A Detailed Photography Based Wedding Day Timeline | A Bride’s Guide

Hey there!

I know putting together and planning a photography-based wedding day timeline can be a bit intimidating! So much to consider:

• How much time is needed?
• What’s the best order for everything to flow smoothly?
• How does light affect everything, from the first look to the ceremony to sunset portraits?

While it might not be the most “fun” or “exciting” part of planning, a well-crafted timeline can significantly impact your wedding photography. While no two weddings are identical, there are many similarities. Timelines can vary based on factors like a first look, multiple locations, budget, and desired photography coverage.

The following timeline is based on a 6 PM ceremony (late spring, summer, or early fall) and includes a first look (which I highly recommend).

2:30 – 3:15: Bridal Details and Hair & Makeup (45 minutes) Every bride loves those beautiful shots of her details. It’s a crucial part of the story, and I enjoy capturing the dress, shoes, rings, perfume, bouquet, jewelry, invitations, and more. This also helps me warm up for the rest of the day. I typically allocate 45 minutes for this. While I’m focused on the details, I’ll also capture moments of the bride and her girls getting ready. If the groom is nearby, my second shooter will start capturing the guys about 40 minutes before the first look, as they usually get ready quicker.

3:15 – 3:45: Bridal Prep (30 minutes) After the details are photographed, it’s time for the bride to get into her dress! It’s a big moment! I usually ask the mother of the bride and bridesmaids to be ready when the bride is ready to dress. This ensures everyone looks great in the photos. Once the bride is in her gown, she can add her jewelry, veil, and shoes, and I’ll capture some additional bridal portraits.

Tip: Always allocate more time than you think for hair and makeup.

4:00: First Look (30 minutes) This is one of my favorite parts of the wedding day! I’ll scout the perfect location for the first look beforehand. Don’t worry about that; I’ll find a private and secluded spot. The first 15 minutes are for the bride and groom to arrive, get into position, and hear instructions. The remaining 15 minutes are for them to soak in the moment, embrace, and chat.

Tip: A timely first look often keeps the rest of the day on schedule.

For more on first looks, check out my blog post “The First Look Explained.”

4:15 – 4:45: Bride & Groom Portraits and Individuals (30 minutes) After the first look, I’ll capture romantic portraits of the couple while the excitement is still fresh. I’ll also scout locations for these shots. Remember, the light determines where we shoot, so I can’t finalize locations until the day of. As we capture these portraits, the bridal party can start gathering for group shots.

4:50 – 5:20: Bridal Party Portraits (45 minutes) It’s time for bridal party photos! I always build in extra time for unexpected delays. To stay on schedule, having someone pin on boutonnieres before the guys arrive is helpful. During these portraits, the goal is to capture great shots of the guys and girls, both separately and together. After the bridal party photos, the bride will hide, and the ushers can begin their duties.

5:30 – 6:00: Bride & Groom Rest and Retouch + Ceremony Decor (30 minutes) This time is crucial for the couple to relax, retouch, and hide from guests. It also provides a buffer in case the timeline falls behind. If the ceremony and reception are in the same location, I’ll capture the untouched reception decor during this time. If they’re in different locations, having a cocktail hour outside the main reception area can allow me to capture the reception setup before guests arrive.

6:00 – 6:30: Ceremony (30 minutes) Time to get married! Most ceremonies last around 30 minutes. If your ceremony is longer, we’ll adjust the timeline accordingly. Cherish these moments; they’ll fly by!

6:40 – 7:10: Immediate Family Portraits (30 minutes) Family formals typically happen right after the ceremony. It’s best to do them all at once, as all family members will be present. We’ll need about 30 minutes, and I’ll send a questionnaire beforehand to list desired shots. Outdoor portraits are ideal for a more natural look, especially if the ceremony location is dark.

7:15 – 7:30: Just Married Portraits (30 minutes) 7:00 PM is the golden hour for portraits in late spring, summer, and early fall. I love capturing a few “just married” portraits of the couple after family formals.

7:30: Reception Begins (120 minutes) The bridal party enters, the party starts! At this point, the timeline is more flexible. I’ll work with the natural light and focus on capturing key moments like grand entrances, first dances, toasts, cake cutting, and about an hour of open dancing.

For more coverage of open dancing or a grand exit, consider adding more hours to your photography package.

10:30: The Exit An 8-hour photography package typically covers the main reception events and an hour of dancing. If you want photos of your exit, discuss options with your photographer.

I hope this blog post is helpful! Partner with your wedding photographer to create a timeline that’s organized, smooth, and tailored to your specific needs.

More wedding planning tips below!

5 Reasons to Include a First Look in your Wedding Timeline

Stress Free Wedding Planning

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