Setting a Wedding Photography Timeline [4 Steps + an Example]
The wedding party will be at the event space at 8 to help decorate, the makeup artist and hair stylists will arrive at 10, the florist will arrive at 11 and the family will be early for pictures at 1. When do I get in my dress? When is the first look? Should I even do a first look?
Whoa, slow down. Let’s take a breath. You’re spiraling right now.
One.
Step.
At. A. Time.
I help my wedding couples plan their wedding timelines as part of my standard wedding packages. I’m here to help you figure out your wedding photography timeline so you get every photo you want captured and the process is smooth from start to finish.
In this article, I’ll provide four simple steps for planning a wedding photography timeline. This will ensure no shot is missed and you and your partner aren’t frantically running around trying to get photos taken.
I’ll also provide a timeline example you can use as a template.
Why a Wedding Photography Timeline is Important
A wedding timeline is an absolute must. Without a timeline, the day can get away from you (there’s so much to celebrate and so many people to talk to, after all) and it’s easy to miss important shots.
Typically someone will help you create your wedding photography timeline – whether that’s your photographer, a wedding planner. It’s important to ask them though, because not every photographer will help you with this part, and if a wedding planner is involved, they’re usually the go-to person.
Step #1: Set Your Ceremony and Reception Time
Before you can set your photography timeline, you have to choose when events will take place during the day first.
“Sam, what do you mean?!” you’re asking. “I need you to help me set a photography timeline and you’re telling me I already need one? What?!”
Bear with me!
You can’t set your photography timeline until you know what time the big events are happening during the day — namely, the ceremony and your dinner and reception (if you’re having one).
It’s also a good idea to figure out what time the sun sets on the night of your wedding. I highly recommend taking these photos — even if you aren’t feeling it in the moment. So many couples find that the sunset shots (or ones in the evening) are their favorites.
Once you have those details set in place, you can start scheduling the photos around it.
For example, once you have a time set in stone for your ceremony, you can determine what time you need to start taking photos and getting ready. The bigger the wedding party, the earlier you’ll want to start. You’ll want there to be ample time to get ready (hair, makeup, getting dressed) and time to photograph the wedding party prior to the ceremony. Some couples even try to fit in family wedding shots before the ceremony.
Talk to your wedding planner or the event space coordinator to nail down these details.
Step #2: Make a List of Shots You Want
No, I’m not talking about alcoholic shots. (Pro Tip: Refrain from getting too tipsy on your wedding day – trust me on this one.)
I’m talking about all the photos you’ve seen on Pinterest that you absolutely need captured: everyone cheering while you kiss, sunset kisses, etc. I’m also talking about the photo combinations that matter. For example, the shot you want with your sister who's literally had your back your whole life and that aunt who lives states away but always sent the most thoughtful gifts for every holiday.
You don’t want to go overboard – you simply won’t have time for hundreds of different poses – but come up with a handful of poses and write down the combinations of people you want in the photos.
Step #3: Determine When Your Photographer Will Arrive
Finally, you need to figure out when your photographer will arrive and how long they’ll be there. This all comes down to the wedding package you booked with them. How many hours did you book?
If you booked a comprehensive package and they’ll be there all day, you’ll have coverage from the start of the day until the end. If you booked a shorter package, however, your photographer may either arrive later in the day or leave before the dance begins. You’ll have to adjust your photography timeline accordingly.
Now is the time to decide if you value professional photographs of the group getting ready or the reception.
Step #4: Start Plugging in the Details
Now that you know when your ceremony and reception is, you’ve decided on the photographs you want, and you know when your photographer will be there, you can start nailing down time slots for all the photos.
Here’s a loose timeline I like to follow. Remember to always give yourself extra time. Things always take longer than you expect them to. You can use the outline below to plug in the times that’ll work for your unique day.
Wedding Day Timeline
Photographer(s) arrives
Detail shots and photos of the wedding party getting ready (30 minutes)
Bride getting in her dress and putting together the final touches (30 minutes)
Bride and groom first look (45 minutes)
Dad and bride first look (15 minutes)
Bridesmaids group photos (20 minutes)
Groomsmen group photos (20 minutes)
Bride and groom portraits (30 minutes)
Break before the ceremony*
I highly recommend taking a quick break before the ceremony to take a minute or two to look in the mirror, touch up your dress or makeup, and take a breather
Wedding ceremony
Family photos (30 minutes)
Full bridal party photos (30 minutes)
Reception (grand entrance, speeches, dinner)
Cake cutting
First dance
Sunset portraits (15 minutes)
Photographer(s) departs
Choose the Perfect Wedding Package
Remember: A wedding photography timeline is absolutely crucial. Every couple should have one, even if their photographer doesn’t sit down and plan it out with them. It’s very easy to fall behind schedule and not get certain photographs captured if you don’t make a timeline and try to stick to it.
Ask your photographer if they offer this as a service. Some photographers just have an idea in their heads and don’t have a formal timeline written down, while others will go hour by hour with you.
This is a service I offer with all of my packages. Check out all of my offerings here.
