Every couple is different and so is every wedding! That’s why we want to make sure that there’s time to capture every part of your wedding day that makes it special. To do that, it’s important to create a timeline of the day so nothing gets missed. It also lets us know what’s important to you and your personal preferences for your wedding photos.

Creating a timeline and list of preferred photos also helps everyone stay on track during the day. So even if your wedding is running slightly behind schedule, it can help keep things flowing and keep your day fun and enjoyable.

To help create your timeline, we’ve categorized some of the most important wedding photos and about how long you should plan for each. While the times might seem long, keep in mind that your wedding day will fly by! And the last thing you’ll want to worry about is whether or not you’re getting all of the photos you want.


THE DETAILS: Dress, Invitation, Shoes, Jewelry and More.
30 minutes
You’ve spent hours searching for the perfect dress, shoes and accessories so we want to make sure those pieces are photographed! That’s why it’s important to allot some time to preserve all of those little pieces. We recommend you collect your details together in one place so we can quickly and easily photograph them and also to make sure we didn’t miss anything.


GETTING READY:
60 minutes
For most couple, about an hour is the perfect amount of time. We usually begin photographing as the finishing touches of hair and makeup is applied (so everyone looks fantastic—no bedhead here!). We also use this time to capture some authentic and candid images of the bride, groom and wedding party as they are all hanging out together having a good time.


INDIVIDUAL PORTRAITS:
30 minutes
Now you and your fiance are looking amazing, this is the perfect time to photograph each of you separately. Your individual wedding portraits are usually photographed in the hotel room, bridal suite, or somewhere nearby using window light.


First Look & Couple Portraits:
45-60 minutes
While the first look itself will only take about 10 minutes, we suggest adding in extra time so you two can have a few moments together to calm each other’s nerves. We’ll also use this time to capture some couple portraits with just the two of you.


Wedding Party Photos:
45-60 minutes
We will start out with some classic wedding party looks and then move onto more fun and creative shots for a variety of images of you and your friends. We know that the people in your wedding party are some of your closest friends, so we’ll also photograph you with each member of your wedding party individually. We can also use this time to photograph a few individual portraits of your friends as well.


Family Portraits:
45 minutes
Grandparents, parents, siblings… and don’t forget spouses and their children! Your family is some of the most important people at your wedding, and we want to make sure you have photographs of all of them for you to look back on years down the road. That’s why we need to make sure we have plenty of time for your family portraits.

Ceremony:
30 minutes-2 hours
Every ceremony is different. I’ve photographed some wedding ceremonies that were only 10 minutes and others that were well over an hour. You’ll need to ask your officiant how long to expect for the ceremony so we can plan accordingly. Also, keep in mind that for most weddings, especially for a church ceremony, you won’t be able to photograph in the sanctuary 30 minutes before the ceremony because that’s when the guests will be arriving. After the ceremony, if you are having a receiving line it will usually take an additional 30 minutes. One more important detail to ask your officiant—if you choose not to have a First Look before the ceremony, see if there will be time afterwards to get a few photographs. Many churches, and even some outdoor spaces, have tight schedules—so it’s always important to check!


Fun Photos:
30-60 minutes
Once the ceremony is done, it’s time for everyone to let loose and have fun! We’ll take a little time to photograph the couple and the wedding party in fun or editorial and edgy looks in different locations.


Reception Details:
15-30 minutes
You’ve put so much effort into planning your reception. From the decorations, cake, place cards, flowers, table decor—none of it should be forgotten!. We need anywhere from 15-30 minutes so we can photograph all the important details before the guests enter.


Reception:
2-5 hours
There is so much that happens at the reception! Right from the start with the Grand Entrance to the cake cutting and all of the toasts! Not to mention the first dance, bouquet toss and all of the other festivities! You can usually plan on dinner taking a full hour, about 30 minutes for clean-up, and then allow at least an hour to capture the other major moments.


Reception Sneak Out:
15-20 minutes
After the couple has had dinner and guests are still eating, this is a good opportunity to run outside for some sunset or dusk images—or even when it’s dark out for some beautiful nighttime photos to wrap up your magical evening!