Your Guide to Your Wedding Day Photography Timeline

Erica Sofia Photography

While there are many important aspects to your wedding day, one aspect that is equally important and fun is your wedding photography! And just like you have an itinerary for everything else on your wedding day, why shouldn’t you have one for your wedding photography? 

Not only will a wedding photography timeline ensure you capture each and every moment, it also ensures you stay on schedule for your big day. It probably comes as no surprise that taking photos takes longer than you think, so having a schedule on when and where you’re having wedding photos taken will help keep your big day running smoothly. 

And since this is an added task on your already long list of things to do, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your wedding photographer or planner as they’ll know all the behind-the-scenes details! 

How to Create Your Wedding Photography Timeline 

Before diving into creating your timeline, you’ll want to keep several things in mind: 

Including a First Look 

A popular set of pictures, a first look is perfect to incorporate into your timeline. Consider taking those formal portraits prior to your ceremony as it’ll add additional time to your day. You’ll have time during the cocktail hour should you need it in ase you’re running behind. Or, consider taking portraits early in the day so you’ll be able to celebrate with your guests post-ceremony. 

Note When the Sun Sets

We all love a sunset photo, but we don’t love when the sun sets before getting all the wedding photos. Make sure to check when the sun sets so you’ll have enough time to get all the daylight pictures you need. 

Check Back on Family Photos 

Taking family photos is a lovely way to memorialize your wedding day. However, they are also time-consuming and overwhelming. Try narrowing down these photos and stick to about 15 photos so you can get them finished in under 30 minutes. Bonus points for letting everyone know well ahead of time of when and where they’ll need to be for those photos. 

Always Have a Buffer

Your wedding can be the most detailed and organized out there, but as we all know, life happens. Whether it’s a family member running late, unforeseen traffic, or something else, it’s imperative to factor buffers into your itinerary. Rather than allotting 30 minutes for family photos, for example, allot 45 minutes. That way, you’ll still be on schedule even if something happens. 

Here’s a Sample Wedding Photography Timeline 

To help with creating your wedding photography itinerary, here is a sample timeline: 

11 a.m. - Wedding Photographer Arrives 

11:15-1:15 p.m. - Getting Ready Photos 

• Bride getting ready (hair, makeup, getting ready with bridesmaids)

• Groom getting ready with groomsmen

• Detail shots (dress, veil, shoes, rings, etc)

1:30-3:30 p.m. - First Look/Couple Portraits 

• Bride portraits

• Groom portraits 

• First look 

• Couple portraits 

3:45-4:15 p.m. - Wedding Party Photos 

• Bride with bridesmaids, maid of honor, each of her bridesmaids

• Groom with groomsmen, best man, each of his groomsmen

• Couple with wedding party

• Couple with bridesmaids and groomsmen

4:30-5:00 p.m. - Ceremony

• Ceremony location 

• Detail shots 

• Guests arriving 

• Family walking down the aisle

• Wedding party walking down the aisle

• Couple’s procession

• Officiant 

• Readings (if applicable)

• Vows 

• Exchanging rings 

• First kiss

• Recessional

5:15-5:45 p.m. - Family Portraits (During cocktail hour)

• Bride and groom with family members (parents, siblings, grandparents)

• Couple with each other’s families 

5:15-6:15 p.m. - Cocktail Hour

• Detail shots 

• Guests mingling

• Signature cocktails 

6:30 p.m. - Wedding Reception

• Detail shots

• Couple’s entrance, first dance

• Parent dances

• Toasts & speeches

• Guests at tables & dancing

• Cake cutting (if applicable)

• Last dance 

• Couple’s send-off 

And there you have it - your complete guide to a wedding photography itinerary!