The BEST Wedding Day Timeline
Wondering how to create the best wedding day timeline? I've got you covered! I am a wedding photographer based in Los Angeles California.
If you have any questions about wedding photography, you can reach me HERE.
Prefer this article in video format? I cover everything here:
Why a Good Wedding Day Timeline Matters
Today I’m going to be covering the ideal wedding day timeline to ensure you make the most out of your wedding day and are left with amazing photos. You want to ensure enough time for photos because at the end of the day, that’s what you’re going to be left with. And also, this will just give you a very clear idea of how long certain photos take so that expectations can be properly managed.
A Good Timeline Leads to More Variety
You can be someone who wants a lot of emotion or variety in your images, but if enough time isn’t allotted in order to get that variety or for the photographer to give those prompts in a way that feels relaxed to help elicit those natural emotions, that may not happen. So really, it’s crucial to allot enough time for these things so that the photographer is able to get really creative with your photos. A good timeline will help the day to flow and it will eliminate a ton of stress and leave you with a lot more photos.
Detailed Explanations Vs Quick Read
First thing first, if you want to read about the WHY behind everything, start below as I dive DEEP into detail. However, if you want a more summarized, less detailed version, scroll down to where it reads "Quick Read" in bold, red huge letters.
Customize Your Wedding Day Timeline to Your Preferences & Traditions
These timelines I'm going to be discussing are for the average wedding here in California, but your wedding day timeline will need to be customized to accommodate variety in terms of different cultures and traditions.
Also everyone has different priorities. For example, you both may not have a wedding party and so in that instance you wouldn’t care about setting time for wedding party photos. So just know that while this is the average wedding timeline template, it of course will need to be customized here and there to fit your priorities or traditions.
How a First Look Affects the Wedding Day Timeline
I’m going to go over two different timeline template recommendations. One Is with a first look and one Is without.
What Is a First Look?
A first look is when the bride and groom opt to see one another BEFORE the ceremony. This is typically a very intimate moment with just the bride and groom, photographer, and videographer (if applicable).
Now, it’s no secret that every single photographer is going to try and guide you towards going with a first look and it’s because the benefits of having a first look are undeniable.
First Look Benefits for Wedding Day Timeline
More Relaxed Timeline | It will Feel Less Rushed
Those benefits are that many of the photos can be taken prior to the ceremony, such as the wedding party portraits where the bridesmaids and groomsmen are all together, bride and groom portraits, family portraits, etc.
You'll Get to Enjoy Some of Your Cocktail Hour
This means that the timeline won't feel as rushed since you won't have to take all of these photos after the ceremony and will be able to enjoy some of your cocktail hour.
Will Guarantee that the Photos are Shot in the Daylight
If you are having a later ceremony, having a first look will guarantee your portraits are shot during the daylight, which is ideal for photography.
More Photos & Variety
Lastly, a first look does tend to lend to a wedding with more photos and photography time. This is again because it allows portrait photos to start earlier vs waiting to begin taking them after the ceremony, so as a result you get more time for photos.
Parent First Looks
I do want to mention that some couples opt out of the bride and groom first look, but decide to do a first look with their parents, such as a bride and dad first look and/or groom and mom first look. That’s always super beautiful too.
STEP 1 - Determine Your Ceremony Start Time
The first step that needs to be taken in creating a timeline is to first select your ceremony time and then work from there.
How Does One Choose the Ceremony Start Time?
My suggestion is to google "sunset on (YOUR WEDDING DATE) in (WHERE YOU'RE LOCATED).
Typically, the ceremony is set for 90 minutes to 2 hours before the sun goes down.
WHY?
This is because if there is NO first look, this ensures enough time for all portraits to be captured before it gets dark. If there is a first look, we can still use that time to get more photos of guests in natural light. We can also use the golden hour, which is the hour before the sun goes down, which happens to be the BEST time to take photos...for some couple portraits filled with soft, dreamy light.
7 PM SUNSET = 5:30 Ceremony Start Time
Ok, so let’s say the sun on the wedding date is going to set at approximately 7:00 pm, meaning it’s probably a summer wedding, then, if our ceremony is 30 minutes long and will be at the same site as the reception, so it will all be at the same venue, the ceremony start time would be 5:30 pm, so 90 minutes before the sun goes down.
