6-Hour Wedding Photography Timeline

(NO FIRST LOOK)


A 6-hour coverage is perfect for smaller weddings or couples focusing on key moments. Here’s a well-balanced timeline:


1:00 PM – Photographer Arrives (Getting Ready & Details)

  • Bridal details (dress, rings, shoes, bouquet, vow books)
  • Bride getting ready (robe shots, final makeup touches, candid moments with bridesmaids)
  • Groom getting ready (adjusting tie, boutonniere, hanging out with groomsmen)

1:45 PM – Bride Gets Dressed & Bridal Portraits

  • Candid shots of mom or MOH helping with the dress
  • Solo bridal portraits (soft and elegant poses)
  • Bridesmaids' reaction to the bride

2:15 PM – Groom & Groomsmen Portraits

  • Groom solo portraits (confident and relaxed poses)
  • Groom with groomsmen (classic and candid group shots)

2:45 PM – Bride & Bridesmaids Portraits

  • Bride with bridesmaids (fun group shots and candids)
  • Individual shots with each bridesmaid

3:15 PM – Ceremony Details & Guests Arriving

  • Ceremony site details (altar, florals, signage)
  • Candid shots of guests arriving and mingling

3:30 PM – Wedding Ceremony

  • Bride walking down the aisle (groom reaction shot)
  • Emotional vow and ring exchange close-ups
  • First kiss and joyful recessional shots

4:15 PM – Family & Wedding Party Photos (Immediately After Ceremony)

  • Immediate family (parents, siblings, grandparents)
  • Entire wedding party (fun and formal group shots)
  • Couple with parents and siblings individually

4:45 PM – Bride & Groom Portraits (Golden Hour if possible) 🌞

  • Romantic couple portraits (candids, walking shots, soft veil movements)
  • Close-up shots (rings, hands, bouquet, and gentle kisses)

5:15 PM – Reception Events & Candids

  • Reception detail shots (tables, centerpieces, cake)
  • Grand entrance and first dance
  • Toasts and guest reactions
  • Cake cutting (if applicable)

6:00 PM – Photographer Departs

6-Hour Wedding Photography Timeline

(WITH FIRST LOOK)


A 6-hour coverage is perfect for smaller weddings or couples focusing on key moments. Here’s a well-balanced timeline:


6-Hour Wedding Photography Timeline (With a First Look)

A 6-hour timeline with a first look allows for couple and wedding party portraits before the ceremony, making the day feel less rushed. Here’s a well-structured sample:


1:00 PM – Photographer Arrives (Getting Ready & Details)

  • Bridal details (dress, rings, shoes, bouquet, vow books)
  • Groom details (tie, cufflinks, boutonniere, watch)
  • Bride and bridesmaids getting ready (robes, toasts, candid moments)
  • Groom and groomsmen hanging out (adjusting ties, cheers)

1:45 PM – First Look & Couple Portraits

  • Emotional first look between the couple (intimate and candid)
  • Bride and groom portraits (romantic, natural poses)
  • Close-up shots of rings, hands, and sweet moments

2:15 PM – Wedding Party Photos

  • Full wedding party (fun and formal group shots)
  • Bride with bridesmaids (group shots and candids)
  • Groom with groomsmen (relaxed, playful shots)

2:45 PM – Immediate Family Photos

  • Bride with parents and siblings
  • Groom with parents and siblings
  • Couple with both sets of parents

3:15 PM – Ceremony Details & Guests Arriving

  • Ceremony site details (altar, florals, signage)
  • Guests arriving and mingling

3:30 PM – Wedding Ceremony

  • Bride walking down the aisle (groom reaction shot)
  • Vows and ring exchange close-ups
  • First kiss and joyful recessional

4:15 PM – Cocktail Hour Candids & Reception Details

  • Guests mingling and enjoying appetizers
  • Reception detail shots (tables, centerpieces, cake, head table)

4:45 PM – Grand Entrance & First Dance

  • Couple’s grand entrance into the reception
  • First dance (romantic, soft lighting)

5:00 PM – Toasts, Cake Cutting & Open Dance Floor

  • Candid shots of toasts and reactions
  • Cake cutting (playful or sweet)
  • Dance floor candids (group shots, party vibes)

6:00 PM – Photographer Departs

8-Hour Wedding Photography Timeline

(NO FIRST LOOK)


Here’s an example of an 8-hour wedding photography timeline without a first look. This timeline ensures plenty of time for key shots while keeping the day smooth and stress-free.


