George Boyle
Wedding photography timelines are essential to ensuring your big day runs smoothly and you get all the photos you want. The timeline is the most important thing to plan before your wedding, and it's a good idea to work with your wedding planner and photographer to create a fully written-out schedule. The first step is to decide whether you want to do a “first look” where the couple sees each other before the ceremony. Then, work backward from the ceremony time, allowing 30-60 minutes beforehand for portraits and family photos. Consider the sunset time, especially for outdoor weddings, and plan for travel time if you want photos at different locations. Add a 5-minute buffer throughout the day to account for any delays. Be realistic about how long things will take, and remember that weddings rarely run exactly on time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for photos | 30 minutes for details photos, 1.5 hours for getting ready, 1 hour for bridal details, bride prep, groom prep, etc. |
| First look | Bride and groom see each other before the ceremony, sharing an intimate moment. |
| Sunset time | Consider the time of year and location for sunset portraits. |
| Travel time | Factor in travel time between locations and plan transportation. |
| Coverage time | 8 hours is sufficient for onsite coverage, including the "first look". |
| Ceremony time | Work backward from the ceremony time, subtracting time for portraits, family portraits, etc. |
| Flexibility | Be realistic and add buffer time, as weddings rarely run exactly on time. |
| Coordination | Work with the wedding planner and photographer to create a detailed schedule. |
| Prioritization | Ensure the timeline is created with photography in mind to capture all desired moments. |
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What You'll Learn
Build in time for getting ready photos
Building time into your wedding photography timeline for getting ready photos is a must. Not only does this allow the photographer to get their creative juices flowing, but it also ensures they have ample time to capture all the little details and moments that are important to the bride. From shots of the bridal party getting their hair and makeup done, to styling beautiful flatlays of the jewellery, shoes, dress, cufflinks, and other details, these photos help to tell the story of the day and are often a photographer's favourite part of the wedding.
It is recommended that photographers arrive 1-3 hours before the first look to capture these getting-ready moments. This includes shots of the bridal party in their robes, with a glass of champagne, and the bride getting into her gown. It is also a good idea to schedule a specific time for the dress to go on, allowing at least 30 minutes for this part of the day. This helps the makeup artists, hair stylists, and bridal party to know when they need to be ready, and provides a cushion if they run late.
The time spent capturing these getting-ready photos can also be used by the photographer to understand the vibe of the day, and it allows for some great images for album spreads. It is important to be realistic about how long things will take and to add in any transit time between locations. While it is unlikely that weddings will run exactly on time, a well-planned timeline will help to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable day for all.
In addition to the getting-ready photos, it is also worth considering the time of sunset when building your wedding timeline. Sunset portraits are often a must-have, so be sure to allow time for these, usually about 30 minutes before sunset, depending on your wedding location, weather, and time of year.
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Plan for sunset portraits
Sunset portraits are a beautiful addition to your wedding photography timeline. Here are some tips and suggestions to plan for those magical moments:
Know the Sunset Time and Location
The first step is to be aware of the sunset time on your wedding day. This can vary depending on the time of year and your wedding location. Use tools like the Photographer's Ephemeris app to determine the exact sunset time and location for your venue.
Plan Around the Golden Hour
The hour before sunset, known as the "golden hour," offers stunning lighting conditions for photographs. If possible, schedule your ceremony to end about an hour before sunset, allowing you to capture portraits during this magical light.
Sneak Away for Sunset Portraits
Sunset portraits don't have to interrupt the flow of your reception. As the photographer, I will work discreetly and usually stay for the first couple of dances. Then, while the party is in full swing, we can sneak away for sunset portraits. This is a great time to capture intimate moments between the newlyweds, away from the hustle and bustle of the reception.
Be Flexible and Creative
Even if the sun sets behind a mountain or a barn, we can still capture epic portraits. A moody sky during an overcast evening or dusk photos can be just as captivating. If the sunset aligns with dinner, we can also capture these moments while your guests are eating. We can always find creative solutions to ensure we capture those golden hour and sunset moments.
Allow for Extra Time
Sunset portraits are worth prioritizing, so ensure you allow for extra time in your timeline. Plan for 10-20 minutes of sunset shots, and if you're doing a "'first look,'" you can also take advantage of the time before the ceremony for additional portraits.
By incorporating these sunset portraits into your timeline, you'll create a romantic and dynamic collection of images that showcase the beauty of your wedding day.
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Decide whether to do a 'first look'
Deciding whether to do a "first look" is a personal choice. A first look is when the bride and groom see each other before the ceremony, allowing them to share an intimate moment together without distractions. This option is often favoured by photographers as it means that many wedding photos can be taken before the ceremony, leaving more time for the couple to enjoy the cocktail hour with their guests.
