, well-thought-out schedule ensures everything runs seamlessly, allowing us to capture those unforgettable moments without stressing or rushing around. 

Coordinating timelines with various vendors and family members can be overwhelming, so I’ve compiled this guide to help you create a photo-friendly wedding day timeline. Not only will this give you peace of mind, but it will also ensure that you’re prepared when others start asking about the timeline for the day!

When creating your wedding day timeline, there are several factors to keep in mind:

• First Look: Whether you choose to have a first look can significantly impact the timing of your day.
• Ceremony Time: The start time of your ceremony will dictate much of the schedule before and after, as the ceremony is what we build the timeline around.
• Cocktail Hour: Deciding whether you want to join your guests for cocktail hour or use that time for photos.
• Sunset: The timing of sunset on your wedding day is crucial for capturing your photos, especially if you’re having a fall or winter wedding.

Table of Contents:

• Getting Ready
• First Look and Couples Portraits
• Ceremony
• Family and Wedding Party Photos
• Cocktail Hour
• Reception Events
• Golden Hour Photos
• End of the Night
• Now Let’s Put Everything Together
  • Timeline Without a First Look
  • Timeline With a First Look
• Important Tips

Getting Ready:

Timing – 2 hours.

Keep in mind that hair and makeup will take 3-4 hours, depending on the number of bridesmaids and stylists. I always recommend having hair and makeup all done or at least wrapping up the last person when I arrive. It’s essential to allow for some buffer time in case of delays. 

Once I arrive, I will capture all of the smaller details, such as your dress, invitations, shoes, and jewelry. I’ll also capture any candid moments while you and your wedding party are hanging out, whether you’ve got matching pajamas or want to pop some champagne. You’ll want to ensure your getting ready location has plenty of natural light. Also, be sure to keep the space tidy, especially the area we’ll be taking photos in.

First Look and Couples Portraits:

Timing – 1 hour.

A first look can be a beautiful, private moment for you and your partner before the ceremony. It helps ease pre-ceremony jitters and allows for longer portrait time. I fully believe in giving you two as much time as you need for this quiet, intimate moment so I can capture all of the genuine reactions. 

After the first look, we will spend about 30-40 minutes on couple portraits. This allows us to take advantage of all the beautiful surroundings of your venue and get a great variety of portraits without feeling rushed.

Ceremony:

Timing – 30 minutes

Ceremonies vary in length depending on traditions and personal preferences. Plan for guests to arrive around 30 minutes before the ceremony starts. Communicate the order of events with your officiant to get a clear idea of how long it will actually be.

Family and Wedding Party Photos:

Timing – 30 minutes – 1 hour

Depending on whether you do a first look, we’ll take family photos right after the ceremony. This part can be a bit chaotic, so having a list of must-have photos will make it go smoothly. If we take some family photos beforehand, we’ll still need some time for any extended family photos or anyone who wasn’t there before the ceremony. Be sure to inform family members ahead of time where they need to be for photos to avoid any delays.

If we’ve done a first look, we’ll complete the wedding party photos before the ceremony starts. Otherwise, we’ll photograph each individual side before the ceremony and then photograph the whole wedding party together after completing the family photos.

Cocktail Hour: 

Timing – 1 hour

While your guests enjoy cocktail hour, depending on our timeline, we’ll capture candid moments of everyone mingling and enjoying the atmosphere. If you’ve got any unique details like signature drinks, I’ll be sure to photograph these and any of the horderves

Reception Events:

Timing – 3 hours

The reception is always filled with key events and lots of fun moments. The sequence of your reception events can vary depending on what you want to include and when you want to do it. You’ll want to coordinate with your DJ or band to ensure transitions between events. This helps keep the energy high and the schedule on track.  

Golden Hour Photos:

Timing – 15 minutes

The golden hour glow offers the perfect lighting for stunning portraits, and I always encourage my couples to step away for a few minutes with me to get these amazing photos. Even if we’ve already taken most of your portraits, a quick 15 minutes during this time can result in some of the most beautiful pictures of the day. These photos can also be more relaxed and fun since all the big key moments are over, and it’s time to party! 

End of the Night:

Timing – 30 minutes

As your reception winds down, there are a few things that we’ll need to make time for. Some couples enjoy ending the night with a private last dance between them while their guests line up for the grand exit outside. Whether you want a sparkler, confetti, or bubble exit, we’ll get all the fun photos and get you in your classic getaway car.

Now Let’s Put Everything Together:

Here are sample timelines to give you an idea of the whole day put together; I’ll share the timeline with and without a first look.

Without a First Look:

2:00 PM – Emma starts with details

3:00 PM – Photos of the bride in robe/jammies, dress on, and portraits of the bride getting ready

4:00 PM – Groom with groomsmen (second shooter at a separate location) & Bride with bridesmaids (Emma at a separate location)

4:30 PM – Individual family formals – Emma with bride and family, second shooter with groom and family

5:00 PM- Bride and groom in hiding (Photograph ceremony and reception details, prep for ceremony, break)

6:00 PM – Ceremony

6:30 PM- Combined family formals and combined bridal party

7:00 PM – Sunset portraits

8:00 PM- Actual Sunset

10:00 PM – Exit

10:30 PM – Coverage ends

With a First Look:

1:00 PM – Emma starts with details

2:00 PM – Photos of the bride in robe/jammies, dress on, and portraits of the bride getting ready

3:00 PM – First Look

3:30 PM – Bride and Groom Portraits

4:00 PM – Bridal Party

4:30 PM – Family formals

5:00 PM- Bride and groom in hiding (Photograph ceremony and reception details, prep for ceremony, break)

6:00 PM – Ceremony

6:30 PM – Remaining family formals extended family, if any

7:00 PM – Sunset portraits

8:00 PM- Actual Sunset

10:00 PM – Exit

10:30 PM – Coverage ends

Important Tips:

• If you’d like to share a first look with anyone else, such as dad or bridesmaids, we’ll need to add 15 minutes.
• We will wrap up all photos an hour before the ceremony starts. This is so my team and I can get set up and capture the ceremony and reception details, and you can relax and refresh!
• Limit family groupings to 15-20, so we’re not too overwhelmed trying to get all the different groupings. 
• If travel is involved, I always include extra buffer time in case of backups and time for loading, unloading, and finding parking.
• We’ll need to allow extra time for portraits at larger properties (e.g., Magnolia Plantation or Middleton Place) due to walking or golf carting around the venue.

I hope this guide helps you feel confident creating your wedding day timeline draft. I’m here to help every step of the way, and I will create a photo-friendly final timeline. I can’t wait for your wedding day!