You're booking your wedding photographer! And you're excited! But you're deciding how many hours you'll need and it's a little overwhelming. What do people normally book? What does a wedding timeline even look like?
I've captured weddings of all sizes, budgets, cultures, religions, styles, and more –so whether you have hired a wedding planner or not, please know that I'm here to help your planning go smoothly! Most couples book between 8-10 hours, but this can vary depending on your ceremony length, moments you'd like captured, travel time between locations, and more.
I’ve created a 10-hour timeline below to help you visualize the flow of a wedding day as it pertains to photography. Please keep in mind that this is just a sample and may not reflect what your unique day will look like, so we’ll chat about any wishes and plans you have to develop a timeline that works best for you.
12:00 - 12:45 Details
I capture details first so I can give em' back to you to wear! During this time, I'll capture your venue, rings, invitations, sentimental details, dress, shoes, perfume, watch, etc.
12:45 - 1:15 Getting Ready
Hair/makeup, pajama/robe photos, moments with your friends, getting into your dress/tux, etc. If you and your partner are getting ready in different locations, you'll either need to pick one person to be captured during this time or be sure to book a second photographer.
1:30-1:40 First Look
A couple's first moment seeing each other fully dressed on the wedding day. While not for everyone, doing a First Look allows you to take photos before the ceremony for an easier flow and more time to enjoy cocktail hour/hanging with your loved ones after the ceremony.
1:40-2:30 Couple's & Solo Portraits
If you did a First Look, we'll take portraits of the two of you together and individually immediately afterward. If not, these photos will most likely be captured during your cocktail hour.
2:45-3:20 Wedding Party Portraits
If you are doing a First Look, we'll likely take all wedding party portraits before the ceremony so you can enjoy cocktail hour. If not, we'll do full group photos after the ceremony during cocktail hour.
3:30-3:50 Ceremony Details
You two hide away and enjoy some alone time before the ceremony while I capture guest arrival, ceremony decor, etc.
4:00-4:30 Ceremony
The big "I do!" Ceremony length may vary based on cultural and/or faith-based practices.
4:30-5:00 Family Portraits
We'll take photos with your family members and close loved ones immediately after the ceremony. If you didn't do a First Look, we'll extend this time to also include your wedding party and couple's portraits.
5:00-5:30 Cocktail Hour & Reception Details
Guests mingling, champagne glasses, reception decor, etc. If you'd like, you can also do a private "room reveal" moment during this time—which gives you a private moment to practice your first dance!
5:30 Reception
Introductions, dinner, speeches, cake cutting, special dances, etc. If you'd like, we can sneak out sometime during your reception to get some quick portraits during Golden Hour (the hour before sunset that is known for warm, romantic natural light).
8:00 Dance Floor
It's party time! I'll bop around capturing you & your loved ones having an amazing time on the dance floor.
9:30-9:45 Night Portraits
While it's optional, I recommend taking 10-15 minutes for some quick night photos. Whether we capture a quiet moment alone, a sparkler exit, a champagne bottle spray, or you two being cute on a city street, these portraits are a great way to capture your "end-of-night" energy! If you're doing an outfit change, this is also a chance to get photos of your 2nd outfit.
10:00 Photography Ends
We take any final photos you'd like before I wrap up for the night.