How to Create the Perfect Wedding Photography Timeline
Whether you’re recently engaged or just about to get married, I’m sure you know that planning a wedding is a huge undertaking
And while we can’t handle every little detail for you, we can help make your wedding photography timeline as stress free as possible. By mindfully creating your schedule around your wedding photography, you not only maximize our time together but also reduce stress by not having to rush through all of the important points of your wedding day that you really want photos of.
Here’s a breakdown of how we typically suggest structuring your wedding photography:
Getting Ready — 1 hour
We love starting our day by documenting everyone getting ready. Most of the action happens in the last hour before you head to your ceremony so this is when we recommend starting. Here we’ll capture all of your final touches, dressing moments, and all the considerate details you’ve prepared like your rings, shoes, stationery, and more.
First Look — 15 minutes
A first look is a fleeting but powerful moment. While technically it doesn’t take long to do, giving yourselves a few extra minutes allows you to really take it in and creates a perfect opportunity for some truly heartfelt portraits.
unsure of what a first look is? learn more about it here
Family & Bridal Party Photos — 45 minutes
The exact timing depends on your family size, but 45 minutes is typically enough for portraits with family and / or your wedding parties. Providing a shot list beforehand is incredibly helpful as it allows us to efficiently gather your chosen people without missing anyone, and keeps this part of the day moving smoothly.
read more about how to streamline your group photos here
Couple Portraits — 45 minutes
This is arguably our favourite part of the day! Couple portraits give you a moment to step away from the chaos and enjoy being together while we create beautiful, timeless images. Depending on how many locations you want and whether we stay on one property or travel around, 45 minutes is ideal. If we’ve shot an engagement session together, by the time your wedding day rolls around, you’ll already feel confident in front of the camera and this will feel like a piece of cake.
Reception Details — 15 minutes
Before guests enter for dinner (before!) taking a few minutes to photograph the reception details you thoughtfully curated ensures your decor, florals, and other personal touches are captured perfectly: untouched and in their best light.
Other Considerations
Travel
Travel on your wedding day isn’t just about getting from home or your hotel to the ceremony or reception. If any guests have mobility challenges, you may need to choose a photo location that’s easier for them, while also planning a secondary spot for others and this will require extra time. Large groups, like extended family or college friends, can also take longer to gather and move to your chosen photo location, especially if some guests are already mingling elsewhere.
Everyone Congratulating You. Every. One.
And rightfully so! But expect to be stopped by friends and family no matter where you are, all throughout your day. If we are taking portraits and/or group photos following the ceremony we highly suggest heading directly to our next location— without stopping— to keep your timeline on track.
Sunset or Nighttime Portraits
If we don’t have time scheduled for sunset portraits we may suggest a quick break when the moment comes. If the timing doesn’t feel right we can alternatively opt for moonlit or paparazzi style portraits later in the night. This is almost always (read: always!) worth the few extra minutes.
Tips & Recommendations
—Don’t forget to share your final timeline with all of your vendors so everyone is aligned.
—Include buffer time between each and every block for unexpected delays (there will be delays, and that’s ok!)
—Aim for minimum 6 hours of wedding photography to comfortably include all of these key points of your day.
—Prioritize the moments that matter most to you; your timeline should reflect your priorities, not just tradition.
A thoughtfully planned wedding photography timeline reduces stress and ensures that every meaningful moment is captured beautifully.