Rhiannon Hendricks
Planning the timeline for your wedding photography can be an overwhelming task. It's important to consider how much time you should budget for the different types of photos you want. The length of your portrait session will depend on various factors, such as the number of people in your wedding party, the locations you want to visit for your photos, and the travel time between these places.
Most photographers recommend about 30 minutes for wedding party portraits and family portraits (close family only), while couple portraits can take between 45 minutes to an hour. If you're including extended family and large groups, the portrait session can last around 45 minutes.
It's also essential to account for transportation time if you're taking photos at multiple locations. Additionally, consider allowing some extra time, or breathing room, in your timeline to accommodate potential delays or what if scenarios, such as hair and makeup taking longer than expected or transportation delays.
Discuss your specific needs and preferences with your photographer, who can provide a suggested list of portrait groupings and help you plan a timeline that ensures you get all the shots you want on your special day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation photos | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
| Getting ready photos | 30 minutes |
| Wedding party photos | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
| Couple portraits | 45 minutes to 1 hour |
| Family portraits | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
| First look photos | 1-3 hours before the ceremony |
| Ceremony photos | Depends on the length of the ceremony |
| Reception photos | 30-60 minutes |
| Travel time | Depends on the number of locations |
| Sunset photos | Schedule with buffer time |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding party portraits: 30 minutes
Wedding party portraits are an essential part of your wedding photography. Most photographers recommend allowing around 30 minutes for these shots, but this can vary depending on the size of your wedding party and the specific types of photos you want. It's a good idea to discuss your preferences with your photographer, who can provide a suggested list of portrait groupings.
When planning your wedding photography timeline, it's essential to consider the time needed for different types of shots. Wedding party portraits typically include separate photos of the bride with the bridesmaids and the groom with the groomsmen. These photos often start with more formal images and lighting and then transition into fun and creative shots.
To make the most of your time, it's recommended to have your photographer arrive about 60 minutes before the end of your hair and makeup session to capture the getting-ready shots and fresh looks. If you're doing a ""first look"" photo, where the couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day, this can be done before the ceremony, saving time later. These photos often take around 20-30 minutes, with the actual first look taking about 15 minutes and the rest of the time spent on basic portraits.
Additionally, don't forget to factor in travel time if you're moving between locations for your photos. It's also a good idea to add five-minute buffers throughout the day to account for any unexpected delays or last-minute changes. By planning your wedding photography timeline effectively, you can ensure you capture all the special moments of your big day without feeling rushed.
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Family portraits: 20-45 minutes
Family portraits are an essential part of your wedding photography. While the main focus will be the newlyweds, family portraits are a must-have to commemorate the occasion with your loved ones.
Most photographers recommend allowing 30 minutes for family portraits, but this timeframe can vary depending on the size of your family and the number of groupings you want to include. If you have a large extended family, you may need up to 45 minutes.
To ensure the process runs smoothly, it's important to manage your expectations and plan ahead. Decide on the groupings you want, keeping in mind that you'll likely want to include your wedding party, immediate family, and perhaps a few important relatives. A good rule of thumb is to limit formal portraits to around 15 groupings, as the more photos you take, the more time it will take, keeping you away from your celebration.
Additionally, consider any potential awkward interactions, such as divorced parents who cannot be in the same room, and communicate these to your photographer so they can schedule those portraits separately. If you're taking photos at multiple locations, don't forget to factor in transportation time as well.
By following these suggestions, you can ensure that your family portrait session stays within the allotted time frame and runs smoothly, allowing you to capture precious memories with your loved ones on your special day.
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Couple portraits: 45 minutes to an hour
Capturing the perfect wedding photographs is an important part of your big day. While the main focus of your wedding portrait session will be you and your spouse, you will probably want to include formal portraits of your wedding party and family.
Most photographers recommend allowing 45 minutes to an hour for couple portraits. This will depend on the number of locations you want to visit for your photos, and the time spent travelling between each of these locations. It is also a good idea to plan your shoot around sunset, as this is some of the best light of the day.
