Do you feel lost at creating a wedding day timeline? I'm here to help!

Having a well thought out wedding day timeline will ensure seamless coordination among all vendors while allocating dedicated time for the significant events, people, and elements that matter most to you on your special day. The day can often go by fast so having a timeline in place can ensure that everything that is important to the two of you isn't missed.

I collaborate closely with couples to craft their timeline, prioritizing sufficient time for photos with ample breathing room for them to be fully present and enjoy their day without rushing. The typical duration for a "traditional" wedding photography session (excluding elopements and intimate weddings) is a minimum of 6 hours, with an average ranging between 8 to 12 hours. However, this varies based on venue choices, wedding size, locations, and the planned activities for the day.



Before delving into sample wedding day timelines, with or without a first-look, the initial query I pose to couples is whether they plan to have a first-look. This decision plays a crucial role in determining the timing of the three most important portraits of the day: couple portraits, wedding party portraits, and family portraits. Subsequently, we work backward from the ceremony start time to create an optimal wedding day schedule.

Keep scrolling to read a couple sample wedding day timeline.

Here are two sample wedding day timelines, one with a first-look and the other without. Each timeline includes 8 hours of photography coverage, assumes a 5 pm ceremony start time, and considers the couple getting ready at a single wedding venue.

It's important to note that if your ceremony and reception occur at different locations or if you're preparing at a site separate from the ceremony venue, additional time for travel will be necessary. These timelines serve as a starting point, allowing room for customization such as allocating time for extra photos before the reception, making a wardrobe change, or simply enjoy a private moment.

Now let's plan your timeline!

Keep in mind that every wedding day is unique, and variables such as the venue location, family and wedding party size, and travel time all contribute to the individuality of each schedule. The provided sample wedding day timelines are designed to be versatile, accommodating essential moments and allowing ample time for key photos. As a photographer, I always appreciate having more time for capturing moments throughout the day!

Both timelines strike a good balance, ensuring sufficient time for photos while keeping you in the moment and just enjoying your day as it unfolds. They also incorporate buffer time to avoid feeling rushed or stressed in case of unexpected deviations from the plan. Whether you opt for a first-look or not, every wedding schedule is adaptable to suit your preferences!

Hopefully, these examples serve as a helpful starting point as you organize your wedding day timeline. If you ever have questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out – I'm here to help! You can send me a message here or connect with me on Instagram.