Wedding Photography Timeline
We wish that there was a universal timeline that we could share with all of our couples; but the beautiful thing about weddings is that each wedding is unique! However, that doesn’t mean we can’t help guide you. The thing that sets your wedding day up for success is not necessarily having a perfectly detailed timeline but rather making sure you have enough time for all of your must-have images. Additionally, you need to ensure you build in cushion in the event things don’t go as planned and give yourself time in the day to simply pause and catch your breath. Here’s a guide providing recommended amounts of time for each section of your day so be sure to reference this before you set up your timeline!
Details
Ideal Time Allotted – 20-30 minutes
- Having at least 30 minutes for details ensures that we have plenty of time to get that perfect photo of the dress, rings, shoes, bouquets and the other details of the day. With that said, you’ll want to make sure all of these details are present for your photographer!
- Ensure that all clutter is removed from the area, furniture is straightened and gowns or suits look pristine. This makes all the difference, trust us!
Details
Ideal Time Allotted – 20-30 minutes
- Having at least 30 minutes for details ensures that we have plenty of time to get that perfect photo of the dress, rings, shoes, bouquets and the other details of the day. With that said, you’ll want to make sure all of these details are present for your photographer!
- Ensure that all clutter is removed from the area, furniture is straightened and gowns or suits look pristine. This makes all the difference, trust us!
Preparation or “Getting Ready” (Bride)
Ideal Time Allotted – 90 minutes after the bride’s hair and make-up is done.
- When your hairstylist arrives, have her start on your bridesmaids first. The bride should go last so that when your photographer arrives, they catch those last-minute ‘getting ready’ shots and the bride looks the freshest.
- If you’re not interested in having photos of your hair and make-up done, no worries! Consider this time to be after your hair and makeup are done but before you get into your dress. Keep in mind that hair and make-up almost always run over time and it often can throw off the entire timeline of the day. To be safe, add 30 minutes onto whatever time your hair and make-up artists tell you they’ll be done.
- This is the best time for individual family portraits with immediate family. Typically, after the ceremony time is only allotted for family groupings and not individual portraits.
Preparation or “Getting Ready” (Bride)
Ideal Time Allotted – 90 minutes after the bride’s hair and make-up is done.
- When your hairstylist arrives, have her start on your bridesmaids first. The bride should go last so that when your photographer arrives, they catch those last-minute ‘getting ready’ shots and the bride looks the freshest.
- If you’re not interested in having photos of your hair and make-up done, no worries! Consider this time to be after your hair and makeup are done but before you get into your dress. Keep in mind that hair and make-up almost always run over time and it often can throw off the entire timeline of the day. To be safe, add 30 minutes onto whatever time your hair and make-up artists tell you they’ll be done.
- This is the best time for individual family portraits with immediate family. Typically, after the ceremony time is only allotted for family groupings and not individual portraits.
Preparation or “Getting Ready” (Groom)
Ideal Time Allotted – 45-60 minutes
- Men tend to get overlooked during this part of the day and we’re here to stop that! This is the perfect time to be getting individual portraits of the groom, group shots with groomsmen and other details such as boutonniere, cufflinks, vow books, etc.
- This is the best time for individual family portraits. Typically after the ceremony is when time only allots for family groupings.
Preparation or “Getting Ready” (Groom)
Ideal Time Allotted – 45-60 minutes
- Men tend to get overlooked during this part of the day and we’re here to stop that! This is the perfect time to be getting individual portraits of the groom, group shots with groomsmen and other details such as boutonniere, cufflinks, vow books, etc.
- This is the best time for individual family portraits. Typically after the ceremony is when time only allots for family groupings.
First Look
Ideal Time Allotted – 45-60 minutes
- The first look should be around 45-60 minutes. During this time, you will get to see each other and share some quiet and intimate moments for your last time together before you are officially married. While the actual first look might only be 5-10 minutes, the rest of the time is spent on portraits of you and your partner.
- These likely will be the only quiet moments you have together on your entire wedding day therefore we recommend keeping this private. These are intimate moments that are usually the only time on your wedding day that you’re free of distraction and have a moment just to yourselves.
- We know friends and family can be anxious to witness these moments but they’ll be able to relive the moment through the beautiful images photographed! If you haven’t already, you can consider hiring a videographer to capture this so then they get the true essence of this magical moment!
- If you have pets apart of your wedding, this is a great time to include them.
First Look
Ideal Time Allotted – 45-60 minutes
- The first look should be around 45-60 minutes. During this time, you will get to see each other and share some quiet and intimate moments for your last time together before you are officially married. While the actual first look might only be 5-10 minutes, the rest of the time is spent on portraits of you and your partner.
- These likely will be the only quiet moments you have together on your entire wedding day therefore we recommend keeping this private. These are intimate moments that are usually the only time on your wedding day that you’re free of distraction and have a moment just to yourselves.
