wedding timelines

One of the most common questions I get is, "How many hours do we really need for photos?". That is a great question and the answer will vary depending on specifics of YOUR day (ceremony time and length, first look or no first look, party bus or social hour, size of family included in portraits, how many locations are included throughout the day, etc). However, despite the different details, most weddings have a similar flow to the day and shouldn't fluctuate too much from these approximate timelines.

All weddings will assume a 30 minute ceremony with a start time of 4:00 PM and assume a first look session with the groom. These schedules have areas throughout the day that can be longer or shorter as your specific day requires.

Keep that in mind when viewing these timelines as these are just a general guideline to how many of our weddings go. Ultimately, this is YOUR day and I will adhere to any schedule you desire within the allotted timeframe. I will document your day however it truly unfolds, but if we have adequate time for romantic photos scheduled, it will help ensure that you receive a large variety of portraits as newly married husband & wife.

7 hours of coverage

12:15


12:30 - 1:00


1:00 - 1:45




1:45 - 2:30
2:30 - 3:00


3:00 - 3:30
3:30 - 4:00


4:00 - 4:30
4:30 - 5:30

5:45 - 6:45
7:00 - 7:30

Jessica arrives, greets bride and bridesmaids, sets up for details and getting ready shots
Groom Getting Ready: putting on tie, buttoning jacket, Mom putting on boutonniere, etc.
Bride Getting Ready: group shots with bridesmaids in robes/shirts, bride gets into dress, buttoning dress, securing jewelry, bridesmaids "floofing," etc
First Look & First Portraits
Bridal Party Portraits: just girls, just guys, all together, flower girl & ring bearer
Immediate Family Portraits
"Bride In Hiding:" Bride & Groom dismissed in order to stay out of sight of early guests coming in
Ceremony
Cocktail Hour / Party Bus or Limo / Additional portrait time
Grand Entrance & Supper
"Just Married" Sunset Photos OR Toasts and First Dances

12:15
12:30 - 1:00
1:00 - 1:45

1:45 - 2:30
2:30 - 3:00
3:00 - 3:30
3:30 - 4:00
4:00 - 4:30
4:30 - 5:30
5:45 - 6:45
7:00 - 7:30

9 hours of coverage

11:15 AM


11:30 - 12:30

12:30 - 1:00


1:00 - 2:00




2:00 - 2:30
2:30 - 3:00


3:00 - 3:30
3:30 - 4:00


4:00 - 4:30
4:30 - 5:30

5:45 - 6:45
6:45 - 7:15
7:15 - 8:00

Jessica arrives, greets bride and bridesmaids, sets up for details and getting ready shots
Details & Decor: Dress, shoes, invitations, flowers, rings, etc.
Groom Getting Ready: putting on tie, buttoning jacket, Mom putting on boutonniere, etc.
Bride Getting Ready: group shots with bridesmaids in robes/shirts, bride gets into dress, buttoning dress, securing jewelry, bridesmaids "floofing," etc
First Look & First Portraits
Bridal Party Portraits: just girls, just guys, all together, flower girl & ring bearer
Immediate Family Portraits
"Bride In Hiding:" Bride & Groom dismissed in order to stay out of sight of early guests coming in
Ceremony
Cocktail Hour / Party Bus or Limo / Additional portrait time
Grand Entrance & Supper
Sunset Photos
First Dances & Open Dancing Coverage

11:15 AM
11:30 - 12:30
12:30 - 1:00
1:00 - 2:00

2:00 - 2:30
2:30 - 3:00
3:00 - 3:30
3:30 - 4:00
4:00 - 4:30
4:30 - 5:30
5:45 - 6:45
6:45 - 7:15
7:15 - 8:30

11 hours of coverage

9:15 AM


9:30 - 10:30

10:30 - 11:00


11:00 - 12:00




12:00 - 12:30
12:30 - 1:00


1:00 - 1:30
1:30 - 2:00


2:00 - 3:00
3:00 - 3:30
3:30 - 5:30

5:45 - 6:45
6:45 - 7:15
7:15 - 8:30

Jessica arrives, greets bride and bridesmaids, sets up for details and getting ready shots
Details & Decor: Dress, shoes, invitations, flowers, rings, etc.
Groom Getting Ready: putting on tie, buttoning jacket, Mom putting on boutonniere, etc.
Bride Getting Ready: group shots with bridesmaids in robes/shirts, bride gets into dress, buttoning dress, securing jewelry, bridesmaids "floofing," etc
First Look & First Portraits
Bridal Party Portraits: just girls, just guys, all together, flower girl & ring bearer
Immediate Family Portraits
"Bride In Hiding:" Bride & Groom dismissed in order to stay out of sight of early guests coming in
Ceremony
Receiving Line

Cocktail Hour / Party Bus or Limo / Additional portrait time
Grand Entrance & Supper
Sunset Photos
First Dances & Open Dancing Coverage

9:15 AM
9:30 - 10:30
10:30 - 11:00
11:00 - 12:00

12:00 - 12:30
12:30 - 1:00
1:00 - 1:30
1:30 - 2:00
2:00 - 3:00
3:00 - 3:30
3:30 - 5:30
5:45 - 6:45
6:45 - 7:15
7:15 - 8:30

best for Catholic Mass Ceremony Weddings, longer events, or events with multiple locations