8-hour wedding photography timeline + planning tips for couples who want to capture all the details and heartfelt moments on your wedding day.
A wedding photography timeline is written by the photographer with the couple in mind, highlighting key moments you have planned for your wedding day. While you may have received a full-day timeline from your wedding planner, a wedding photography timeline is more aligned with the couple’s specific whereabouts and locations throughout the day. This timeline is drafted and delivered after our final planning call around 4 weeks before the big day!
Having a photography-specific timeline allows you to relax and trust that your photography team will be ever-present at varying locations so we can capture beautiful and candid moments. This helps us prepare and integrate ourselves with your wedding party and family, creating a more relaxed atmosphere so we can preserve your memories in an artistic and joyful way!
3 Key Things to Know
before creating your wedding photography timeline
1. getting ready locations
Separate locations for getting ready or formal portraits will require extra travel time. Be sure to work this into your plans for pre-ceremony shots.
2. Having a first look?
A couple’s first look allows time for couple’s & bridal party portraits before the ceremony. If no first look, we have portraits after the ceremony.
3. The Exit
Is a sparkler exit happening? A special surprise during the reception? Defining your “must have” moments will make timeline planning easier.
8-hour wedding timeline
My sample 8-hour wedding photography timeline (including 1st look) from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm balances the chaos and the calm, ensuring we have enough time to capture everything from pre-ceremony jitters to the final exit.
1:00 – 2:00 PM: Wedding Details + Getting Ready
Bride’s Location: 1:00 – 1:30 PM: Detail shots (dress, shoes, jewelry, invitation suite) // 1:30 – 1:45 Candid shots of the bride and bridesmaids getting ready // 1:45 – 2:00: Bridal portraits and finishing touches
Groom’s Location: (2nd photographer) 1:00 – 1:20 PM: Detail shots (suit, tie, cufflinks) // 1:20 – 1:40: Candid shots of the groom and groomsmen getting ready // 1:40 – 2:00: Groom portraits and group shots with groomsmen
2:00 – 3:00 PM: First Look + Couple’s Portraits
2:00 – 2:15 PM: First Look (a private moment for the bride and groom) // 2:15 – 2:45 PM: Bride and groom portraits in various locations around the venue // 2:45 – 3:00 PM: Travel time to the ceremony location (if different)
3:00 – 4:00 PM: Ceremony + Family Portraits
3:00 – 3:30 PM: Wedding Ceremony // 3:30 – 4:00 PM: Family portraits (at the wedding altar, formal family and extended family portraits. One of wedding party posing at the altar)
4:00 – 4:30 PM: The photography team divides their time between reception decor & details, table settings, and centerpieces (before guests are seated). Candid shots of guests enjoying the cocktail hour
4:30 – 5:30 PM: The Reception Begins
4:30 – 4:45 PM: Bridal party entrance and couple’s first dance // 4:45 – 5:30 PM: Toasts and speeches
5:30 – 6:30 PM: Dinner and Sunset Portraits
5:30 – 6:00 PM: Dinner (initial photographs of the meal prep, the couple enjoying their meal) Photographers take a quick break & eat. // 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Sunset portraits depending on season (golden hour magic!)
6:30 – 7:30 PM: Reception Highlights
6:30 – 7:00 PM: Cake cutting // 7:00 – 7:30 PM: Special dances, open dancing, and candid moments
7:30 – 9:00 PM: Evening Festivities
7:30 – 8:30 PM: More open dancing, capturing the energy and joy of the reception // 8:30 – 8:45 PM: Last call for any requested group shots or special moments // 8:45 – 9:00 PM: Final dance and grand exit (sparklers, confetti, or a special car send-off)
Wedding Photography Timeline FAQs:
How much time do I need for wedding photography?
8 hours will cover most wedding couples’ needs. Hours can be added if needed, we can determine this during our 4-week timeline planning call.
What should I bring for wedding detail photos?
Download our free wedding details checklist that offers suggestions on what to bring so we can capture your wedding details beautifully. You should include the rings (both sets) and ring boxes, jewelry, your full wedding invitation suite with envelopes and heirloom keepsakes.
What time do photographers arrive for wedding day photos?
I typically arrive right around the time couples are nearly ready. I shoot the invitation suite first. The bridesmaids and mothers should all be ready by this time and have their flowers with them. A well-appointed, brightly lit room is a must during getting ready photos. Look for rooms with large windows and an organized area in the space, or even access to a beautiful outdoor space. I will choose the most aesthetically pleasing backdrop for pre-ceremony photos.
How many photos are taken during an 8-hour wedding?
With 2 primary photographers, we deliver on average between 75-100 hand-edited images per hour of coverage.
How long do family photos take after a wedding ceremony?
I try to keep this to 30 minutes with a detailed list of names. We ask the family to stay near the altar after the ceremony. The combination of portraits typically includes the couple with parents and siblings. Followed by grandparents, and if needed, extended family. We try to limit to 10 combinations on each side to stay in that 30 minute timeframe. Informal group photos during the reception are often a great option for large, extended families.
What are the benefits of a first look?
Depending on a couple’s preference, having a first look or private vows gives the couple a chance to connect before the ceremony. It also allows the full bridal party to take photos together instead of waiting until after the ceremony. I love traditional weddings, too, where the couple doesn’t see each other until the ceremony
By following a well-structured timeline, you can ensure that you capture all the critical moments of the wedding day while also allowing time for creative and spontaneous shots. Learn more about our wedding experience, or tell me more about your wedding plans. I’d love to work with you!
An artist at heart, I love styling and shooting timeless images that will look beautiful for years to come. I'm a hybrid photographer with a documentary & editorial, true-to-color editing style. Movement & light are my favorite elements to embrace to achieve an elegant, romantic look. Have an event you'd like me to capture? I'd love to hear from you!
