Photo Timeline Guide
DISCLAIMER: I’M NOT A WEDDING PLANNER. THIS IS JUST A VERY COMMON WEDDING DAY FLOW. TALK TO YOUR WEDDING PLANNER ABOUT THE BEST WAY TO STRUCTURE THE TIMELINE SPECIFICALLY FOR YOUR WEDDING.
WITH FIRST LOOK
2:00
Photographers arrive
Lead photographer photographs bride’s details
Assistant photographer photographs groom’s details
2:30
Getting ready candids
Lead: Bride & bridesmaids portraits
Assistant: Groom & groomsmen portraits
3:30
First look
Romantic portraits
4:00
Full wedding party portraits
Bride with bridesmaids
Groom with groomsmen
4:30
Immediate family portraits
Assistant photographs ceremony details
5:30
Ceremony
6:00 - 7:00
Cocktail hour
Any remaining family portraits that weren’t taken yet
Assistant photographs reception details and/or cocktail hour
More bride & groom portraits if requested!
Bride & groom can join cocktail hour if they’d like!
7:15
Grand Entrance
First dance
7:20
Dinner
Possible table greetings
8:00-10:00
Toasts
Parent dances
Cake cutting
Open dancing
Night portrait of the bride & groom
Any other formalities that haven’t yet taken place
10:00
Grand exit
Photography coverage ends
WITHOUT FIRST LOOK
2:00
Photographers arrive
Lead photographer photographs bride’s details
Assistant photographer photographs groom’s details
2:30
Getting ready candids
Lead: Bride & bridesmaids portraits
Assistant: Groom & groomsmen portraits
3:30
Bride with bridesmaids
Groom with groomsmen
4:00
Ceremony detail photos
4:30
Ceremony
4:30 - 6:00
Cocktail hour
Family portraits
Full wedding party portraits
Bride & groom portraits
Assistant photographs reception details and/or cocktail hour
Bride & groom can join cocktail hour if they’d like but there is usually not enough time.
6:15
Grand Entrance
First dance
6:20
Dinner
Possible table greetings
7:00-10:00
Toasts
Parent dances
Cake cutting
Open dancing
Night portrait of the bride & groom
Any other formalities that haven’t yet taken place
10:00
Grand exit
Photography coverage ends
Key differences between the “First Look” and the “No First Look” example timeline:
WITH FIRST LOOK:
The romantic portraits, full wedding party portraits, and some family portraits can be taken before the ceremony. If the timeline hasn’t fallen behind, the bride and groom usually have the option of joining cocktail hour.
WITHOUT FIRST LOOK:
Photo coverage will be longer during the reception and shorter before the ceremony. This isn’t ideal since receptions are much more fluid in nature and can be more easily rearranged. It’s way more helpful to have more time available before the ceremony for photos.