1:00 PM – Photographer Arrives (Getting Ready & Details)

  • Bride getting ready (hair, makeup, robe shots, bridesmaids candids)
  • Detail shots (dress, rings, shoes, bouquet, invitation suite)
  • Groom getting ready (cufflinks, tie, boutonniere, candids with groomsmen)

2:30 PM – Bride Gets Dressed & Bridal Portraits

  • Candid and emotional shots of mom or MOH helping bride into dress
  • Veil placement shots
  • Solo bridal portraits (window light, soft poses)
  • Bridesmaids' first look reaction

3:00 PM – Groom & Groomsmen Portraits

  • Solo groom portraits (classic and relaxed poses)
  • Groom with groomsmen (group shots, fun & candid moments)
  • Groom with best man

3:30 PM – Bride & Bridesmaids Portraits

  • Bride with bridesmaids (group shots, laughing candids)
  • Individual shots with each bridesmaid

4:00 PM – Wedding Ceremony Detail Shots & Guests Arriving

  • Ceremony site details (altar, flowers, programs)
  • Guests arriving and mingling
  • Groom waiting at the altar (candids and emotions)

4:30 PM – Ceremony Begins

  • Bride walking down the aisle (groom reaction shot)
  • Wide and close-up shots of vows and rings exchange
  • First kiss as a married couple
  • Bride and groom recessional (joyful exit shots)

5:00 PM – Family & Wedding Party Photos (Immediately after ceremony)

  • Immediate family (parents, siblings, grandparents)
  • Extended family if time allows
  • Entire wedding party with the couple

5:30 PM – Bride & Groom Portraits ("Golden Hour" if possible) 🌞

  • Intimate couple portraits (candids, walking shots, laughter)
  • Romantic shots with veil movement and natural light
  • Close-ups of hands, rings, and details

6:15 PM – Cocktail Hour Coverage (Optional)

  • Guests mingling, enjoying drinks, and appetizers
  • Reception details (tablescapes, cake, favors, and décor)

6:45 PM – Reception Grand Entrance & First Dance

  • Wedding party and couple grand entrance
  • Couple’s first dance (candids and close-ups)

7:00 PM – Toasts & Dinner Coverage

  • Shots of speeches and reactions (tears, laughter, clinking glasses)
  • Candid moments of guests enjoying the evening

7:45 PM – Cake Cutting & Parent Dances

  • Cake cutting (sweet, candid moments)
  • Father-daughter and mother-son dances

8:15 PM – Open Dance Floor & Party Shots

  • Fun dance floor moments (group shots, grandma dancing, etc.)
  • Bouquet and garter toss (if applicable)

9:00 PM – Photographer Departs

  • Capture a sparkler exit, nighttime couple shot, or final dance moment if applicable

8-Hour Wedding Photography Timeline

(WITH FIRST LOOK)


Including a first look allows for more flexibility and relaxed portraits before the ceremony. It can also help the couple enjoy more of their cocktail hour. Here’s a sample timeline:


12:00 PM – Photographer Arrives (Getting Ready & Details)

  • Bride getting ready (hair, makeup, bridesmaids in robes, toasts)
  • Detail shots (dress, rings, shoes, bouquet, invitation suite, vow books)
  • Groom getting ready (buttoning jacket, cufflinks, tie adjustment, groomsmen cheers)

1:00 PM – Bride Gets Dressed & Bridal Portraits

  • Candid moments of mom or MOH helping with the dress and veil
  • Solo bridal portraits (window light, soft and elegant poses)

1:30 PM – First Look & Private Moments 💛

  • Emotional first look (private moment for the couple)
  • Bride and groom portraits (romantic shots, close-ups, candid laughter)

2:00 PM – Wedding Party Photos

  • Entire wedding party (fun and formal group shots)
  • Bride with bridesmaids (laughing candids, bouquet shots)
  • Groom with groomsmen (classic and playful shots)

2:45 PM – Immediate Family Photos

  • Bride with parents and siblings
  • Groom with parents and siblings
  • Couple with both sets of parents

3:15 PM – Relax & Touch-Up Break (Buffer Time)

