Your wedding day isn’t a checklist. It’s not about perfectly timed moments or racing from one event to the next. It’s about being present, soaking it all in, and celebrating with the people who matter most. That’s why your timeline should feel more like a loose guide rather than a strict schedule. It’s there to help things flow smoothly, but it should also leave room for real moments, deep breaths, and time to just be with each other.
So, let’s talk about crafting a wedding day timeline that feels natural and relaxed.
A Timeline That Works for You
The best timelines aren’t rigid schedules. They have plenty of cushion time so you’re not stressed if something runs over. They let moments unfold naturally—giving you time to laugh, cry, hug your people, and actually experience your wedding day.
Here’s what I recommend:
- Build in extra time for each part of the day so you’re not stressed if something runs over.
- Prioritize what matters most. If photos with your grandparents are a must, let’s carve out time for them. If you’d rather spend cocktail hour with guests instead of taking extra portraits, we’ll make that happen.
- Trust the flow. Some moments can’t be scheduled—the spontaneous dance with your best friend, the quiet pause before walking down the aisle. Those are the ones you’ll remember most.
How Long Does Each Part of the Day Take to Photograph?
To help you plan a timeline that feels relaxed and natural, here’s a rough breakdown of how long different parts of your wedding day typically take us to capture:
- Getting Ready & Candid Moments – 90 minutes
- This includes both of you getting ready, surrounded by your people, with lots of candids mixed in. If you want detail photos, we’ll work with the elements of what you have—your jewelry, invitations, veil, etc.—and the space around you. We don’t create “styled” detail shots; instead, everything is captured as it naturally exists in your day, raw and true to your story.
- First Look & Couple’s Photos – 45 minutes to 1 hour
- This is your time to pause, take a deep breath, and just be together before the whirlwind of the day begins. Whether we’re walking through a quiet spot at your venue or hanging out in an alleyway downtown, it’s about the connection, not the perfect pose.
- Bridal Party Photos – 30 to 45 minutes
- This depends on the size of your group, but we keep it relaxed and fun. Think more “hanging out with your best people” than stiff, formal posing.
- Family Photos – 15 to 25 minutes
- The exact timing depends on the number of groupings. About three months before your wedding, we’ll send out a questionnaire asking for specific family listings. Please make sure everyone who needs to be in the photos is aware to stick around—this part moves fast, like an assembly line 😛.
- Private Couple’s Session – 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Whether it’s during golden hour or just after the ceremony, this is another chance for you two to step away, breathe, and soak in the day. No stress, no expectations—just the two of you, in the moment.
These are flexible estimates, and we always recommend building in extra time so you can enjoy the day without feeling rushed. The key is allowing space for real moments to unfold naturally rather than rushing from one event to the next.
Now, let’s look at some flexible timeline examples to help guide your day.
6-Hour Coverage (Focused on the Big Moments)
For couples who want coverage of the most meaningful parts of the day.
3:00 PM – First Look & Couple’s Photos (A quiet moment together before the day takes off)
4:00 PM – Hide away before the ceremony
4:30 PM – Ceremony (The big moment!)
5:00 PM – Family & Wedding Party Photos (Quick, efficient, and fun)
5:30 PM – Cocktail Hour & Candid Guest Moments
6:30 PM – Reception Begins (Dinner, speeches, first dance)
8:00 PM – Dance floor opens
9:00 PM – Photographer wraps up
8-Hour Coverage (Without a First Look)
For couples who want more of their day captured, from prep to the party, but prefer to see each other for the first time at the ceremony.
1:00 PM – Getting Ready (Music playing, people coming in and out, anticipation building)
2:30 PM – Wedding Party Photos (Separate sides—bridesmaids & groomsmen individually)
3:30 PM – Travel & Pre-Ceremony Moments
4:30 PM – Ceremony (Time slows down, the moment you’ve been waiting for)
5:00 PM – Family & Wedding Party Photos (Now that everyone is together)
5:30 PM – Cocktail Hour (You actually get to enjoy it!)
6:30 PM – Reception Begins (Dinner, speeches, first dance, golden-hour couple’s photos if you want)
8:00 PM – Open Dance Floor (And the best kind of chaos)
9:00 PM – Photographer wraps up
9-Hour Coverage (For Couples Who Want It All)
For weddings with multiple locations, lots of moments to capture, and time to breathe.
12:00 PM – Getting Ready (Details, deep breaths, little in-between moments)
1:30 PM – First Look & Couple’s Portraits (A chance to be together before everything starts)
2:30 PM – Wedding Party Photos (Your crew, your energy, your story)
3:30 PM – Travel & Pre-Ceremony Moments
4:30 PM – Ceremony (The heartbeat of the day)
5:00 PM – Family & Guest Candids (Hugs, happy tears, pure joy)
5:30 PM – Cocktail Hour (You actually get to be there for it)
6:30 PM – Reception Begins (Dinner, speeches, golden-hour couple’s photos)
8:00 PM – Dancing, Cake Cutting, All the Fun Stuff
9:00 PM – Photographer wraps up
Final Thoughts
Your timeline should work for you, not the other way around. It’s a guide—not a rulebook. The most important thing? Enjoy your day. Be in the moment. Let things unfold naturally.
Let’s make your wedding day feel like your love story!
View some of our recent weddings and engagement here.
