Lyla Dejesus
Planning a wedding can be an overwhelming task, especially when it comes to wedding photography. It's hard to know how much time to budget for different types of photos. The length of time needed for wedding portraits depends on various factors, such as the number of people in the photos, the desired locations, and the specific types of shots the couple wants. Most photographers recommend allowing for at least two hours to capture all the essential wedding portraits, including couple portraits, wedding party portraits, and family portraits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum time for wedding portraits | 2 hours |
| First look | 20-30 minutes |
| Wedding party portraits | 30 minutes |
| Family portraits | 30-45 minutes |
| Couple portraits | 45 minutes |
| Sunset portraits | 30 minutes before sunset |
| Ideal time for wedding photography | 8 hours |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding photography timelines
The first thing to consider when creating your wedding photography timeline is the sunset time. The light will shape your entire day, both in terms of photography and how it feels for you and your guests. Your photographer will likely recommend building sunset photos of you and your partner into your wedding day, usually about 30 minutes before sunset. If you're having an outdoor ceremony, this is especially important to consider, but even for indoor weddings, the time of day and year will impact the lighting.
The next thing to decide is whether you want to do a "first look". This is when the couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day, usually in their wedding attire, before the ceremony. The first look itself only takes a few minutes, but setting up and travelling can take time. The first look should be around 20-30 minutes, with the rest of the time spent on basic portraits of the couple. If there is no other time in the day, allocate another 45 minutes to an hour to ensure you have enough photos of just the couple.
If you choose not to do a first look, you will likely spend your cocktail hour taking portraits, so be sure to decide which path to take before creating your timeline. If you do a first look, you can take many of your wedding photos before the ceremony, allowing you to enjoy the cocktail hour with your guests.
For the rest of your wedding party and family portraits, most photographers say you need about 30 minutes for wedding party portraits and 30-45 minutes for family portraits. These timeframes can contract or expand, depending on the size of your wedding party and family, and the types of shots you want. Formal family portraits should be done in different varieties and groupings, with about 3-4 minutes spent on each.
Finally, don't forget to factor in travel time if you're moving between locations. Add 15 minutes of cushion time to your schedule in case of emergencies or traffic. It's also a good idea to allow about 20-30 minutes for the photographer to capture the reception details, such as the beauty of the reception room before guests enter.
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The 'first look'
Capturing the perfect "first look" is a popular choice for many couples. This is when the couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day, usually in their wedding attire, and it is a great opportunity to capture genuine reactions and emotions.
The "first look" photoshoot can take place at a location of your choice, often at or near the wedding venue, either outdoors or indoors. It is a good idea to choose a picturesque setting, and you can even ask friends or the bridal party to help with the arrangements. The "first look" photoshoot can be a special moment shared just between the couple, or it can be witnessed by guests, who may want to see the bride's arrival for the first time as she walks down the aisle.
The "first look" photoshoot is usually followed by portrait sessions for both the bride and groom, including bridal portraits and groom portraits. These can be taken at various locations, such as the ceremony and reception venues, a nearby park, or even a hotel, depending on your preference and the logistics of your wedding day.
The length of the "first look" photoshoot and subsequent portrait sessions will depend on the number of locations you choose and the time spent travelling between them. It is recommended that you allow at least 30-45 minutes for getting ready shots with your bridesmaids or groomsmen, and about 45 minutes for the couple's portrait session. If you are having an intimate family group portrait, this will take about half an hour, while larger wedding party portraits can take 25-30 minutes.
The "first look" and portrait sessions are a great way to ensure you have plenty of time to enjoy your cocktail hour with your guests and not miss out on any special moments. It also means you can follow this with a more relaxed schedule, including time to practice your first dance and capture some night-time shots.
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Formal portraits
Most photographers recommend allowing about 30 minutes for wedding party portraits. If you have a large wedding party, you may need to add a little extra time. For example, if you have 3-7 attendants each, 30 minutes is usually perfect, but if you have more, you may need to add a few minutes to get everyone looking at the camera!
For formal family portraits, plan for 30-45 minutes. You'll want to capture a variety of pairings and groupings, including your parents, grandparents, and siblings. Plan for about 3-4 minutes per group on average.
Couple portraits, or the "first look" photos, usually take about 45 minutes to an hour. The "first look" captures the moment the couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day and is usually done before the ceremony. If you choose to wait to see each other during the ceremony, you will likely spend your cocktail hour taking these portraits instead.
In addition to these formal portraits, you may also want to consider allowing time for the following:
- 20-30 minutes for the photographer to capture the reception details, such as the beauty of the reception room before guests arrive
- 30 minutes for sunset photos during the reception
- 30 minutes for the photographer to capture the ceremony site
- 30 minutes for bridal prep photos, such as photos of the dress, rings, shoes, and bouquets
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Sunset portraits
To ensure you get the sunset portraits you want, it's important to plan ahead. Discuss with your photographer the types of shots you want and the best time to take them. You may want to schedule sunset portraits for before the reception begins or during the dinner. If you're having a first look, you can take sunset portraits then, and if not, you can take them after the ceremony. Either way, you'll want to start about 30 minutes to an hour before sunset to ensure you get the shots.
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Ideal locations
When it comes to wedding portraits, the ideal location is a key consideration. While it's ultimately up to the couple's preference, there are some important factors to keep in mind. Firstly, transportation can be a significant time drain, so choosing a location close to the ceremony or reception venue is advisable. This ensures that the couple and wedding party can quickly move between locations without being held up by travel.
Secondly, the location should be visually appealing and offer a range of backdrops for the portraits. This can include natural settings like gardens, parks, or waterfront areas, as well as architectural features such as grand staircases, elegant interiors, or unique buildings. Some couples may opt for a studio setting, which can provide a controlled environment with various backdrops and lighting options.
Additionally, the size of the wedding party and family should be considered when selecting a location. Larger groups may require more spacious areas to ensure everyone can be comfortably included in the portraits. It's also important to ensure that the location is not too crowded, as this can be distracting and may limit the photographer's ability to capture the desired shots.
Some couples may also want to incorporate the time of day and lighting conditions into their location decision. Sunset, for example, often provides soft and flattering light for portraits, so couples might choose a location that takes advantage of this golden hour.
Ultimately, the ideal location for wedding portraits should be easily accessible, visually appealing, and offer a range of backdrops to capture the magic of the couple's special day. Trusting the photographer's expertise and vision is also crucial, as they can make any location work to create stunning portraits.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the types of portraits you want, but it will probably take at least two hours to get all the shots.
Wedding party portraits typically take 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the size of your party.
Family portraits typically take 30 minutes to 45 minutes.
Couple portraits typically take 45 minutes to one hour.
A "first look" photo, capturing the couple seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day, typically takes 20-30 minutes.
