How to Plan Your Wedding Day Photography Timeline

Tips to help you plan out your wedding day to get the best photos

Think of your wedding day timeline as more than just a schedule – it’s a blueprint for making unforgettable memories. It’s about crafting a day that flows smoothly, allowing you to savor every moment without feeling hurried. This seamless flow not only ensures that your day is enjoyable but also that every significant moment is perfectly timed for photography.

Finding a photographer with the versatility to handle various lighting situations and moments is key. From the bright midday sun to the soft evening glow to the dark dance floor, I make sure your memories are preserved in the best light possible. With the right planning and the right photographer, your wedding photos will showcase the essence and joy of your celebration.

You had me at seamless

Curious if your wedding date is available? Reach out today and make sure you don’t miss out on booking your preferred day.

What is a Wedding Photo Timeline?

Your wedding photo timeline outlines the schedule for documenting the moments most important to you throughout your wedding day. It helps manage time efficiently, keeping the day organized and stress-free.

Bride and flower girls smiling
Photography by Nix Weddings

Why is a Timeline Important?

Underestimating the time needed for wedding photos often leads to a rushed day. Working with your photographer to build a realistic timeline ensures you can preserve each precious moment without feeling hurried. This proactive planning keeps the quality of your photos high and ensures there’s time for every key moment.

Bride and groom having their first look
Photography by Nix Weddings

How to Plan a Wedding Photo Timeline

There are several key things to keep in mind when planning out your wedding day such as the season of the year, sunset timing, whether or not you do a first look, and when the ceremony starts.

Ceremony Start Time

The ceremony is the heart of your wedding day, guiding the rest of the schedule. Check with your venue about start time options to make sure everything runs smoothly.

First Look Choice

Your decision on having a first look plays a significant role in how your day unfolds. It impacts the scheduling of portrait sessions and can set the pace for the day’s events. I highly encourage couples to consider a first look for many reasons.

Sunset Timing

Sunset plays a huge role for outdoor weddings. The golden hour, with its warm and romantic light, is perfect for creating timeless, intimate photographs. Aligning your couples session with this magical time of day gives your photos a glow from the day’s most beautiful light. Keep in mind, the exact timing of sunset varies depending on your location and the season.

You had me at romantic light

Curious if your wedding date is available? Reach out today and make sure you don’t miss out on booking your preferred day.

What Photos Do You Want of Your Wedding Day?

Your wedding day photography timeline can be broken down into several key parts: wedding preparation, wedding details, individual portraits, wedding party, the first look, the ceremony, family photos, couples photos, and the wedding reception. Some of these will blend together throughout the day.

For example, I often photograph details like the rings, shoes, and dress while photographing wedding day prep. If you decide to do a first look, many of the couples photos and wedding party photos can be taken before the ceremony. Couples photos can also be split between the daytime and at sunset.

Mom and bride getting ready for a wedding
Photography by Nix Weddings

Wedding Day Prep

Those final hours leading up to the moment you finally say “I do” are fun, emotional, and full of hope. Some of the best photos come from these quiet moments. Ensure you schedule enough time for getting ready, considering the size of your wedding party and the locations.

Wedding Details

Whether they are big or small, the details of your wedding are extremely important and something we pay close attention to throughout the day. We typically like to photograph the wedding dress, engagement ring and wedding bands, shoes, and flowers at the beginning of the day. If possible, it is a good idea to have all of these set aside when the photographer arrives for wedding day prep photos.

Individual Portraits + Wedding Party

The people you choose to be in your wedding party mean the world to you, so I know how important it is to get amazing photos of them as well. After everyone is dressed and fresh, it is the perfect time for individual portraits of the couple, followed by wedding party photos. I try to mix classic shots with fun and creative poses. If you do a first look, many of these photos can be taken before the ceremony.

Bride and Groom see each other before the wedding ceremony
Photography by Nix Weddings

First Look

A first look before the ceremony is an intimate moment that can calm nerves and provide beautiful photos. This also allows for some family photos to be taken earlier in the day.

The Ceremony

The length of your ceremony is entirely up to you and will depend on what traditions you choose to include. Consider adding 10 to 15 minutes of buffer time before and after, just to be on the safe side if someone needs final touch-ups or someone is running late. It’s also a good idea to check with your venue for photography restrictions to make sure your photographer can get the photos you want.

Bride and bridesmaids
Photography by Nix Weddings

Family and Group Photos

After the ceremony is over, guests will head to the cocktail hour or the reception venue, leaving the couple, the wedding party, and family members to hang around for formal portraits. How long these portraits take depends on the number of people being photographed and everyone being readily available.

On average, plan for at least 3-5 minutes per grouping you want photographed. It is helpful to have a list of all the family groupings you want photos of. Plan for grandparents or elderly relatives to be in photos first. I find it best to start with the larger groupings and work our way down until it’s just the wedding party. Then we’ll move on to couples photos. If you opt for a first look, many or all of the family and full wedding party photos can be taken before the ceremony.