Photographer Should Arrive 4 Hours BEFORE the Ceremony Start Time
Now that we know this, we can work to create the timeline. So the general rule of thumb here is that you’ll want your photographer to begin 4 hours before your ceremony time.
So with a ceremony start time of 5:30 pm, that means Ideally, I’d get to the venue at 1:30 pm.
Now the following wedding day timeline assumes 3 things:
- That you have 2 photographers - you booked a second photographer in addition to the main photographer
- That you have a really easy wedding day set up in that you will be getting ready, having your ceremony, and reception all at the same venue.
- That your ceremony is around 30 minutes
When to ADD MORE TIME to Your Wedding Day Timeline
- If there is one photographer vs 2 - Add an additional 30 Minutes to: Getting Ready Portraits + Wedding Party Portraits
- If your wedding is taking place at multiple locations - Add additional time to account for the time spent traveling
- If your ceremony is longer than 30 minutes - Start your wedding ceremony earlier to still allow for a minimum of 60-90 minutes of photos while the light is still out, after the ceremony.
Why Do I Need More Time In These Instances?
No Second Shooter:
If you don't have a second photographer, more time is needed for your main photographer to get all the photos he or she needs.
The second photographer and main photographer usually shoot different groups at the same time to save time. For example, as I am capturing the bride getting ready, the second photographer will be capturing the groom getting ready. And as I am focusing on bridesmaid portraits, my second will be capturing groomsmen portraits. This saves time.
Multiple Locations:
If you are traveling a lot on your wedding day, extra time needs to be added to the timeline to ensure there is plenty of time for all of these photos and events to occur without everything feeling rushed.
Crafting Your Timeline
Ok, with that out of the way, now again, let’s assume that in this case, your having a first look and everything is taking place at the same venue and you have a second photographer.
So your ceremony time is 5:30.
You’ll want the photographer to begin 4 hours before that ceremony start time (unless there is no second photographer are there are several locations involved. In those cases, more time is needed).
So the photographer start time in this case would be 1:30 pm and when I arrive, I start by capturing details. This take me 45 minutes.
12 Pm: Bride Hair & Makeup
1:30 Pm: Photographer Arrives
1:30 - 2:15: Photographer Documents Details
What do the details usually include?
The dress, shoes, rings, invitation suite, vows, jewelry, perfume, flowers, suit, etc.
IMPORTANT TIP - Have details ready to go + clear clutter
A very important tip here is to have all of the details you'd like your photographer to style and document ready in one area of the room. You don’t want to spend your wedding day searching and locating all of these details, so having them ready to go in a box or a bag so your maid of honor or loved one can just hand them over to the photographer will save time.
Another tip is to have the bridesmaids + groomsmen help to clear clutter in their getting ready spaces BEFORE photography begins. Ideally, you'll all be photographed where the light is the best (near a window), so I'd recommend keeping that area, the bed, and any areas in front of possible clean backdrops (e.g. a white wall) as tidy as possible, as you'll most likely be photographed in those areas.
Again, this will ensure you'll have more time for photos AND the photos will come out WAY prettier and distraction free.
At 2:15 is when I’d want the bride ready by.
So with this in mind, the makeup artist and hair stylist usually take about 2 hours to complete hair and makeup for the bride, so in this case, If I'm going to start photographing the bride at 2:15, the hair and makeup artist will most likely be starting on the bride at around noon.
This doesn’t mean they will arrive at noon because if you have a bridal party or your mom is getting professional hair and makeup done, they will be working on them first.
But just keep in mind, that you want to allot at least 2 hours for them to do your hair and makeup. Of course, I’d ask them what they recommend since each hair and makeup artist works a little bit different.
But whats important is that enough time gets allotted for it because if your hair and makeup aren’t finished by your photography start time that is going to leave you with less time for photos.
So from 2:15 - 2:30: this is a break, some padding after you have finished your hair and makeup for you to use the restroom, have some champagne, sip some water, whatever you need.
2:30 - 3:15 this is when we would begin to shoot getting ready portraits. So we’re allotting at least 45 minutes for that.
