A Bride’s Guide to Creating a Wedding Day Photography Timeline

Here’s a sample Wedding Day Photography Timeline for a typical wedding, including suggested times for each photography session. This timeline assumes a late-afternoon ceremony but can be adjusted depending on your specific wedding schedule.

Wedding Day Photography Timeline

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Bride & Groom Getting Ready

• Bride: Shots of the bride getting into her dress, makeup, hair preparation, bouquet, shoes, and jewelry details.

• Groom: Groom and groomsmen getting dressed, adjusting ties/cufflinks, candid moments with groomsmen.

Tip: Allow about 2 hours before the ceremony. A second shooter can capture both the bride and groom simultaneously.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | First Look & Couple Portraits

• First Look: The couple meets for a private moment before the ceremony. Photographer captures the reaction and intimate moments.

• Couple Portraits: After the first look, take time for romantic, posed photos in a beautiful location.

• Family Portraits (optional): If you want to have some family photos taken before the ceremony, now is a great time.

Tip: Schedule 20 minutes for the first look and 20-30 minutes for couples' portraits.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Wedding Party & Family Portraits

• Wedding Party: Group shots with bridesmaids and groomsmen.

• Immediate Family: Family shots with both bride and groom's families, making sure to get key family members like parents and siblings.

• Detail Shots: Quick close-up shots of the wedding rings, invitations, and décor.

Tip: Allow about 30-45 minutes for wedding party and family portraits. Keep it organized with a shot list.

2:00 PM - 2:45 PM | Final Prep Before Ceremony

• Guests Arriving: Candid shots of guests entering the ceremony site and taking their seats.

• Bride Prep: Final adjustments on the bride’s dress, last-minute touch-ups with makeup, and pre-ceremony moments.

Tip: Make sure the photographer has 15 minutes for any final pre-ceremony details, like bridesmaids helping with the dress.

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM | Wedding Ceremony

• Processional: The bride’s walk down the aisle, the groom’s reaction, and guests' reactions.

• Vows & First Kiss: The couple exchanges vows and seals it with the first kiss.

• Recessional: The couple walks back down the aisle as newlyweds, greeted by cheers.

Tip: Allow 30 minutes for the ceremony to capture all key moments.

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM | Post-Ceremony Portraits

• Couple Portraits: After the ceremony, take additional portraits of the bride and groom, either inside the venue or in a nearby scenic location.

• Family Photos (Optional): If you missed any family portraits before the ceremony, use this time to catch any key family shots.

Tip: Schedule 20-30 minutes for these portraits.

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM | Cocktail Hour & Candid Shots

• Guest Candids: Candid shots of guests mingling during the cocktail hour.

• Reception Décor: Photos of the wedding cake, table settings, floral arrangements, and other reception details.

Tip: While guests enjoy the cocktail hour, use this time to capture important décor or any last-minute guest photos.

5:30 PM - 6:00 PM | Grand Entrance & First Dance

• Grand Entrance: The couple’s grand entrance into the reception area.

• First Dance: The couple shares their first dance as husband and wife.

• Parent Dances: Capture the father-daughter and mother-son dances.

Tip: Ensure the photographer is ready for all of these key moments. Lighting is crucial for these intimate shots.

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM | Dinner & Toasts

• Reception Shots: Candid shots of guests enjoying their meal, laughing, and socializing.

• Toasts & Speeches: Capture the best man, maid of honor, and family members giving their heartfelt toasts.

Tip: Keep the atmosphere relaxed and let the photographer capture candid moments between speeches and guests.

7:30 PM - 8:00 PM | Cake Cutting & Special Dances

• Cake Cutting: The couple cuts the wedding cake, with guests looking on.

• Bouquet & Garter Toss (if applicable): Fun shots of these traditional moments.

Tip: Allow about 15-20 minutes to ensure your photographer captures these key events.

8:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Dancing & Party Photos

• Dance Floor: Candid shots of the couple and guests dancing, laughing, and celebrating.

• Candid Moments: Look for candid moments of joy among guests, like people laughing, enjoying the music, or embracing.

Tip: The dance floor is full of energy, so ensure your photographer is on the lookout for moments of connection, joy, and celebration.

10:00 PM - 10:30 PM | Grand Exit

• Send-Off: Capture the couple’s grand exit with sparklers, confetti, or a vintage getaway car. This marks the end of your photography coverage.

Tip: Ensure the photographer has time to capture this final moment with the couple as they leave for their honeymoon or post-wedding celebration.

Summary Timeline

Time	Event
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM	Bride & Groom Getting Ready
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM	First Look & Couple Portraits
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM	Wedding Party & Family Portraits
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM	Final Prep Before Ceremony
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM	Wedding Ceremony
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM	Post-Ceremony Portraits
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM	Cocktail Hour & Candid Shots
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM	Grand Entrance & First Dance
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM	Dinner & Toasts
7:30 PM - 8:00 PM	Cake Cutting & Special Dances
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM	Dancing & Party Photos
10:00 PM - 10:30 PM	Grand Exit