Sample wedding photography timelines

Our sample timelines are based on 8 hours of coverage and a 5 pm ceremony. These are intended to provide an overview of what we typically recommend, but will vary based on your specific ceremony start & reception end times.

First Look Timeline

2 pm

Hair & makeup mostly completed for all ladies upon photographer's arrival, photos of bridal details, fun group photos of bride & bridesmaids in robes or PJs. Second photographer with groom & groomsmen for prep photos.

3 pm

Bride dresses with help from mom and bridesmaids, first look with dad if requested. Groom and groomsmen should be completely dressed by this time.

3:15 pm

First look between bride & groom!

3:30 pm

Wedding party formals, immediate family (parents and siblings) formals.

4:15 pm

Wedding party tucked away to refresh, hide from guest arrival. Photos of ceremony site, decor and guest arrival during this time.

5 pm

Time to get married!

5:30 pm

Extended family formals (grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins) if requested. Wedding party is released to cocktail hour!

5:45 pm

Bride & groom portraits, possibly with enough time left over to enjoy some of cocktail hour!

6:30 pm

Party time! Reception starts!

10 pm

Grand exit to send off the newlyweds!


Traditional Timeline

2 pm

Hair & makeup in progress upon photographer's arrival, photos of bridal details. Second photographer with groom & groomsmen for prep photos.

2:30 pm

Hair and makeup for all ladies to be completed. Fun photos of bride & bridesmaids in matching robes or PJs!

3 pm

Bride dresses with help from mom and bridesmaids. Groom and groomsmen to be dressed by this time.

3:15

First look with dad.

3:30 pm

Group photos with bridesmaids, mom and dad. Second photographer takes group photos of groom & groomsmen, mom and dad.

4:15 pm

Wedding party tucked away for guest arrival, refresh for ceremony. Photos of ceremony site, decor and guest arrival at this time.

5 pm

Time to get married!

5:30 pm

Family formals (starting with extended family, then immediate family). Extended family members will be released to cocktail hour after their photo has been taken!

5:50 pm

Wedding party formals.

6:10 pm

Bride & groom portraits.

6:30 pm

Party time! Reception starts!

10 pm

Grand exit to send off the newlyweds!


sample Photo + video timeline

Based on 9 hours of coverage and a 5 pm ceremony.

Photo & Video Timeline

1 pm

Prep photos & video with groom and groomsmen. Upon arrival, the groom and groomsmen should be mostly dressed, groomsmen/best man to help groom with final touches (putting on jacket, tie, cuff links).

1:30 pm

Groom to open gift and letter from bride, if requested for video.

1:45 pm

Group & individual photos of groom & groomsmen.

2:00 pm

Prep photos & video with bride and bridesmaids. Hair and makeup for all ladies should be mostly completed by this time. Bridal details (dress, shoes, jewelry, invitation) to be photographed. Group photo in matching robes or PJs.

2:45 pm

Bride dresses with help from mom and bridesmaids. Open gift and letter from groom, if requested for video.

3 pm

First look with dad, if requested.

3:15 pm

First look with groom!

3:30 pm

Wedding party & immediate family formals.

4:15 pm

Wedding party tucked away from guest arrival. Photos of ceremony site, decor and guest arrival during this time.

5 pm

Time to get married!

5:30 pm

Extended family formals if requested.

5:45 pm

Bride & groom portraits!

6:30 pm

Party time! Reception starts!

10 pm

Grand exit to send off the newlyweds!