12 Pm: Bride Hair & Makeup
1:30 Pm: Photographer Arrives
1:30 - 2:15: Photographer Documents Details
2:15 - 2:30: Break for Couple
2:30 - 3:15: Getting Ready Photos
Why Are Getting Ready Photos Important?
These moments tend to be more candid with a photojournalistic quality. In my opinion, they are what really help to tell the full story of the day.
There are A LOT of key moments here and I think it's one of the best parts of the day. It includes photos that are very emotion fueled - mom helping bride put on her dress, groomsmen joking around, friends telling inside jokes in their robes, etc.
Remember, it’s YOUR DAY
I do want to also just say that remember, it's YOUR wedding day.
This means you can stick to traditions or you can break them and customize something to best fit you both.
I've had couples who decide to get ready together. They have breakfast in bed together, listen to their favorite songs.
I've had couples who don't have a bridal party, but opt to get ready with their parents and close friends.
I've also had couples who want to get ready by themselves.
Anything goes and there is no right or wrong here! Go with what works best for you both!
But whatever you do choose, personally I think its so important to get these moments documented. These are the photos you’ll look back on later and honestly just laugh and smile because they tend to be so candid and fun, and just really emotion fueled.
So after 45 minutes of getting ready photos, with them ending at 3:15. We’d schedule the first look for 3:15 - 4:00 pm, leaving 45 minutes for the first look and some couple portraits.
From 4:00 - 4:30, that would be time for wedding party photos. So 30 minutes for that.
Now this is a good amount of time for an average bridal party, which here in CA, I’d say it’s about 3 - 8 people on each side. But, let’s say you have a huge bridal party of 12 and 12 on each side, that will take longer and I’d allot around 45 minutes for that.
And from 4:30 - 5:00 pm - that’s another 30 minutes for family portraits.
12 Pm: Bride Hair & Makeup
1:30 Pm: Photographer Arrives
1:30 - 2:15: Photographer Documents Details
2:15 - 2:30: Break for Couple
2:30 - 3:15: Getting Ready Photos
3:15 - 4:00: First Look + Couple Portraits
4:00 - 5:00: Wedding Party & Family Portraits
Family Portraits TIP
A tip to keep family portraits on schedule is to create a family portrait shot list including the different groups of photos you’d like including family member names and their relation to you.
Hand one copy of this list to your photographer, another copy to someone on your side of the family and a final copy to someone on your partners side of the family.
The reason being is that these people know who is who. They can match the names on the list to faces, so they will help corral people, making the whole process much more efficient. These two people you give the list two should be organized, type a personalities. If uncle bob who is on the list for a photo is already on his way to the bar, the people with this list will be the ones to locate uncle bob and keep him in check, making sure he’s there for images.
Also, I would tell everyone who is on that list to be in X place for photos at X time, and I’d tell them a time of 15 minutes earlier than the actual start time because....you know sometimes people run late and you don’t want this to affect your photos.
Keep it to 10 - 12 Groupings
I’d be quite judicious when making this list of family photos. Keep in mind each grouping takes about 2 -3 minutes to pose and capture. Ok, so 10 - 15 groupings, that’s around 30 minutes.
My recommendation is to create a list with no more than 15 groupings to ensure we keep you to schedule. Too many groupings can often leave the couple feeling really overwhelmed and tired.
Keep in mind - these groupings are usually just of immediate family. Groupings with extended family can always be taken at the reception if you want to go table to table or take candids with people.
From 5:00 - 5:20 - you’re off to prepare for the ceremony, basically take that time to freshen up and rest. Meanwhile during this time, I go off to prep for the ceremony and take some candids of your guests arriving and detail shots of the ceremony site.
The Importance of Buffer Time
Now this is important. It’s so important to leave padding throughout the timeline because guys, I'm telling you at 9/10 weddings, things tend to run little behind schedule. Padding makes such a difference because it makes the day more enjoyable and fun so you don’t feel like you’re always on the go go go without any time to just have fun with your friends and family and catch your breath.
So Now, the ceremony would be at 5:30, most are around 30 minutes, so it will end at 6 pm in this case.
