A Typical Wedding Timeline for Photography Coverage

As a wedding photographer, one of the most common questions I get from couples is, “How should we structure our wedding day to make sure everything is captured beautifully?”

Planning a solid wedding day timeline not only reduces stress but also ensures that your photography coverage flows smoothly—from the quiet, emotional moments of getting ready to the high-energy celebration on the dance floor.

If you’ve booked 8–9 hours of photography coverage, here’s the perfect timeline to help you make the most of it. This layout includes:

• Bride & groom prep

• Ceremony

• Portraits during cocktail hour

• Reception coverage

Let’s break it down.

Sample Wedding Day Timeline

Photographer Arrives / Getting Ready Begins

This is when I arrive to capture the details—flat lays, dress, rings, shoes, invitations, and the candid getting-ready moments. Gettin Ready entails final touches of makeup/hair, robe photos, champagne toasts, and getting into the dress. For the groom, this is usually quicker, photos of getting dressed, buttoning the shirt, adjusting the tie, and some group shots with groomsmen.

Pro Tip: Have your room tidy before I arrive and keep all your details in one place—this saves a ton of time!

First Look (Optional)

If you're doing a first look, this is a great moment to schedule it. It gives you a private moment together before the ceremony and allows for extra portrait time before the guests arrive.

• First look

• Couple portraits

• A few wedding party photos

Not doing a first look? No problem! We’ll do all your couple portraits after the ceremony during cocktail hour.

Wedding Ceremony

This is where the magic begins. Ceremonies typically last 30 to 60 minutes, but always check with your officiant to confirm.

Make sure family members are seated 10–15 minutes before the start time so we can capture wide shots and ceremony ambiance.

Cocktail Hour / Wedding Portraits

After the ceremony, you head off to enjoy cocktail hour (or sneak away for a few minutes of alone time), and I get to work on portraits.

Cocktail hour goes by quickly, so designate a family member or coordinator to help gather people for family photos.

Reception

Reception entrances kick off the evening fun. Here’s how the rest of the timeline typically flows:

• Grand entrance

• First dance

• Welcome speech / blessing

• Dinner is served

• Toasts & speeches

• Parent dances

• Cake cutting

• Open dancing begins

• Photographer wraps up with some dance floor shots, night portraits, or a private last dance

If you’re doing a sparkler exit or grand send-off, this can be done earlier and staged if needed so the photographer doesn’t need to stay until the very end.

An 8 to 9-hour wedding photography package is the perfect sweet spot—it allows you to capture every important moment without rushing. With a thoughtfully planned timeline, your day will feel smooth, relaxed, and photo-friendly.

If you're still unsure how your wedding day should flow, I'm happy to help you customize your timeline! Every couple and wedding is unique, and your photography timeline should reflect your personal story.

Need help building your own perfect timeline?
Let’s chat! I’ll help you make sure nothing gets missed and every memory is beautifully documented.