Bride and groom holding each other under the night sky
Photography by Nix Weddings

Couples Photos

Epic wedding photos don’t happen in a few minutes. If these are important to you, make sure you have enough time in your wedding day schedule for couple portraits, especially if you want to wander away from the venue to take advantage of the natural scenery. I typically start with couples photos after the first look or after family photos and then again at sunset. If your schedule for the day doesn’t leave room for evening photos, consider booking a post-wedding shoot to get additional photos in the light you want.

Bride being lifted by guests at a wedding reception
Photography by Nix Weddings

Wedding Reception

While your ceremony is the centerpiece of your wedding day, you’ve likely put a lot of time and energy into the details of the reception. Block out a small period of time when the reception space is fully set up and none of your guests are in the room. If you have two photographers, this time is a little easier to schedule. Some couples even schedule a private “first look” at their reception site before the guests are allowed in. Much like during wedding preparation, I like to stay hands-off during the reception and document the moments as they happen.

You had me at romantic light

Curious if your wedding date is available? Reach out today and make sure you don’t miss out on booking your preferred day.

Sample Wedding Photo Timelines

Every couple’s wedding day is unique. The guides below are based on a typical 8-hour photography collection where all your special moments unfold in one location, you’re excited for a first look, and you plan to have your ceremony under the open sky.

Bride and groom walking down the aisle after a wedding ceremony
Photography by Nix Weddings

Spring Wedding Timeline

1:00 PM: Details and getting ready
2:00 PM: Get dressed
3:15 PM: First look
3:45 PM: Individual family photos, followed by combined family photos
4:00 PM: Bridal party photos
4:15 PM: Pre-ceremony portraits conclude / photograph ceremony site and guests entering
5:00 PM: Ceremony (30 minutes)
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Any additional family portraits / bridal party portraits the couple wants
6:00 PM – 6:45 PM: Married couple portraits
7:00 PM: Grand entrance into reception

Wedding ceremony with guests under a tree
Photography by Nix Weddings

Summer Wedding Timeline

1:00 PM: Details and getting ready
2:00 PM: Get dressed
2:30 PM: First look
3:15 PM: Individual family photos, followed by combined family photos
4:00 PM: Bridal party photos
4:30 PM: Pre-ceremony portraits conclude / photograph ceremony site and guests entering
5:00 PM: Ceremony (30 minutes)
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Any additional family portraits / bridal party portraits the couple wants
6:00 PM – 6:45 PM: Married couple portraits
7:00 PM: Grand entrance into reception
8:30 PM – 9:05 PM: Sunset portraits with married couple

Bride and groom walking down the aisle after a wedding ceremony
Photography by Nix Weddings

Fall Wedding Timeline

1:00 PM: Details and getting ready
2:00 PM: Get dressed
2:30 PM: First look
3:15 PM: Individual family photos, followed by combined family photos
3:45 PM: Bridal party photos
4:15 PM: Pre-ceremony portraits conclude / photograph ceremony site and guests entering
5:00 PM: Ceremony (30 minutes)
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Any additional family portraits / bridal party portraits the couple wants
6:00 PM – 6:20 PM: Married couple portraits
6:25 PM: Grand entrance into reception
6:45 PM – 7:10 PM: Sunset portraits

Bride and groom and guests at a wedding ceremonyr
Photography by Nix Weddings

Winter Wedding Timeline

11:30 AM: Details and getting ready
12:30 PM: Get dressed
1:00 PM: First look
1:45 PM: Individual family photos, followed by combined family photos
2:30 PM: Bridal party photos
3:00 PM: Pre-ceremony portraits conclude / photograph ceremony site and guests entering
3:30 PM: Ceremony (30 minutes)
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Any additional family portraits / bridal party portraits the couple wants
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Married couple portraits
5:15 PM: Grand entrance into reception

You had me at romantic light

Curious if your wedding date is available? Reach out today and make sure you don’t miss out on booking your preferred day.

Bride and groom getting officiated at a wedding ceremony
Photography by Nix Weddings

Frequently Asked

The ideal time for wedding photography depends on various factors like the season, sunset time, and the structure of your day. Generally, it’s good to schedule your ceremony about 1.5 to 2 hours before sunset for optimal lighting.

Plan for at least 3-5 minutes per grouping for family photos. It’s helpful to have a list of all the family groupings you want photos of, starting with grandparents or elderly relatives first.

A first look can be a beautiful and intimate moment that helps calm nerves. It also allows for more flexibility in your timeline, enabling many of the portraits to be taken before the ceremony.

Allocate 30 minutes to an hour for couples portraits, especially if you want to explore different locations or take advantage of natural scenery. Typically, I start with couples photos after the first look or after family photos and then again at sunset.

Yes, consider booking a post-wedding shoot if your wedding day schedule doesn’t allow for all the photos you want. This can give you more flexibility and the opportunity to capture more images in different lighting conditions.