6:00 - 7:00 pm would be your cocktail hour.
Ok, so with the ceremony ending at 6, I’d leave 6:00 - 6:10, so 10 minutes of buffer time to capture any photos that may have not already been captured.
For example, if some family members arrived late that you really want photos with, we can capture those immediately after the ceremony before those people head to the cocktail hour.
Then with the sun setting at 7pm in this case, this means golden hour is from 6:00 - 7 pm.
The golden hour is by the far the best time of the day to take photos because the lighting is the softest and most flattering.
So from 6:10 - 6:40, I’d set that time for couple portraits, so you want at least 30 minutes during the golden hour.
Wedding Day Timeline Summary
12 Pm: Bride Hair & Makeup
1:30 Pm: Photographer Arrives
1:30 - 2:15: Photographer Documents Details
2:15 - 2:30: Break for Couple
2:30 - 3:15: Getting Ready Photos
3:15 - 4:00: First Look + Couple Portraits
4:00 - 5:00: Bridal Party & Family Portraits
5:00 - 5:20: Break for Couple (Prep for Ceremony)
5:30 - 6:00: Ceremony
6:00 - 6:10: Catch Up Photos
6:10 - 6:40: Couple Golden Hour Portraits
6:40 - 7:00: Couple Enjoys Cocktail Hour
7:00 - 7:10: Guests Enter
7:15 - 7:25: Grand Entrance + First Dance
7:30 - 10:00: Rest of Reception
QUICK READ WEDDING DAY TIMELINE
WEDDING DAY TIMELINE | DETAILS | 40 MINUTES
The detail shots are usually taken right before the getting ready photos. They are the very first thing I photograph. The details typically include the following: dress, shoes, rings, invitation suite, vows, jewelry, perfume, flowers, suit, etc.
TIP: Having all of the details you’d like me to photograph ready in one area prevents any stress having to locate them the day of the wedding and leaves more room for photo time.
GETTING READY | 1 – 2 HOURS
I strongly suggest allotting time for getting ready photos. These moments tend to be more candid with a photojournalistic quality. In my opinion, they are what really help to tell the full story of the day.
This part of the day includes moments such as a loved one securing the groom’s boutonniere, the bride’s mom/bridesmaids helping the bride button up her dress, the groom putting on his jacket, watch, shoes, cufflinks, etc., loved ones seeing the bride/groom in her or his dress/suit for the first time, the bride or groom reading exchanged letters, the bride toasting with her bridesmaids or groom toasting with his groomsmen, etc.
If a second photographer is secured, 1 hour is usually perfect since one photographer can focus on the bride, while the other captures the groom. If there is no second photographer 2 hours is ideal.
Tip
Another tip is to have the bridesmaids + groomsmen help to clear clutter in their getting ready spaces BEFORE photography begins. Ideally, you'll all be photographed where the light is the best (near a window), so I'd recommend keeping that area, the bed, and any areas in front of possible clean backdrops (e.g. a white wall) as tidy as possible, as you'll most likely be photographed in those areas.
Again, this will ensure you'll have more time for photos AND the photos will come out WAY prettier and distraction free.
FIRST LOOK | 10 MINUTES
The first look is when the bride and groom opt to see one another BEFORE the ceremony. This lends to some emotion fueled images!
This is typically a very intimate moment with just the bride and groom, photographer, and videographer (if applicable).
*The benefit of the first look is that many of the photos can be taken prior to the ceremony, such as the bridal party portraits where the bridesmaids and groomsmen are all together, bride and groom portraits, family portraits, etc. This means that the timeline won’t feel as rushed since you won’t have to take all of these photos after the ceremony and will be able to enjoy some of your cocktail hour. Also, if you are having a later ceremony, having a first look will guarantee your portraits are shot during daylight.
OPTION: Some couples opt out of the bride and groom first look, but decide to do a first look with their parents, such as a bride and dad first look and/or groom and mom first look.
See examples of both a bride/groom first look & bride/father first look below!
