Ask any former bride about her wedding day, and she’ll likely tell you it went by in the blink of an eye. Months spent preparing and perfecting every detail, and when the event finally comes it’s over before you know it. It’s nice to have photos to look back on after the fact because in the moment it’s all a big blur! As quickly as it all moves, it’s important to have some structure when it comes to getting those precious memories. If you’re a visual person like me, it may be helpful to see it all laid out in a timeline to get a glimpse of what a typical wedding photography package looks like hour by hour.

There’s always some wiggle room for getting photos unique to your own day and event, but I’ve outlined a standard 8 and 10 hour day in order for you to have a general idea of how and when photos are taken throughout the day. Keep in mind the photos aren’t typically just designated to a quick ceremony and first dance. You’ll want ample time to have pictures taken getting ready, posed family portraits, and a first look if you choose to do one.

As you look at the standard outline, think of the moments that are most important to you and then we can tweak it to your liking and add in any special moments you have in mind. Take a look at these standard 8 and 10 hour timelines to get an idea of how your day may play out. Even though it seems to go by quickly, wedding coverage usually encompasses a full day and you’ll be so glad you prepared and allotted time to capture the memories that will mean so much to look back on for years to come.

8 Hour Sample Timeline

If you’re like me and love visuals, this little extra bonus is just for you! For example, an ideal wedding day timeline might look like this (based on an 8 hour wedding day):

With a First Look:

12:30pm: Photographer arrives and greets bride & groom!

12:30pm: Getting ready, candid & detail photos of bridal party, or just bride & bridesmaids as time allows (hair/makeup, dress, shoes, rings, invitation suite, ceremony space, etc.) – about 1.5 hours* (* I highly recommend having me arrive about 1.5 hours before you slip into your dress)

2:00pm: Bride gets dressed

2:10pm: First Look and a few portraits of bride & groom – about 30-35 minutes

2:40pm: Bridal party portraits – about 40-45 minutes

3:20pm: Bridal party / bride / groom tucked away 30-45 minutes prior to ceremony

4-4:30pm: Ceremony

4:30-4:50pm: Receiving line or usher guests out of ceremony space (optional)

5-5:15pm: Family portraits – about 15-20 minutes

5:20-5:30pm: Cocktail hour – bridal party / bride + groom visit with guests!

5:30-6:00pm: Photos of guests at cocktail hour, reception space, cake/dessert, tables, etc. – about 20-30 minutes

6pm: Entrance to Dinner

6:15pm: Dinner service

6:30pm: Sunset / late afternoon portraits of bride & groom – about 10-15 minutes

7:45pm: Dessert service

8:15pm: First Dance (and any parent dances)

8:20-8:45pm: Open Dance floor coverage – about 25-30 minutes

8:30pm: Photographer departs

Without a First Look:

12:00pm: Photographer arrives and greets bride & groom!

12:00pm: Getting ready, candid & detail photos of bridal party, or just bride & bridesmaids as time allows (hair/makeup, dress, shoes, rings, invitation suite, ceremony space, etc.) – about 1.5 hours

1:20pm: Bride gets dressed

1:30-2:30: Bride + Bridesmaid and Groom + Groomsmen formal portraits

2:30pm: Bridal party / bride / groom arrive at ceremony location and are tucked away 30-45 minutes prior to ceremony

3-3:30pm: Ceremony

3:30-3:50pm: Receiving line or usher guests out of ceremony space (optional)

4-4:20pm: Family portraits – about 15-20 minutes

4:30-4:45pm: Bridal party portraits – about 15 minutes

4:45pm-5:15pm: Bride & groom portraits – about 30 minutes

5:15-5:45pm: Photos of guests at cocktail hour, reception space, cake/dessert, tables, etc. – about 20-30 minutes

5:45pm: Entrance to Dinner

6:00pm: Dinner Service

6:30pm: Sunset / late afternoon portraits of bride & groom – about 10-15 minutes

6:45pm: Dessert Service

7:30pm: First Dance (and any parent dances)

7:45-8pm: Open Dance floor coverage – about 15 minutes

8pm: Photographer departs

10 Hour Sample Timeline

With a First Look (no travel time accounted for):

11:00 am: Photographer arrives and greets bride & groom!

11:30 am: Getting ready, candid & detail photos of bridal party, or just bride & bridesmaids as time allows (hair/makeup, dress, shoes, rings, invitation suite, ceremony space, etc.) – about 1.5 hours

1:00pm: Bride gets dressed

1:15pm: First Look and a few portraits of bride & groom – about 30-35 minutes

1:45pm: Bridal party portraits – about 40-45 minutes

2:30pm: Family portraits- about 20-30 minutes

3:00pm: Bridal party / bride / groom tucked away 30-45 minutes prior to ceremony

3:30pm: Ceremony

4:00pm: Receiving line or usher guests out of ceremony space (optional)

4:15pm: Cocktail hour – bridal party / bride + groom visit with guests!

4:30-5:00pm: Photos of guests at cocktail hour, reception space, cake/dessert, tables, etc. – about 20-30 minutes

5:45pm: Entrance to Dinner

6:15pm: Dinner service

8:15pm: First Dance (and any parent dances) and open dance floor coverage- 30-45 minutes

8:30 pm: Sunset / late afternoon portraits of bride & groom – about 10-15 minutes

9:00pm: Photographer departs

Without a First Look (no travel time accounted for):

11:00am: Photographer arrives and greets bride & groom!

11:00am: Getting ready, candid & detail photos of bridal party, or just bride & bridesmaids as time allows- About 1.5 hours

12:20pm: Bride gets dressed

12:30-1:30: Bride + Bridesmaid and Groom + Groomsmen formal portraits- 45 minutes to an hour

1:30pm: Bridal party / bride / groom arrive at ceremony location and are tucked away 30-45 minutes prior to ceremony

2-2:30pm: Ceremony

2:30-2:50pm: Receiving line or usher guests out of ceremony space (optional)

3-3:30pm: Family portraits – about 20-30 minutes

3:45-4:15pm: Bridal party portraits – about 15 minutes

4:15pm-4:45pm: Bride & groom portraits – about 30 minutes

4:45-5:45pm: Photos of guests at cocktail hour, reception space, cake/dessert, tables, etc.

5:45pm: Entrance to Dinner

6:00pm: Dinner Service

8:00pm: First Dance (and any parent dances)

8:30pm: Sunset / late afternoon portraits of bride & groom – about 10-15 minutes

8:45-9pm: Open Dance floor coverage – about 15 minutes

9pm: Photographer departs

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when trying to figure out when everything should take place! By creating a detailed schedule + plan for your day will help make sure things run as smoothly as possible. Utilizing the above templates will also aid you in determining how much photography coverage you’ll need for everything you want captured! For all of my couples, I put together a timeline that is perfect for your unique wedding day! It’s one less thing you’ll have to worry about! 🙂

Are you in need of a photographer for your wedding? Get in touch with me today and let’s talk details!