How to Build your wedding day photography timeline
Capturing Your Love Story
Your wedding day is a grand adventure, an intimate day of love, laughter, and cherished moments. To capture every precious second, a well-planned wedding day photography timeline is essential. Think of this timeline as the recipe for a picture-perfect day, ensuring each magical moment is preserved in the most beautiful way. This blog post will guide you through crafting a comprehensive photography schedule that captures the essence of your love story while creating a seamless, stress-free day.



Recipe for Your Wedding Day Photography Timeline
Flat Lay: Setting the Scene (40-55 Minutes)
Before the whirlwind begins, let's start with the details—those intimate touches that tell your story. The flat lay includes invitations, jewelry, shoes, and other meaningful items. Creating a beautiful arrangement takes time, so allow 40 minutes for capturing these details. If your dress needs to travel or we need extra space to create this visual masterpiece, consider adding an extra 15 minutes.
Tip: Scope out a space with natural light or a clean backdrop to enhance the elegance of your flat lay. Your photographer can help with this.
Getting Ready: The Anticipation Builds
Bride's Preparation: (30-60 Minutes)
This is a time of transformation and excitement, as you step into your dream dress and prepare to meet your love at the altar. Dedicate 30 to 60 minutes to capture these moments—your laughter, intimate conversations, and those first stunning glimpses in the mirror. Again, you’ll want some extra time here because there is usually an element of chaos in the getting ready phase of the day. We will need a few extra minutes built in for cleaning up the space, finding the best light and to ensure that this time does not become stressful if hair and makeup falls behind.
Tip: Consider having your hair and makeup completed in a room with plenty of natural light, near a window or with a ring light for radiant photos.
Groom's Preparation: (30 Minutes)
Meanwhile, across the hall, the groom is getting ready, surrounded by his closest companions. Allocate 30 minutes for these shots, highlighting the camaraderie and anticipation.
Tip: A second photographer can capture these moments simultaneously, ensuring every detail is documented.
First Look(s): Love at First Sight (20 Minutes Each)
Ah, the first look—a magical moment that stands still in time. Whether it's between the bride and groom or a special reveal to your bridal party, parents or pets, allow 15-20 minutes for this heartfelt exchange. The raw emotion and love will be beautifully encapsulated in your wedding album.
Tip: Choose a secluded, picturesque spot for this intimate moment to unfold naturally.
Bridal Party Portraits: Celebrating Friendship (20 Minutes Each Side)
Your bridal party—your partners-in-adventure. Allocate 20 minutes for each side, plus additional time for a few full group shots. Capture the laughter, the toasts, and the shared joy that forms the backdrop of your wedding day. If you’d like an editorial style group pose on stairs or with some chairs, we will want 5-10 minutes to set that up depending upon how many people we are posing.
Tip: Encourage natural interactions and candid moments for more genuine portraits.
Ceremony Details: The Stage is Set (10 Minutes)
Before guests arrive, have your photographer capture the empty ceremony space. This allows you to document the beautiful setting before it fills with love and laughter.
Tip: A second photographer can take these shots while the main photographer focuses on pre-ceremony preparations.
Ceremony: Sealing Your Vows (1 Hour)
Plan for a 30-minute ceremony with a 30-minute buffer for guests to arrive and transition into the receiving line. This ensures time to capture every vow, every tear, and every smile as you begin your adventure together.
Tip: Discuss any special moments or traditions with your photographer in advance.
Reception Details: First Impressions (10-15 Minutes)
Capture the reception space in its pristine state. Add a couple's first look at the reception for an additional 5 minutes to document your reaction to the stunning setup.
Tip: Have your main photographer handle these shots while the second photographer captures post-ceremony moments.
Family Portraits: Cherished Connections (20-40 Minutes)
Allocate 20 minutes for an average of 10 groupings. If you have a larger family or many groupings, consider up to 40 minutes to ensure no one is missed.
Tip: Pre-plan the groupings and communicate them to your family to streamline the process.
Bride and Groom Portraits: A Moment for Two (30 Minutes)
Spend 30 minutes capturing intimate portraits of just the two of you. If travel is required, factor in additional time to ensure you're relaxed and unhurried.
Tip: Choose a location that holds special meaning for you both to add depth to your photos.
Cocktail Hour: Mingling and Memories (30-60 Minutes)
While guests enjoy the cocktail hour, use this time to capture candid moments and interactions. This is also an opportunity for the second photographer to capture additional details and guest candids.
Tip: Consider scheduling this in the shade or when the lighting is optimal for outdoor shots.
Reception: Let the Celebration Begin (3+ Hours)
Allocate three hours to cover the entrance, speeches, first dance, anniversary dance, candid shots, games, and dancing. Capture the energy and joy as your guests celebrate your love.
Tip: Plan for a full group guest shot on the dance floor to capture everyone in attendance.
Golden Hour Portraits: A Magical Glow (20 Minutes)
Golden hour—the sweet spot of the day when the light is breathtakingly beautiful. Spend 15-20 minutes capturing these ethereal portraits that will become the highlight of your album.
Tip: Work with your photographer to time these shots perfectly during the sunset.
Private Last Dance: A Moment Alone (10 Minutes)
As the night winds down, steal away for a private last dance. Just the two of you—an intimate finale to your day.
Tip: Choose a meaningful song to make this moment unforgettable.
Formal or Faux Exit: A Grand Finale (10 Minutes)
Whether it's sparklers, confetti, or bubbles, plan a formal (end of the night) or faux exit around 8pm to cap off your celebration with a touch of flair.
Tip: Coordinate with your photographer to ensure they capture the joy of this moment. A faux exit is a great way to include everyone in on the fun before the tired folks head out for the evening.
Buffer Time: Embrace the Unexpected (5-15 Minutes Between Events)
Allow 5 to 15 minutes of buffer time between each event to accommodate the unexpected. This flexibility ensures a smooth flow and reduces stress.
Tip: Trust your wedding planner and photographer to help manage transitions.


Crafting Your Love Story
Planning your wedding day photography timeline is like creating a symphony—each part plays a crucial role in capturing your special day. By considering the time needed for each event and incorporating buffer time, you'll create a seamless, stress-free day that allows you to be fully present in each moment.
As you plan, think about the memories you'd like to capture and the emotions you'd like to preserve. How do you envision your wedding day unfolding? What moments do you want to remember forever? By crafting a thoughtful timeline, you ensure that every cherished memory is captured, allowing you to relive the magic of your wedding day for years to come.
Remember, this is your love story—make it uniquely yours. Happy planning!