The wedding day is not just a day, it's a perfect jumble of moments, emotions, and memories woven together. Every couple wants to experience this (as well as being relaxed) on a wedding day. That's where the role of efficient wedding day photography comes into play. A flowing wedding day requires more than just a skilled photographer. It may seem counter-intuitive, but if you hope for a relaxed experience and to ensure your photographer has the time to capture all the special moments you hope for... a photography timeline is important.

 

Creating a wedding day photography timeline is indeed a balancing act. It's about making sure that there's ample time for important directed images while also ensuring the day unfolds naturally without oppressive structure. A well-thought-out timeline can help in achieving this balance. It acts as a roadmap for the day, providing a clear picture of when to be where, and what to capture.

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Here's a sample of what I personally LOVE to see on a wedding day timeline. Feel free to save this page so you can come back and borrow any of the information you find useful. NOTE: I'm not a wedding planner, this is my personal preference as a photographer and it's very important to consult your planner as every day is unique!

 

12pm - 12:45pm: Photographer Captures Partner 1 Preparations

The day typically starts at a "prep" location like a hotel, a home, or sometimes even a space at the venue. The photographer captures candid moments of Partner 1 while they spend time with their attendees & select loved ones dressing in their final details.

1pm - 1:40pm: Photographer Captures Partner 2 Preparations

In a dream scenario both partners will get ready within a few minutes of each other. If this isn't the case you'll need to either schedule ample travel time or add a second photographer to your collection. But this is my dream scenario so... here it is. Typically "Partner 2" is whoever requires less time to get ready. If both wish to have the same amount of time you can divide the prep time evenly.

 

1:50 - 2:30pm: First Look and Couple's Session

The 'first look' is a modern tradition where the couple sees each other privately before the ceremony. Following the special reveal moment, a 30-40 minute couple's session could be planned. This is where the photographer gets the chance to capture the love and connection between the couple.

2:30pm - 3:00pm: Wedding Party Photos
Depending on the size of your wedding party you may require more time here but for a small to medium-sized group I like to set about 30 minutes aside with a buffer afterward for everyone to get freshened up before the ceremony.

 

3:30pm: Ceremony

The main event of the day usually takes about 30-60 minutes. The photographer will capture the overall venue, the decor, guests, the arrival of the couple, the exchange of vows and rings, and the first kiss. I personally also like to buffer several minutes for hugs & kisses with loved ones immediately following the ceremony.

 

4:30pm: Post-Ceremony and Cocktail Hour

It's most common for directed family photos to be taken before everyone disperses for a drink. This typically takes about 25-20 minutes. After formal shots are completed the photographer will typically circulate to capture some special candid moments as well as dinner decor.

6pm - 9pm: Dinner Entrance & Reception:

The rest of the evening is filled with reception events, like the couple's entry, first dance, cake cutting, toasts, and dancing. Be sure to feed your photographer promptly so they're able to quickly eat and return to doing what they love - capturing all the moments you'll look back on for years to come.

Bonus - I always recommend that my couples take a little breather at golden hour to sneak away for some relaxed time together. During this time I'll spend a few minutes documenting their quiet moments and may even throw in a couple of guided portraits if they're up for it!

 

 

Every wedding is unique, and its photography timeline should reflex the couple's priorities. It should be personalized, keeping in mind the couple's preferences, the number of guests, the venue, and other factors. Remember, the aim is to capture the day as it unfolds naturally, so the timeline should be flexible enough to accommodate unplanned moments and delays. The ultimate goal of a wedding day photography timeline is to ensure that the couple can relive their special day through these captured moments, again and again, for years to come.