  • Couple rests, enjoys a private moment, or has a quick snack
  • Guests start arriving for the ceremony

4:00 PM – Ceremony Detail Shots & Guest Candids

  • Venue and floral details (aisle, altar, programs)
  • Guests arriving and mingling

4:30 PM – Wedding Ceremony

  • Bride walking down the aisle (groom reaction shot)
  • Candid shots of vows and ring exchange
  • First kiss as a married couple
  • Joyful recessional shots (flower petals, bubbles, or confetti exit)

5:15 PM – Cocktail Hour & Reception Detail Shots

  • Guests mingling and enjoying appetizers
  • Reception setup (tables, centerpieces, cake, head table)

5:30 PM – Golden Hour Couple Portraits (Optional) 🌞

  • Romantic sunset portraits with soft golden light (5–10 minutes)

6:00 PM – Grand Entrance & First Dance

  • Wedding party and couple’s grand entrance
  • Couple’s first dance (candid smiles, intimate moments)

6:15 PM – Dinner & Toasts

  • Candid shots of guests enjoying the evening
  • Shots of speeches, reactions (laughter, happy tears)

7:00 PM – Cake Cutting & Parent Dances

  • Sweet and playful cake-cutting moments
  • Father-daughter dance and mother-son dance (emotional shots)

7:30 PM – Open Dance Floor & Party Shots

  • Fun dance floor moments (group shots, grandma dancing, kids playing)
  • Bouquet and garter toss (if applicable)

7:55 PM – Nighttime/Sunset Exit or Final Private Dance (Optional) 🌙

  • Sparkler exit, bubbles, or vintage car send-off
  • OR, an intimate "last dance" moment with no guests

8:00 PM – Photographer Departs

  • Capture the final moments to close out the story of their day

10-Hour Wedding Photography Timeline

(NO FIRST LOOK)


A 10-hour coverage allows for a more relaxed day with plenty of time for details, candids, and those magical reception moments without feeling rushed. Here’s a sample timeline:


12:00 PM – Photographer Arrives (Getting Ready & Details)

  • Detail shots (dress, rings, shoes, invitation suite, perfume, vow books)
  • Bride getting ready (robe shots, makeup, bridesmaids toasts)
  • Groom getting ready (buttoning suit, adjusting tie, groomsmen cheers)

1:00 PM – Bride Gets Dressed & Bridal Portraits

  • Mom or MOH helping with the dress and veil placement
  • Solo bridal portraits (soft, elegant, window-lit poses)
  • Bridesmaids' reaction to the bride

1:30 PM – Groom & Groomsmen Portraits

  • Solo groom portraits (classic and relaxed poses)
  • Groom with groomsmen (group shots, laughing candids)
  • Groom with best man

2:00 PM – Bride & Bridesmaids Portraits

  • Bride with bridesmaids (fun and formal shots)
  • Individual shots with each bridesmaid
  • Bouquet close-ups

2:30 PM – Wedding Party Group Shots (Without the Couple Together)

  • Bridesmaids alone
  • Groomsmen alone
  • Candid wedding party moments

3:00 PM – Ceremony Details & Guests Arriving

  • Venue and floral details (altar, aisle, programs)
  • Guests arriving and mingling
  • Groom waiting at the altar

3:30 PM – Wedding Ceremony

  • Bride walking down the aisle (groom reaction shot)
  • Vows and ring exchange close-ups
  • First kiss and joyful recessional shots

4:15 PM – Family Formal Photos (Immediately After Ceremony)

  • Immediate family with couple (parents, siblings, grandparents)
  • Extended family group shots if requested
  • Parents and siblings with the couple individually

4:45 PM – Full Wedding Party Photos

  • Entire wedding party with the couple (fun and formal poses)
  • Candid shots of the group celebrating

5:00 PM – Bride & Groom Portraits (Golden Hour Timing Ideal) 🌞

  • Romantic, candid shots of the couple
  • Veil shots, walking hand-in-hand, and intimate moments
  • Close-ups of rings and bouquet

5:45 PM – Cocktail Hour Candids (Guests Mingling)

  • Guests enjoying drinks and appetizers
  • Candid hugs, laughter, and congratulations
  • Reception room details (table settings, centerpieces, signage)

6:15 PM – Grand Entrance & First Dance

  • Wedding party and couple’s grand entrance
  • Couple’s first dance (intimate and emotional shots)