If you decide to stick with tradition and wait to see your partner during the ceremony, be aware that you will likely spend the entire cocktail hour taking portraits. In this case, you may want to consider an earlier controlled exit with just your partner and wedding party, or even a staged exit, to ensure you get all the photos you want.
If you opt for a first look, you will need to ensure that you and your bridal party are ready for photos before the first look. This includes hair, makeup, and getting into your outfits. The photographer will likely arrive 1-3 hours before the first look to capture these getting-ready photos, so it is important to plan ahead and be ready for their arrival.
If you are doing a first look, you will also need to consider the timing of your ceremony and other wedding events. Typically, 8 hours of coverage is sufficient for a wedding day with a first look, but you will need to account for travel time if you are moving between locations.
Ultimately, the decision to do a first look or not is a personal one, and you should choose the option that feels most comfortable and exciting to you as a couple.
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Factor in travel time
When creating the perfect wedding photography timeline, it is important to factor in travel time between locations. This is crucial if you are getting ready in a different location or taking portraits somewhere other than your venue.
Be sure to plan for transportation so that all of your VIPs get to the desired location safely and on time. You may also want to consider adding a buffer to your travel time estimates to account for any potential delays or hiccups. This will help ensure that your day runs as smoothly as possible and that you have plenty of time for photos at each location.
If you have a particular location in mind for your wedding photos, such as a local beach or park, be sure to factor in the travel time to and from that location. This will ensure that you have enough time to capture the photos you desire without feeling rushed.
Additionally, if you are having a “first look” before the ceremony, you may want to consider the travel time between the "first look" location and the ceremony venue. This will help you determine if you have time for additional photos or if you need to head directly to the ceremony after the "first look."
By factoring in travel time and allowing for flexibility, you can ensure that your wedding photography timeline runs smoothly and that you capture all the special moments of your day.
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Allow time for family portraits
When creating a wedding photography timeline, it's important to allocate sufficient time for family portraits. Here are some tips to ensure you capture those precious moments with your loved ones:
The "First Look" Decision:
The decision to do a "first look" will impact your timeline. A "first look" is when the bride and groom see each other before the ceremony, allowing for an intimate moment. This approach enables you to take many wedding photos before the ceremony, so you can enjoy your cocktail hour with your guests. If you opt for the traditional route of waiting until the ceremony, you'll likely spend the cocktail hour taking portraits.
Timing for Family Portraits:
- Start by determining your ceremony time. Work backward from there, allowing 30-60 minutes before the ceremony to be in hiding, preparing for your entrance.
- For family portraits, subtract another 20 minutes from the time you need to be in hiding. For large families or big groups, subtract 30-40 minutes to ensure enough time for everyone.
- It's recommended to prioritize immediate family portraits before the ceremony and leave larger group photos for later if needed.
- Consider the time of year and sunset time when planning your timeline. Sunset portraits can be magical, so you may want to step out during the reception for a few minutes to capture those golden hour moments.
Logistics and Buffer Time:
- Communicate with your photographer about their preferred timeline and any specific requests. They will guide you based on their experience and ensure you get the photos you desire.
- Factor in travel time between locations and plan for transportation. Ensure your VIPs are aware of the schedule and provide clear directions to the photo locations.
- Add a 5-minute buffer throughout the day to account for any unexpected delays.
Other Considerations:
- If you have a large bridal party, consider having a second shooter present to capture portraits simultaneously at separate locations.
- Discuss with your hair and makeup artists their necessary start times to ensure everyone is ready for photos.
- If you're taking getting-ready photos, allow time for capturing the little details: jewelry, shoes, cufflinks, and the final touches of hair and makeup.
Remember, creating a strategic timeline for your wedding photography is essential to ensure you capture all the special moments, including those cherished family portraits.
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Frequently asked questions
You should allocate at least 8 hours for wedding photography to cover bridal details, bride and groom prep, bridal party photos, first look, family portraits, ceremony, cake cutting, and open dancing.
Start with your ceremony time and work backward. Subtract 30 minutes to an hour from your ceremony time to get the time you need to finish with portraits. Subtract another 20 minutes for family portraits, and an additional 20-40 minutes for large families or groups.
The "first look" is when the bride and groom see each other before the ceremony, allowing them to share an intimate moment. If you choose to do a first look, you can finish all your photos before the ceremony, including couple portraits, wedding party photos, and family photos. This reduces stress and gives you more time for portraits during the cocktail hour.
Be realistic about how long things will take and factor in travel time between locations. Work with your photographer to create a timeline that guarantees you get the photos you want.
Prioritize capturing the first dances, including the father-daughter and mother-son dances. If your wedding is outdoors, consider sunset portraits, usually 30 minutes before sunset.