If you are short on time, you can opt to do a "first look" photo, which captures the first time the couple sees each other on their wedding day, usually in their wedding attire and before the ceremony. This option allows you to take formal portraits before the ceremony, giving you more time to enjoy the cocktail hour with your guests. If you decide to wait until the ceremony to see your partner, you can expect to spend the entire cocktail hour taking portraits.
To make the most of your time, it is recommended that you create a detailed written timeline for your wedding day, including a photography schedule. You should also add five to ten minutes of "buffer" time throughout the day to account for any delays, and don't forget to factor in travel time if you are moving between locations.
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Candid photos: 1 hour
Capturing the candid moments of a wedding is an important part of the photographer's job. These moments can include the ceremony, the speeches, the dancing, and the interactions between guests. To ensure you get the best candid photos, it's recommended to have a flexible timeline for your wedding day. This allows for more opportunities for these moments to occur naturally and for you to have a more relaxed experience.
A good way to ensure you get plenty of candid photos is to opt for a first look photo. This is when the couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day, usually in their wedding attire, before the ceremony. This allows you to take formal portraits before the ceremony, leaving more time to capture candid moments during the day.
Another way to ensure you get great candid photos is to hire a second shooter. While the main photographer focuses on the newlyweds, the second shooter can capture the smaller details and interactions that occur outside of the main photographer's frame. This could include the parents' reactions as the couple exchange rings, or friends toasting the marriage while the couple is busy with family photos.
When it comes to the length of time needed for candid photos, it's important to remember that these moments can't be posed or controlled. Therefore, it's a good idea to allow for at least an hour of photography time during the ceremony, and to be prepared to capture candid moments throughout the day, especially during key moments such as the speeches and the dancing.
To make the most of your candid photography, it's recommended to get to know your gear so that you can react quickly when compelling moments occur. Using natural light can also enhance the authenticity of your photos, although artificial lighting can be used to create interesting effects. Editing candid moments in black and white can also bring attention and focus to the moment captured.
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Travel time: 30 minutes each way
When planning the photography timeline for a wedding, it is important to account for travel time. If the wedding ceremony and reception are in different locations, it is recommended to add some extra time to the schedule for travel, in case of emergencies or traffic. This can include travel to and from the hotel, as well as any other locations for portraits.
For a 30-minute travel time each way, it is advisable to plan for a minimum of 1 hour of travel time in the schedule. This allows for some flexibility in case of unexpected delays.
To optimize the photography timeline, consider the following suggestions:
- Discuss with the photographer if you want to include a “first look” session before the ceremony. This can be a special and emotional moment for the couple, but it will also impact the timing of other photos.
- Plan for 30-60 minutes of couple portraits, depending on the number of different groupings you want. This can include formal portraits with the wedding party, immediate family, and other important relatives.
- Budget about 15-20 minutes for wedding party photos with the couple, and another 30-45 minutes for formal family portraits.
- If possible, schedule the couple's session about an hour before sunset, as the softer light during this time produces stunning images.
- Allow for 20-30 minutes to photograph the reception details before the guests enter the room.
- For the cake cutting, first dance, and other reception activities, about 10 minutes should be sufficient.
Remember, every wedding is unique, and the photography timeline should be tailored to your specific needs and preferences. It is always a good idea to pad the timeline and allow for some extra time to avoid feeling rushed.
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding party photos typically take around 30 minutes. However, if you have a large wedding party, you may want to add a little extra time.
Family portraits will depend on the size of your family. A modest family—parents and siblings—should take no more than 20 minutes. A prominent family with extended family members may take up to 45 minutes.
Most photographers suggest allowing 45 minutes to an hour for couple portraits.
The average photographer stays for around 8 hours, but this can vary depending on the package you choose and whether your wedding is in one location or multiple locations.
