The Wedding Day Timeline

Planning Guide

Planning your wedding day timeline can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be.

Below are real examples of how wedding days typically flow. While every celebration is unique, these sample timelines show how we structure the day to feel relaxed, intentional, and beautifully paced.

My goal is always the same:

  • A calm, unhurried experience

  • Natural, flattering light

  • Smooth transitions between locations

  • Enough margin so nothing feels rushed

When your timeline is thoughtfully built, the entire day feels effortless.

Before diving into examples, here are a few principles I use when building your timeline:

  • We build in intentional buffer time.

  • I typically photograph the ladies first so they can be tucked away before guests begin arriving.

  • Family portraits are organized from largest groupings down to smallest to release guests quickly.

  • Sunset light is prioritized whenever timing allows.

These small decisions make a big difference in how your day feels.

9 -Hour Wedding Day | First Look | 4:30 PM Ceremony

This structure allows many portraits to be completed before the ceremony, creating a more relaxed post-ceremony flow.

1:30 – 2:30 | Getting Ready

  • Detail photos (dress, veil, shoes, jewelry, invitation suite, heirlooms, perfume)

  • Bridesmaids finishing hair and makeup

  • Bride getting into her dress with assistance from mom and bridesmaids

  • Groom finishing touches (jacket, cufflinks, shoes, tie, boutonniere)

Preparation Tip: Have all detail items gathered in one place when I arrive so we can begin immediately.

2:30 – 3:00 | First Look & Private Portraits

This time is reserved just for the two of you (and the photo/video team).

It’s intimate, emotional, and allows us to complete many portraits before guests arrive.

3:00 – 4:00 | Pre-Ceremony Portraits

  • Bride + Bridesmaids

  • Immediate Family (optional before ceremony)

  • Full Bridal Party

  • Groom + Groomsmen

If you prefer to save family portraits for after the ceremony, we simply shift them.

4 – 4:30 | Pre-Ceremony Break (Intentional Buffer)

This window is intentional and protective of your timeline.

During this time:

  • The bride can freshen up and prepare for the processional.

  • The groom and groomsmen can complete final prep.

  • Reception details can be photographed (if at the same location).

This built-in margin keeps the day feeling calm instead of rushed.

4:30 – 5:00 | Ceremony

5:00 – 5:30 | Family Portraits

We move efficiently in this order:

  1. Largest extended family group

  2. Grandparents and families with small children

  3. Immediate family

  4. Full bridal party

  5. Bride & Groom

Having a designated photo helper and finalized photo list ensures this runs smoothly.

5:30 – 6:00 | Cocktail Hour / Travel

If needed, the wedding party may travel to the reception venue.

Additional portraits can be captured during this time.

6:00 – 6:15 | Reception Details

The reception space is photographed before guests enter.

This is also a wonderful time for:

  • Bustling the dress

  • Grabbing a quick bite

  • Taking a quiet moment together

6:30 – 10:30 | Reception Coverage

We follow your planner’s order of events while documenting:

  • Grand entrance

  • First dances

  • Toasts

  • Cake cutting

  • Sunset portraits (if timing allows)

  • Open dancing

  • Grand Exit

8-Hour Wedding Day | No First Look | 5:00 PM Ceremony

When you choose not to see each other before the ceremony, portraits are thoughtfully shifted to afterward.

2:00 – 3:00 | Getting Ready

  • Detail photography

  • Bridesmaids finishing prep

  • Bride getting dressed

  • Groom getting ready separately

3:00 – 4:30 | Pre-Ceremony Portraits (Separate)

Because you are not seeing each other yet, we photograph separately:

  • Bride + Bridesmaids

  • Individual bridal portraits

  • Groom + Groomsmen

  • Individual groom portraits

I typically photograph the ladies first so they can be tucked away before guests arrive. It is completely fine if guests see the groom.

4:30 – 5:00 | Pre-Ceremony Break

This intentional buffer allows:

  • Final touch-ups

  • Lining up for the processional

  • Groom prep

  • Reception detail photography (if same venue)

5:00 – 5:30 | Ceremony

5:30 – 6:20 | Post-Ceremony Portraits

Since couple portraits happen after the ceremony, we allow extended time for:

  1. Extended family

  2. Grandparents and small children

  3. Immediate family

  4. Bridal party

  5. Bride & Groom portraits

This timeline works beautifully — it simply requires organization and efficiency.

If your church only allows 30 min indoors for photos after the ceremony, we can finish our photos outdoors or at your second location.

7:00 – 10:00 | Reception Coverage

Reception events are captured according to your planner’s schedule

Church Ceremony | Earlier Ceremony Start

This structure works well when getting ready and ceremony occur at the church.

12:00 – 12:45 | Getting Ready at Church

  • Detail photos

  • Bridesmaids prep

  • Bride getting dressed

  • Groom finishing touches separately

12:45 – 2:00 | Pre-Ceremony Portraits

  • First Look (if chosen)

  • Immediate family

  • Bridal party

2:00 – 2:30 | Break & Prepare for Processional

A calm window for touch-ups and lineup.

2:30 – 3:00 | Ceremony (If a full Mass extend this time 30 min)

3:00 – 3:30 | Family Portraits at the Altar

Capturing portraits immediately while everyone is already present is incredibly efficient.

Travel to Reception Venue

Cocktail hour typically begins for your guests upon their arrival.

We then photograph:

  • Outdoor portraits

  • Reception details before guests enter

Ideally, sunset timing is considered when planning outdoor portraits.

Important Timeline Considerations

The Pre-Ceremony Buffer

This is an important parts of your day. It allows flexibility, reduces stress, and keeps the energy calm.

Family Portrait Efficiency

To ensure smooth family photos:

  • Please submit your finalized family photo list 2 weeks prior to your wedding date using the questionnaire provided.

  • Designate a family photo helper

  • Please ask your officiant to invite family members to return to their seats once the ceremony concludes. You can give key family members this reminder at the rehearsal.

Reception Details

Ideally, your reception space and decor is photographed before guests enter so it remains exactly as you envisioned.

Sunset Portraits

If the schedule permits and you desire sunset portraits, we can step away briefly to capture a few timeless images in the evening light.

This light is soft, romantic, and often becomes a favorite part of the gallery.

Final Thoughts

Every wedding day is unique. These examples simply show how we structure the day to keep it organized, efficient, and relaxed.

When you book with me, you’re not just booking photography coverage — you’re gaining thoughtful timeline guidance to ensure the day flows beautifully from beginning to end.

Their attention to detail and commitment to quality truly stood out. We’ve already recommended them to others.

—Former Customer