6:45 PM – Dinner & Toasts

  • Shots of guests enjoying the meal
  • Capturing speeches and reactions (laughter and tears)

7:30 PM – Cake Cutting & Parent Dances

  • Sweet cake-cutting moments
  • Father-daughter dance and mother-son dance

8:00 PM – Open Dance Floor & Party Candids

  • Fun and lively dance floor shots
  • Group shots with friends
  • Guest candids (smiles, hugs, and dancing)

9:00 PM – Sunset or Nighttime Portraits (Optional) 🌙

  • Couple under the stars or with a cityscape backdrop
  • Romantic dip kiss or silhouette shot

9:30 PM – Sparkler Exit or Private Last Dance

  • Sparkler exit, bubbles, or confetti toss with guests
  • OR a private last dance inside the empty reception room

10:00 PM – Photographer Departs

10-Hour Wedding Photography Timeline

(WITH FIRST LOOK)


A 10-hour coverage with a first look allows for a relaxed schedule, more portraits before the ceremony, and plenty of time to enjoy the reception. Here’s a sample timeline:


12:00 PM – Photographer Arrives (Getting Ready & Details)

  • Bridal details (dress, rings, shoes, invitation suite, vow books)
  • Groom details (cufflinks, shoes, watch, boutonniere)
  • Candid shots of bride and groom getting ready with their parties
  • Bridesmaids in robes, toasts, and laughter
  • Groomsmen hanging out, having a drink, and sharing laughs

1:00 PM – Bride Gets Dressed & Bridal Portraits

  • Candid shots of mom or MOH helping with the dress and veil
  • Solo bridal portraits (soft, natural, and glowing)
  • Bridesmaids’ first look at the bride

1:30 PM – First Look & Private Moments

  • Emotional first look between the couple (intimate and candid)
  • Couple portraits (romantic shots, laughter, and joy)
  • Close-ups of rings, hands, and sweet moments

2:00 PM – Wedding Party Photos

  • Full wedding party (group shots, fun and formal)
  • Bride with bridesmaids (candid and posed)
  • Groom with groomsmen (classic and playful shots)
  • Bride with maid of honor & groom with best man

2:45 PM – Immediate Family Photos

  • Bride with parents and siblings
  • Groom with parents and siblings
  • Couple with both sets of parents

3:15 PM – Relax & Freshen Up (Buffer Time)

  • Couple rests, enjoys a private moment, or has a quick snack
  • Photographer captures candid shots of guests arriving

4:00 PM – Ceremony Details & Guest Arrivals

  • Ceremony site details (altar, florals, programs)
  • Candid shots of guests greeting one another

4:30 PM – Wedding Ceremony

  • Processional (parents, bridal party, flower girl, ring bearer)
  • Groom’s reaction to the bride walking down the aisle
  • Vows, ring exchange, and the first kiss
  • Joyful recessional moments

5:15 PM – Cocktail Hour Candids

  • Guests mingling and enjoying appetizers
  • Close-ups of signature drinks or food stations
  • Reception detail shots (tables, décor, cake, escort cards)

5:45 PM – Golden Hour Couple Portraits (Optional)

  • Romantic sunset portraits with soft, glowing light
  • Veil shots and intimate close-ups

6:15 PM – Grand Entrance & First Dance

  • Wedding party and couple’s grand entrance
  • Couple’s first dance (intimate and emotional shots)

6:45 PM – Dinner & Toasts

  • Photos of guests enjoying their meals
  • Capturing toasts with reactions (laughter, tears, cheers)

7:30 PM – Cake Cutting & Parent Dances

  • Sweet cake-cutting moments (playful or elegant)
  • Father-daughter dance and mother-son dance (emotional captures)

8:00 PM – Open Dance Floor & Candid Party Shots

  • Fun and lively dance floor moments
  • Group shots with friends and family
  • Special reception events (anniversary dance, bouquet toss, etc.)

9:00 PM – Nighttime Portraits or Private Last Dance (Optional)

  • Nighttime couple portraits with creative lighting
  • OR a private last dance alone in the reception space

9:45 PM – Sparkler Exit or Reception Exit Shot

  • Sparkler send-off, confetti, or getaway car shot
  • Guests cheering as the couple exits

10:00 PM – Photographer Departs