Sample Wedding Timelines

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Timelines

An effective timeline includes specific moments throughout the wedding day that a photographer should capture and the estimated time frames for each and is helpful for couples to plan their wedding day schedule and ensure they get the most out of their photography package.

Explore a variety of photography timeline samples below.

Explore Timelines
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Timeline Samples

Basic wedding coverage includes 6 hours of coverage. Check out this sample timeline based on 6 hours of photography coverage, with a first look and a 6p ceremony time.

3:30 | Arrival
*hair + makeup must be done*
3:40 | Bridesmaids in robes, cheers! 
3:50 | Capture Details | Dress, invitations, jewelry etc.
*bridesmaids get dressed*
4:10 | Bride gets zipped up, shoes, earrings, veil etc.
4:30 | First Look with Groom followed by Couples Portraits
4:50 | Bridesmaids Portraits 
5:10| Groomsmen Portraits
5:30 | Venue Decor Shots + Guest Arrival
*wedding party hides*
6:00 | Ceremony
6:30 | Ceremony Ends
*cocktail hour begins*
6:40 | Family Formals
7:00 | Full Wedding Party 
7:10 | Couples Portraits 2nd Location
7:30 | Bustle Dress + Wedding Party Line Up
7:40 | Bride and Groom Entrance to Reception
9:20 |  Fake exit or final photos
9:30 | Photographer Departure

Basic wedding coverage includes 6 hours of coverage. Check out this sample timeline based on 6 hours of photography coverage, without a first look and a 6p ceremony time.

4:00 | Arrival
*hair + makeup must be done*
4:10 | Bridesmaids in robes, cheers! 
4:20 | Capture Details | Dress, invitations, jewelry etc.
4:40 | Bride gets zipped up, shoes, earrings, veil etc.
5:00 |Bridesmaids Portraits
5:20 | Groomsmen Portraits
5:45 | Venue Decor Shots + Guest Arrival
6:00 | Ceremony
6:30 | Ceremony Ends
*cocktail hour begins*
6:40 | Family Formals
7:00 | Full Wedding Party 
7:10 | Couples Portraits 
7:30 | Bustle Dress + Wedding Party Line Up
7:40 | Bride and Groom Entrance to Reception
9:45 |  Fake exit or final photos
10:00 | Photographer Departure

Check out this sample of an 8 hour package timeline written, based on a 6p ceremony time with a first look!

3:00 | Arrival
*Bridal hair and makeup must be near completion*
3:10 | Final shots of bridal hair and makeup
3:20 | Capture Details | Dress, invitations, jewelry etc.
3:40 | Bridesmaids in robes, cheers!
3:50 | Groom getting ready *bridesmaids get dressed*
4:00 | Bride gets zipped up, shoes, earrings, veil etc.
4:20 | First Look with Groom followed by Couples Portraits
4:45 | Bridesmaids Portraits
5:00 | Full Wedding Party
5:15 | Groomsmen Portraits
5:30 | Venue Decor Shots and Capture Guest Arrival
*wedding party hides*
6:00 | Ceremony 
6:30 | Ceremony Ends
6:40 | Family Formals
*cocktail hour begins*
7 | Full Wedding Party/ Catch Up On Any Missing Photos
7:10 | Couples Portraits #2
7:30 | Bustle Dress + Wedding Party Line Up
7:40 | Bride and Groom Entrance to Reception
10:45 |  Exit
11:00 | Photographer Departure

With 8 hours of coverage, you do have some flexibility when it comes to opting out of a first look.  Check out this sample timeline without a first look based on a 6p ceremony time.

3:00 | Arrival
*Bridal hair and makeup must be near completion*
3:10 | Final shots of bridal hair and makeup
3:20 | Capture Details | Dress, invitations, jewelry etc.
3:40 | Bridesmaids in robes, cheers!
3:50 | Groom getting ready *bridesmaids get dressed*
4:00 | Bride gets zipped up, shoes, earrings, veil etc.
4:20 |Bridesmaids Portraits
4:40 | Bridal Portraits
5:00 | Groomsmen Portraits
5:30 | Venue Decor Shots and Capture Guest Arrival
*wedding party hides*
6:00 | Ceremony 
6:30 | Ceremony Ends
6:40 | Family Formals
*cocktail hour begins*
7 | Full Wedding Party/ Catch Up On Any Missing Photos
7:10 | Couples Portraits #2
7:30 | Bustle Dress + Wedding Party Line Up
7:40 | Bride and Groom Entrance to Reception
10:45 |  Exit
11:00 | Photographer Departure

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Timeline TIps

Always start your timeline with setting your ceremony time first, then work backwards or forward from there to build out the rest of your day. The time of day that your wedding ceremony may be dictated by your venue based on availability, but there are a few things to consider.

Indoor or Outdoor Ceremony: Consider the location of your ceremony and what it will look like during photos. Editing can do a lot but it cannot help squinting and for this reason, we recommend 1.5 -2 hours before sunset in most cases.

Sunset time. Whether an indoor or outdoors ceremony, couples love getting portraits done outdoors as it gives a variety of backgrounds and more lighting options than indoor only.  We recommend 2 hours before sunset in most cases.

* if your ceremony time backs up to sunset you will need to have had nearly all of your portraits done before the ceremony, by doing a first look.

As your big day approaches, you’re probably wondering whether you want first-look wedding photos—or whether you want to wait until you walk down the aisle for your big reveal.

What Is the First Look?

The first look is when a couple sees each other (usually privately with the exception of the photographer) for the first time on their wedding day. This intimate moment makes for an amazing and sweet photography opportunity before the chaos of the day really starts.

The Pros of First Look Wedding Photos

The biggest reason couples should consider the first look is just the practicality of timing.
  • -You get many of the photos taken before the ceremony, so that most of the big business is taken care of and you can just celebrate!
  • Doing a first look ALWAYS means more portrait images for you to enjoy later! You may even have time for additional portraits after the ceremony in a different location or in different lighting which is always a plus!
  • -It gives you and your partner a some additional private moments together.
  • -You can capture an emotional moment on camera: Yes, walking down the aisle is emotional, too, but you’re not always together in those photographs.

Wedding Party Portraits- group shots and individual with bride 15-20 minutes (consider venue layout and time that is needed to get to areas you will want photos)

B. Add Groomsmen portraits- group shots and individual with groom. 15-20 minutes (consider venue layout and time that is needed to get to areas you will want photos)

C. Add First Look- optional If you opt for a first look, allow for at-least 20 minutes for a private moment with the couple and getting started on wedding portraits.

We highly recommend getting at minimum getting the bridesmaid and or groomsmen photos completed before the ceremony. If you can, also do a first look.

D. Add Bridal Portraits- if you need time for bridal photos add 10 minutes.

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