FATHER DAUGHTER FIRST LOOK
COUPLE PORTRAITS | 45 MINUTES – 60 MINUTES
Couple portraits can be taken a few different ways. The times they are taken really varies on the time of year one is getting married, which will affect the time the sun goes down. During summer months, the sun sets very late (around 7:30 pm), whereas Fall weddings can have the sun setting as early as 4:30 pm.
If one is having a first look, we can take 30 minutes of couple portraits right after the first look. Then, after the ceremony, we can take another 30 minutes of couple portraits during the “golden hour,” which is the BEST time to take photos.
This is the hour right before the sun goes down and it lends to the prettiest, most magical light. At the very least, I always recommend allotting a minimum of 45 minutes for couple portraits.
WEDDING PARTY PORTRAITS | 40 – 65 MINUTES
It usually takes 25 minutes for bride with bridesmaids photos, 25 minutes for groom with groomsmen photos, and 15 minutes for photos with the entire bridal party together.
If there is a second photographer, her and I divide and conquer with these portraits. She will capture the groom with groomsmen portraits, WHILE I capture the bride with bridesmaids portraits. I would then capture the entire bridal party together.
This saves time and would take around 35 minutes. However, if there is no second photographer, I will be the one to capture everything. This usually takes around 45 minutes. Keep in mind, if you have a larger wedding party (more than 8 people on each side), this does take longer to photograph, even with a second photographer. For larger wedding parties, I'd allot 45 minutes with a second photographer and 55 minutes without a second photographer
FAMILY FORMALS | 30 – 40 MINUTES
The time spent here really depends on how large your family is. Family formals typically include photos of the bride and groom with their immediate family members.
To have more time for your couple’s session, I suggest limiting the groups as much as possible to ten or less. Please keep in mind that each group takes me about 2 minutes to photograph. With this in mind, I’d be quite judicious in allocating group photos, as the list can easily max out the amount of time allotted towards family photos.
Extended family variation photos will bump into valuable sunset light for your B+G photos. We can do individual extended family photos during the reception as I will be following you throughout the entire evening.
CEREMONY DETAILS | 25 MINUTES
Prior to the actual ceremony, I like to ensure I have a minimum of 25 minutes to be in the ceremony area. I use this time to set up my equipment in preparation of the ceremony, photograph candids of people, and document any ceremony details. If the cocktail hour section is ready at this time, I also document cocktail hour details then.
POST CEREMONY PHOTOS DURING COCKTAIL HOUR | 35 – 90 MINUTES
If you’ve done a first look, this probably means we’ve already photographed family portraits, bridal party portraits, and some couple portraits PRIOR to the ceremony. In this scenario, we can use 35 – 45 minutes to photograph more couple portraits during this time, since it will most likely be during the golden hour, which has the best light.
If there is no first look, this means we have to use this time to capture EVERYTHING – family portraits, bridal party portraits, and couple portraits. I’d recommend at least 90 minutes for this.
TIP: If you aren’t having a first look, I still recommend allotting some time for photography before the ceremony so that we can photograph everything we can that doesn’t involve the bride and groom seeing each other.
For example, we can photograph the bride with the bridesmaids, the groom with the groomsmen, and family portraits that include the bride with her family, and the groom with his family.
We just have to make sure everyone knows where everyone is at all times, so that the bride and groom don’t run into one another.
This is one of the many situations in which a wedding planner or day of coordinator really comes in handy to help ensure everything runs smoothly.
This means that after the ceremony, we’d focus on couple portraits, family portraits with BOTH the bride and groom together along with their immediate families, and photos of the entire bridal party together. I’d allot about 75 minutes for this scenario.
COCKTAIL HOUR + RECEPTION DETAILS | 40 MINUTES
If there isn’t a first look, I usually don’t document any of the cocktail hour as I spend that time capturing all of the portraits.
However, if there is a first look, I’ll usually have about 10 minutes during the cocktail hour to document candids, people mingling, etc. This is if the couple doesn’t want to use the entire cocktail hour towards bride and groom portraits, which some prefer to do! It’s really all up to you!
As far as reception details, I always recommend withholding any guests from entering the reception room until I am able to document all of the reception details – table settings, florals, centerpieces, cake, sweetheart table, etc.
Often times, the couple wants a photo of themselves in the reception room alone. That is always an option! Reception details take about 30 minutes of photography time.
