-getting ready- 30 minutes to an hour- at this time we’re documenting your details (dress, rings, invitations, etc.) & finishing touches of getting ready. Popping bottles with your girls or having a drink with your crew. Dress going on, suit going on, etc. With enough time, possibly some portraits as well.

-first look- 15-30 minutes- more time is needed if the venue property is on the larger size so we have time to travel to a good location and get everyone set up. Also giving you two time to catch up on how your day has been so far!

-bridal party shots- 30-45 minutes depending on the size of your wedding party (bridal parties of 10+ people will generally require a bit more time). Wedding parties of 4 or less require a little less time, average 20 minutes. Property size & travel time need to also be considered here.

-formal family photos- 30 minutes is average but timing will depend on the size of your requested shot list, when well organized, its about 2 minutes per shot requested.

-time with the couple- 30 minutes to an hour throughout the whole day- when doing a first look, I like to split up portrait time with you two and take to opportunity to capture images throughout the day when we can. So some at first look, some after wedding party photos or before family photos, and then spend a good 20 minutes with you two around sunset (the best time of day for light usually). I think it helps break up the photo time a bit so it doesn't feel like your away for so long and also allows for more variety with your images in regards to lighting and locations.

-cake cutting, first dances, speeches/toasts- cake cutting & first dances, on average need about 3-5 minutes each, and that is 3-5 minutes per dance as well. In my experience, speeches and toasts can vary quite a bit depending on the group/speaker. Some groups are big talkers, others not so much, so take that into account when blocking time here, but generally 3-5 minutes per speaker is good to block here.

-open dancing- once all the events (toasts, first dances, cake cutting, etc.) are done- 30 minutes to an hour depending on how much of a priority this coverage is for you.

common day of timelines

I hope these timelines give you an idea of where can add or take away coverage based on your wants and needs.

with a first look

(with two photographers) 

sunsets at 7:45pm

2-3pm-getting ready/detail photos

3-3:20- first look & some portraits of couple

3:20-4pm- wedding party photos

4-4:30- family portraits (these often take place right after the ceremony as well)

4:30-5- couple hides away while guests arrive, photographers document site details, etc.

5-5:30- ceremony

5:30-6:30- cocktail hour

6:30- intro into reception (maybe first dance now as well)

6:40- welcome speech

6:45- dinner is being served

7:20- couple is pulled for sunset photos

7:50- toasts begin

8:10- first dances

8:20- cake cutting

8:30- open dancing beings

9:30- photography coverage ends

without a first look

(with two photographers) 

sunsets at 7:45pm

2-3pm-getting ready/detail photos

3-4- wedding party photos taken separately while other party is hidden

4-4:30- couple & wedding party hides away while guests arrive, photographers document site details, etc.

4:30-5- ceremony

5-6- cocktail hour

5-5:30- family portraits

5:30-5:50- group wedding party photos

6- intro into reception (maybe first dance now as well)

6:10- welcome speech

6:15- dinner is being served

7:00- couple is pulled for sunset photos

7:50- toasts begin

8:10- first dances

8:20- cake cutting

8:30- open dancing beings

9:00/9:30- photography coverage ends

Intimate Wedding with a first look

(with one photographer) 

sunsets at 7:45pm

2:30-3:15pm-getting ready/detail photos (if male/female dynamic, 15 minutes with the guys (because they don’t take as long usually), 30 minutes with the gals. All other couple dynamics, I would say about 20 minutes for each group. Time can be added or taken away here depending on how important this time is to you to document.

3:15-3:30- first look & some portraits of couple

3:30-4pm- wedding party photos (if you have a wedding party, otherwise you can use this time elsewhere in your timeline or omit this time needed)

4-4:30- family portraits (these often take place right after the ceremony as well)

4:30-5- couple hides away while guests arrive, photographer document site details, etc.

5-5:30- ceremony

5:30-6:30- cocktail hour

6:30- intro into reception (maybe first dance now as well)

6:35- welcome speech

6:40- dinner is being served

7:00- toasts begin

7:20- couple is pulled for sunset photos

8:10- first dances (if you’re doing them

8:20- cake cutting

8:30- open dancing beings (if applicable)

8:30-9:30- photography coverage ends

Intimate Wedding without a first look

(with one photographer) 

sunsets at 7:45pm

2:45-3:30pm-getting ready/detail photos (if male/female dynamic, 15 minutes with the guys (because they don’t take as long usually), 30 minutes with the gals. All other couple dynamics, I would say about 20 minutes for each group. Time can be added or taken away here depending on how important this time is to you to document.

3:30-4- wedding party photos taken separately while other party is hidden (if you have a wedding party, otherwise you can use this time elsewhere in your timeline or omit this time needed)

4-4:30- couple hides away while guests arrive, photographer document site details, etc.

4:30-5-ceremony

5-6- cocktail hour

5-5:30- family portraits

5:30-5:45- finish up wedding party photos (if applicable)

6:00- intro into reception (maybe first dance now as well)

6:05- welcome speech

6:10- dinner is being served

6:45- toasts begin

7-7:30/40- couple is pulled for sunset photos

8:00- first dances (if you’re doing them

8:20- cake cutting

8:30- open dancing beings (if applicable)

8:30-9:30- photography coverage ends