Planning Your Wedding Photography Timeline

Apr 1

You're booking your wedding photographer! And you're excited! But you're deciding how many hours you'll need and it's a little overwhelming. What do people normally book? What does a wedding timeline even look like?

I've captured weddings of all sizes, budgets, cultures, religions, styles, and more –so whether you have hired a wedding planner or not, please know that I'm here to help your planning go smoothly! Most couples book between 8-10 hours, but this can vary depending on your ceremony length, moments you'd like captured, travel time between locations, if you’re taking off-site photos, and more.

I’ve created a 9-hour timeline below to help you visualize the flow of a wedding day as it pertains to photography. Please keep in mind that this is just a sample and may not reflect what your unique day will look like, so we’ll chat about any wishes and plans you have to develop a timeline that works best for you.

Sample Timeline - 9 Hours

12:30 - 1:00 Arrival & Details

I capture details first so I can give em' back to you to wear! During this time, I'll capture your rings, invitations, sentimental details, dress, shoes, perfume, watch, etc.

1:00 - 2:00 Getting Ready & Individual Portraits

Hair/makeup, pajama/robe photos, candid moments with your friends, getting into your dress/tux, etc. If time allows, this is also a great time for some solo portraits! If you and your partner are getting ready in different locations, you'll either need to pick one person to be captured during this time or be sure to book a second photographer.

2:30-2:35 First Look

This is the couple's first moment seeing each other dressed on the wedding day. While not for everyone, doing a First Look allows you to take photos before the ceremony for an easier flow and more time to enjoy cocktail hour/hanging with your loved ones after the ceremony.

2:35-3:15 Couple's & Solo Portraits

If you did a First Look, we'll take portraits of the two of you together and individually immediately afterward. If you decide against a First Look, we’ll capture your family photos, full wedding party photos, and all couples photos during cocktail hour.

3:15-3:45 Wedding Party Portraits

If you are doing a First Look and your bridal party is onsite, we'll likely take all wedding party portraits before the ceremony so you can enjoy more of cocktail hour. If not, we'll do full group photos after the ceremony during cocktail hour.

4:00-4:30 Ceremony Details & Guest Arrival

You two hide away and enjoy some alone time before the ceremony while I capture guest arrival, ceremony decor, etc.

4:30-5:00 Ceremony

The big "I do!" Ceremony length may vary based on cultural and/or faith-based practices.

5:00-5:30 Family Portraits

We'll take photos with your family members and close loved ones immediately after the ceremony. If you didn't do a First Look, we'll extend this time to also include your wedding party and couple's portraits.

5:30-6:00 Cocktail Hour & Reception Details

Guests mingling, champagne glasses, reception decor, etc. If you'd like, you can also do a private "room reveal" moment during this time—which gives you a private moment to practice your first dance!

6:00 Reception

Introductions, dinner, speeches, cake cutting, special dances, etc. If you'd like, we can sneak out sometime during your reception to get some quick portraits during Golden Hour (the hour before sunset that is known for warm, romantic natural light).

8:00 Dance Floor

It's party time! I'll bop around capturing you & your loved ones having an amazing time on the dance floor.

9:00-9:15 Night Portraits

While it's optional, I recommend taking 10-15 minutes for some quick night photos. Whether we capture a quiet moment alone, a sparkler exit, a champagne bottle spray, or you two being cute on a city street, these portraits are a great way to capture your "end-of-night" energy! If you're doing an outfit change, this is also a chance to get photos of your 2nd outfit.

9:30 Photography Ends

We take any final photos you'd like before I wrap up for the night.