- We know friends and family can be anxious to witness these moments but they’ll be able to relive the moment through the beautiful images photographed! If you haven’t already, you can consider hiring a videographer to capture this so then they get the true essence of this magical moment!
- If you have pets apart of your wedding, this is a great time to include them.
Wedding Party Photos
Ideal Time Allotted – 45-60 minutes
- Wedding Party Photos should be around 45 minutes to 1 hour. During this time, we get a variety of shots in a variety of poses.
- Depending on the size of your wedding party and how many shots you got during “getting ready” photos, you may need more time.
Wedding Party Photos
Ideal Time Allotted – 45-60 minutes
- Wedding Party Photos should be around 45 minutes to 1 hour. During this time, we get a variety of shots in a variety of poses.
- Depending on the size of your wedding party and how many shots you got during “getting ready” photos, you may need more time.
Family Formals
Ideal Time Allotted – 30 minutes
- Plan on 3 minutes per group on average.
- We all know how much weddings mean to the immediate family and we want to make sure we’re capturing enough pictures with them. A designated point person will be needed to coordinate the shots.
- Remind your family members that need to be present for formals to stick around after the ceremony! There will not be time to chase people down and if the portrait doesn’t happen during this time, it likely won’t happen at all.
Family Formals
Ideal Time Allotted – 30 minutes
- Plan on 3 minutes per group on average.
- We all know how much weddings mean to the immediate family and we want to make sure we’re capturing enough pictures with them. A designated point person will be needed to coordinate the shots.
- Remind your family members that need to be present for formals to stick around after the ceremony! There will not be time to chase people down and if the portrait doesn’t happen during this time, it likely won’t happen at all.
Couples Session
(post ceremony)
Ideal Time Allotted – 45-60 minutes
- Even if you did a first look, you still need to take time after your ceremony to capture the first professional images of you both as a married couple!
- If you did a first look, you can reduce time.
Couples Session
(post ceremony)
Ideal Time Allotted – 45-60 minutes
- Even if you did a first look, you still need to take time after your ceremony to capture the first professional images of you both as a married couple!
- If you did a first look, you can reduce time.
Reception Detail
and Venue
Ideal Time Allotted – 30 minutes
- If you have two photographers, you can designate them to capture reception room details. If you do not have a second photographer, you can do a “reception first look” where the finished space is revealed to you for the first time. It’s a great opportunity to get candid reactions and for the photographer to capture a few room details before the night begins.
Reception Detail
and Venue
Ideal Time Allotted – 30 minutes
- If you have two photographers, you can designate them to capture reception room details. If you do not have a second photographer, you can do a “reception first look” where the finished space is revealed to you for the first time. It’s a great opportunity to get candid reactions and for the photographer to capture a few room details before the night begins.
End of Night Portraits
Ideal Time Allotted – 20-30 minutes
- During the reception, please plan on sneaking out for a couple of night shots. We don’t need much time but these images are so nice to have as they make great ending images in your wedding album. The ideal time for this is right after you grab a bite to eat or during the open floor dancing after you’ve danced a few songs and would like a break.
End of Night Portraits
Ideal Time Allotted – 20-30 minutes
- During the reception, please plan on sneaking out for a couple of night shots. We don’t need much time but these images are so nice to have as they make great ending images in your wedding album. The ideal time for this is right after you grab a bite to eat or during the open floor dancing after you’ve danced a few songs and would like a break.
If a certain part of your day isn’t listed here, not to worry! It just means it’s the documentary part of your day. Nothing will be choreographed, and we will just be capturing the moment as it comes.
Checklist to go over with your lead photographer!
- When and where you would like your photographer to start?
- Timeline for the day
- Are you doing a first look with your spouse or family member?
- Are there any family dynamics that they should know for family portraits/groupings? Keep in mind, it’s good to let your photographer know of these details but it’s your point person’s responsibility for managing them.
- Any surprises or quirks they should know to capture?
- Shot list. Because wedding days are ever changing and fluid, keep in mind that there are many reasons why not every single shot can be done on a shot list. Make sure your shot list has some flexibility.
- Is there a point-of-contact for your day-of that your photographer should know about?
Checklist to go over with your lead photographer!
- When and where you would like your photographer to start?
- Timeline for the day
- Are you doing a first look with your spouse or family member?
- Are there any family dynamics that they should know for family portraits/groupings? Keep in mind, it’s good to let your photographer know of these details but it’s your point person’s responsibility for managing them.
- Any surprises or quirks they should know to capture?
- Shot list. Because wedding days are ever changing and fluid, keep in mind that there are many reasons why not every single shot can be done on a shot list. Make sure your shot list has some flexibility.
- Is there a point-of-contact for your day-of that your photographer should know about?