The Ultimate Wedding Day Timeline (From a Photographer Who’s Seen It All)
You’ve booked your venue… now what?
Your wedding day timeline is what keeps everything running smoothly. It coordinates all of your vendors, protects your experience, and makes sure nothing important gets rushed or missed. Quite honestly, your timeline can make or break the flow of your day.
After photographing weddings for over 14 years, I know what needs to happen - and when. I love creating custom timelines that are realistic, relaxed, and built around what matters most to you.
This is a photography-focused guide to how long each part of your wedding day typically takes, and a great starting point for building your own wedding day timeline.
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Wedding Preparations Timeline
Photography coverage: approx. 1.5 hours each
Your getting-ready time sets the tone for the entire day. Calm, light-filled and unrushed is the goal.
Things to think about:
• How long will travel take between both of you and then to the ceremony venue?
• If possible, book an Airbnb instead of a hotel room - more space, better light, fewer distractions.
• Use the biggest and most well-lit room for getting dressed.
• Decide if you want your details photographed (dress, jewellery, shoes, rings, stationery).
• Are you getting ready in separate locations? This is where a second photographer can be incredibly helpful.
• Schedule hair and makeup to finish 1.5 hours before leaving for your ceremony. Work backwards from your finish time to avoid stress.
Leave buffer time for mishaps!
Wedding Ceremony Timeline
Ceremony duration: approx. 45 minutes
Post-ceremony hugs & family photos: approx. 1 hour
The ceremony is the heart of your day - and it almost never starts exactly on time.
Things to think about:
• Does your venue have a wet-weather backup plan?
• Always allow buffer time - ceremonies run late more often than early.
• How long do you want to spend mingling with guests afterwards?
• Do you have a large family list for photos?
• Is there enough space for a group photo if you’d like one?
Wedding Party & Couple Portraits Timeline
Photography duration: approx. 1 hour
This is where we slow things down and create space for you to actually be together.
Things to think about:
• Have canapés and drinks available - you will be hungry by now.
• Do we need to travel between locations, or are they within walking distance?
• Leave time to freshen up before your reception entrance.
A relaxed portrait session always results in better photos - and a much better experience.
Wedding Reception Timeline
Photography coverage: usually for around 3 hours from the reception start
Your reception is where the energy shifts and the party really begins.
Things to think about:
• Would you prefer the room photographed empty or once guests are seated?
• Your venue or caterer will usually provide guidance on meal service times
• Highly recommended! Sunset photos if we’re in daylight savings - they’re always worth sneaking away for.
• Do you want traditional table shots or more relaxed candid guest photos?
• Leave breathing room between formalities so you can actually enjoy your night.
Why Your Wedding Day Timeline Matters
A good wedding day timeline isn’t about packing more in - it’s about creating flow.
When your timeline is well planned:
• You feel less rushed
• Your photos feel fun and easy and the results speak for themselves
• Your day feels intentional and relaxed
This guide is a starting point. Every wedding is different, and your timeline should reflect your priorities, not a rigid template.
If you want help building a custom wedding photography timeline that actually works for your day, I’m always happy to help!
