From Sunrise to ‘I Do’: A Photographer’s Take on Your Wedding Day Timeline
When it comes to planning your wedding day, the right schedule can make all the difference. Not only will it help keep stress at bay, but it’ll give your photographer (and videographer) the best window to capture all those moments you’ve dreamed about. Below, we’re walking you through a sample timeline with suggested start times and the reasoning behind each step—so you know exactly why we’re asking for that extra 10 minutes here and there.
7:00–9:00 AM: Getting Ready & Details
Hair and Makeup Start: Begin early enough to ensure everyone’s looking their best without rushing. This window might shift depending on the size of your wedding party and the complexity of hairstyles and makeup, but usually two hours before you slip into your dress works well.
Why It Matters for Photos: These hours let us capture the quiet anticipation: your wedding dress hanging near a window, your rings safely nestled in a pretty box, the laughter between bridesmaids as they get ready, and any personal heirlooms you want documented. Good light and calm vibes set the tone for the whole day.
9:30–10:00 AM: Getting into the Dress & Final Touches
By this time, hair and makeup should be wrapping up, and you’ll have a little breathing room before stepping into your gown.
Why It Matters for Photos: We’ll have a chance to capture that emotional moment when a parent or close friend helps button the back of your dress. Plus, having this done earlier leaves room for any last-minute fixes—like reapplying lipstick or adjusting a necklace—without cutting into the next step of your day.
10:00–10:30 AM: First Look (If You’re Doing One)
If you’ve chosen to have a first look, this is a great window to do it. You’ll both be fresh, looking your best, and the morning light can be soft and flattering.
Why It Matters for Photos: A first look often leads to some of the most genuine, heartfelt images of the whole day. By scheduling it now, you not only get gorgeous, natural lighting but also give yourselves a private moment to breathe together before the ceremony.
10:30–11:30 AM: Portraits (Just the Two of You)
After the first look, you’re already in the perfect frame of mind for portraits. We can take advantage of the excitement and emotion still buzzing in the air.
Why It Matters for Photos: Doing couple portraits earlier frees up more time later in the day so you can enjoy cocktail hour or be fully present for post-ceremony celebrations. Plus, the late morning light can still be quite beautiful, especially if you’ve chosen a spot with gentle shade or a scenic overlook.
11:30 AM–12:30 PM: Wedding Party & Family Portraits
Gathering your family and wedding party before the ceremony keeps things stress-free after you say “I do.” Let your wedding party know in advance where and when they need to be so everyone’s ready on time.
Why It Matters for Photos: Having these shots done early means fewer logistics to juggle later. We’ll capture everyone looking fresh, and you won’t have to chase down family members during the cocktail hour.
12:30–1:00 PM: A Moment to Breathe & Tidy Up
Now’s the time to grab a quick bite, hydrate, and do a last-minute veil fluff if needed. A little calm before the ceremony helps everyone relax.
Why It Matters for Photos: It’s not just about the photos themselves—it’s about ensuring you feel good, look good, and have the energy to be fully present. When you feel calm and happy, it shows in every image we capture.
1:00–1:30 PM: The Ceremony Start Time
Depending on your chosen length, most ceremonies last around 20–30 minutes. Work with your officiant to confirm an exact timing, and then be ready to roll when the music starts.
Why It Matters for Photos: Good lighting is key. An early afternoon ceremony means we’re likely dealing with midday sun, so choosing a ceremony spot with some natural shade, or timing it so the sun isn’t directly overhead, will help us capture clearer, more flattering images.
1:30–2:30 PM: Post-Ceremony Celebrations & Group Shots (If Needed)
If you didn’t complete all your family or group portraits beforehand, now’s the time. For couples who prefer to stick to tradition and see each other for the first time at the aisle, this slot is reserved for portraits.
Why It Matters for Photos: Immediate post-ceremony shots capture that just-married glow. If you chose to skip a first look, you’d slot couple portraits here. This timing ensures we still have great light, and you’ll both be on a natural high from just tying the knot.
2:30–4:00 PM: Cocktail Hour & Reception Setup
While guests move to cocktail hour, you might use these moments to grab detail shots of your reception space—before everyone settles in.
Why It Matters for Photos: Empty reception tables, personalized decor, and that stunning cake display should be captured in their untouched glory. Giving us time to document these details ensures your final gallery tells the full story of your day.
4:00–6:00 PM: Reception Festivities (Toasts, Dinner, Dancing)
The reception timeline can vary a lot based on your plans, but toasts typically happen after guests are seated and dinner service has begun.
Why It Matters for Photos: Good planning here ensures we’re in the right place at the right time for that emotional father-daughter dance or your best friend’s speech that’ll have everyone laughing (and maybe crying). Spacing out key events allows your photographer to move smoothly around the room, capturing all those can’t-miss moments.
6:00–7:00 PM: Golden Hour Photos (If Possible)
If your wedding date and venue timing line up, sneaking out during “golden hour” (the soft, warm light about an hour before sunset) can give you some of the day’s most jaw-dropping images.
Why It Matters for Photos: There’s something magical about golden hour light. Even if you already did portraits earlier, a quick 10-minute session now can yield stunning, romantic images that feel totally different from what we shot earlier in the day.
Remember, This Is Just a Template
Your wedding is unique—maybe you want a brunch wedding, a sunset ceremony, or a five-hour dance party. Adjust these times as needed, and lean on your photographer and planner for guidance. They’ve seen it all and know how to navigate timing, lighting, and logistics to keep everything running smoothly.
With a well-thought-out schedule, you’ll not only keep your day flowing nicely, but you’ll also give your photographer (and videographer) the best possible chances to capture the true essence of your celebration—from those first nervous jitters to that final spin on the dance floor.