Planning your wedding day timeline for great photos

The best wedding photographs come from a day with a little breathing room. Here's how to build a timeline that gives your photographer and videographer time to do their best work.

Getting ready

Allow at least an hour for getting-ready photos: the dress, the details, your bridesmaids and the quiet moments before you leave. Ask your make-up artist to finish about 30 minutes before you need to go.

The ceremony

Church and registry ceremonies often start late, so build in a buffer. Tell us about any moments that matter to your family, such as a special blessing, so we're ready.

Couple portraits

Plan 30–45 minutes for portraits, ideally in the softer light of late afternoon. If you're short on time, a few minutes between the ceremony and reception still makes a difference.

Family groups

Write a list of the groups you want and ask a cousin or friend who knows everyone to gather people. It turns a stressful half hour into ten calm minutes.

Traditional and white weddings on one weekend

If you're holding both, plan them as one story. Our Luxury package covers two full days with unlimited hours, so neither day feels rushed.

A sample schedule

• 9:00 Getting ready
• 11:00 Ceremony
• 13:00 Family groups
• 13:30 Couple portraits
• 15:00 Reception
• 18:00 Golden-hour portraits

Every wedding is different, and we'll go through your timeline with you before the day. See wedding packages.