RECEPTION | 1 – 4 HOURS
I typically photograph around 2 – 3 hours of reception time. Most couples like to schedule any traditions (first dance, parent dances, speeches, bouquet toss, garter toss, cake cutting) during the first hour and a half of the reception to guarantee I capture these.
SAMPLE WEDDING DAY TIMELINE | WITH FIRST LOOK | 8 HOURS OF COVERAGE
This timeline assumes a second photographer is booked.
A second photographer saves time since we can both photograph different portraits simultaneously. For example, my second photographer can focus on the groom with groomsmen portraits, while I document the bride with bridesmaid portraits.
If a second photographer is not secured, please add an additional 30 minutes to the getting ready portion of the day and 30 minutes to the bridal party / immediate family portraits.
1:30 PM – Photography Begins
-I’ll focus on the bride’s details (dress, shoes, rings, invitations, etc.)
-Second photographer: groom’s details
2:10 PM – Last minute makeup touches
-I’ll focus on candids of the bride with her bridesmaids
-Second photographer: candids with the groom and groomsmen
2:30 PM – Bride Dresses
-Photos of bride getting ready / Portraits of her in dress with bridesmaids, loved ones, etc.
-Second photographer: photos of the groom getting ready, candids with the groomsmen, etc.
3:15 – First Look + a few bride and groom portraits
3:45 – Bridal party photos + immediate family portraits
4:50 – Bride & groom get tucked away for the ceremony
-Photograph ceremony + cocktail hour details
5:30 – Ceremony Begins
6:00 – Ceremony Ends
6:10 – Cocktail Hour Begins / Bride & Groom Portraits
6:50 – Couple mingles a bit with guests during cocktail hour | I go to photograph some reception detail shots
7:20 – Guests enter reception
7:30 – Grand entrance
7:35 – First dance
7:40 – Parent dances
7:50 – Dinner is served to guests | Vendor break (photographer(s) eat
8:30 – Speeches
8:50 – Cake cutting
8:55 – Open dancing
9:15 – Bouquet / garter toss
9:30 – Photography concludes
SAMPLE WEDDING DAY TIMELINE | WITHOUT FIRST LOOK | 8 HOURS OF COVERAGE
This timeline also assumes a second photographer is booked.
A second photographer saves time since we can both photograph different portraits simultaneously. For example, my second photographer can focus on the groom with groomsmen portraits, while I document the bride with bridesmaid portraits.
If a second photographer is not secured, please add an additional 30 minutes to the getting ready portion of the day and 30 minutes to the bridal party / immediate family portraits.
1:30 PM – Photography Begins
-I’ll focus on the bride’s details (dress, shoes, rings, invitations, etc.)
-Second photographer: groom’s details
2:10 PM – Last minute makeup touches
-I’ll focus on candids of the bride with her bridesmaids
-Second photographer: candids with the groom and groomsmen
2:30 PM – Bride Dresses
-Photos of bride getting ready / Portraits of her in dress with bridesmaids, mom, etc.
-Second photographer: photos of the groom getting ready, candids with the groomsmen, etc.
3:15 – Portraits of the bride & groom separately
3:30 – Portraits of bride with bridesmaids
Second photographer: portraits of groom with groomsmen
4:05 – Portraits of bride with her immediate family
Second photographer – portraits of groom with his immediate family
4:45 – Bride & groom get tucked away for the ceremony
-Photograph ceremony + cocktail hour details
5:30 – Ceremony Begins
6:00 – Ceremony Ends
6:10 – Cocktail Hour Begins
- -Portraits of the bride and groom with the ENTIRE bridal party together
- -Portraits of the bride and groom together with their immediate families
6:40 – Bride & groom couple portraits
7:20 – Guest Enter Reception
7:30 – Grand entrance
7:35 – First dance
8:00 – Speeches / First course served
8:10 – Vendor break (photographer(s) eat
8:40 – Parent dances
8:55 – Cake cutting
9:00 – Open dancing
9:15 – Bouquet / garter toss
9:30 – Photography concludes
Again, if you prefer the video format version, click HERE.
If you have any questions about wedding photography, you can reach me HERE.
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