Chances are you have attended a few weddings but never actually planned one before – so how long should you be setting aside for photos? This is super flexible, and your day will have factors such as travel times and possibly additional events to plan around but here is a rough guide I like to go by.
Groom’s Party Getting Ready: 45 mins
(Note: If there are two grooms getting ready in separate locations then 45 mins for each party is still what I would allow for each)
The first 20 minutes is for detail photos. Shoes, belts, ties, cuff links etc.… The little details you have meticulously planned out that we don’t want to miss on capturing!
Then we will take some photos of you hanging out and suiting up before finishing with some portraits. Easy as.
If you have an activity in the morning that you would also like photos of (golfing, clay bird shooting, boating etc..) then extra time will be needed for those activities.
Bride’s Party Getting Ready: 60 – 90 mins
(Note: If there are two brides getting ready in separate locations then 60 mins for each party is still what I would allow for each)
The first 20 minutes is doing all your detail photos. Rings, stationary, jewellery, shoes, dress, veil, perfume etc.
Not many people want photos without their make up! So, we wait until you are in the final stages of prep before snapping away. Grab a glass of bubbles and your friends and we will get some fun photos before you all get into your outfits.
Then a few photos of the dress being done up, a few bridal portraits and do a first look with parents/grandparents/bridesmaids. This if often why we need a little extra time for brides!
First Look: 20 mins
A first look is for couples who want to see each other before the ceremony. I like to allow at least 20 mins, so you don’t feel rushed and if you want to spend just 10 minutes hanging out and getting all the nerves out before the ceremony, this is the time to do it!
Private Vows: 15 mins
Some couples like to do a private vow reading before the ceremony. This is great for people who have quite emotional things they want to say, but don’t want to do this in front of family & friends. This is usually tagged onto your first look!
Ceremony: 30-45 mins
If you are having a simple ceremony these usually last no longer than 30 mins.
Photographers really appreciate a 15 min window before the ceremony starts to capture the set up and your guests arriving for the day!
Allow a little wriggle room in here just in case the day is running a little behind.
We always give you time to enjoy congratulations and hugs after the ceremony with your guests before starting on family photos.
Family Photos: 30 mins
Depending on how large your family is and how many group photos you would like. A little tip to make this part of the day run as efficiently as possible: Write a list.
Write down all the combinations you would like in your formal photos and give this list to your MC or someone who knows the majority of your guests. They can round them up and have them ready to step in for photos – saving so much time!
I will also note, that if you have your own kids it is helpful to set aside a good 10 mins to get photos of you all as a family. This is something so easily missed on a wedding day because you just assume it's going to happen. Make sure to note it down so you don't miss these pics!
Bridal Party & Couple Photos: 1.5 – 2 hours
This can vary depending on the location you are using for photos and how far away it is + if you are doing a helicopter flight and how many landing locations.
In general account for at least an hour and a half, because if your day is running a little late this is the time that will be cut short.
At the end of the day all these photos can be done in a 30-minute window, but it is nice to not feel too rushed and if you want to bring along a picnic, it gives you time to enjoy this together!
Reception: Depends on your photographer’s package
If you booked a full day this will cover speeches, cake cutting and your first dance. If you only have limited time, think about having your cake cutting happen as soon as you arrive to the reception and your first dance before dinner.
Sunset Photos: 10-15 mins
It is SO worth setting aside a little time for your photographer to sneak you out for some sunset photos. It gives you a little break together and after dinner and a few drinks you will be feeling so relaxed. In a very short window, we can create some magical photos! Often just by stepping outside your venue.
Sample Timelines
(These are all examples where there is no first look, private vows or photos before the ceremony)
6 Hour Day
1.00pm – Groom/Partner 1 Getting Ready
1.45pm – Bride/Partner 2 Getting Ready
2.20pm – First Look with Parents/Grandparents/Bridesmaids
3.00pm – Ceremony Starts
3.20pm – Ceremony Finishes
3.30pm – Family Photos
4.00pm – Full Bridal Party Portraits
4.30pm – Couple Portraits
5.30pm – Guests arrive & seated at reception
5.45pm – Grand entrance into reception
6.00pm – Speeches & Cake Cutting
7.00pm - Coverage Ends
8 Hour Day
12.15pm – Groom/Partner 1 Getting Ready
1.00pm – Bride/Partner 2 Getting Ready
1.45pm – Bride Getting into Outfit
2.20pm – First Look with Parents/Grandparents/Bridesmaids
3.00pm – Ceremony Starts
3.20pm – Ceremony Finishes
3.30pm – Family Photos
4.00pm – Full Bridal Party Portraits
4.30pm – Couple Portraits
5.30pm – Guests arrive & seated at reception
5.45pm – Grand entrance into reception
6.00pm – Dinner is served
7.00pm – Speeches
7.45pm – Sunset Photos
8.00pm – First Dance
8.15pm – Coverage Ends
10 Hour Day
12.00pm – Groom/Partner 1 Getting Ready
1.00pm – Bride/Partner 2 Getting Ready
1.45pm – Bride Getting into Outfit
2.20pm – First Look with Parents/Grandparents/Bridesmaids
3.00pm – Ceremony Starts
3.20pm – Ceremony Finishes
3.30pm – Family Photos
4.00pm – Full Bridal Party Portraits
5.00pm – Couple Portraits
5.50pm – Guests arrive & seated at reception
6.00pm – Grand entrance into reception
6.30pm – Dinner is served
7.30pm – Speeches
8.30pm – Cutting of the cake & dessert served
8.45pm – Sunset Photos
9.00pm – First Dance
9.30pm – Sparkler Photos
10.00pm – Coverage Ends
I hope this helped to give a little insight into how we structure photography timelines – just remember these are all guidelines, there are no hard and fast rules, and every photographer will shoot to slightly different timeframes. Every day is unique, so make sure to check in with your photographer how much time is needed!
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