Every wedding itinerary is going to be unique based on factors such as traditions, priorities, wedding locations, family dynamics and sunset time. Past wedding timelines can be used as a framework for building your own itinerary. It must be noted that not all wedding timelines are good wedding timelines. In fact, some schedules make a photographer’s job A LOT more difficult. For example, it’s pretty tricky for your photographer to eat dinner and photograph speeches simultaneously. Hey, I can do it, but I will have a dinner bun in my pocket! It’s time to start planning a wedding photography timeline that allows your photographer to capture the best photographs possible.

1. Answer These Wedding Photography Questions

A. What time is sunset on your wedding day?

You should block-off at least 15 minutes for couple photos. The more time the better, these are always some of my favourite photographs!

B. Are you having a first look?

If you choose not to have a first look then most family photos, couple photos and full wedding party photos need to happen after the ceremony.

C. How far apart are your wedding locations? 

Make a list of the driving distances between all of your wedding photography locations. Send me an email if you need help choosing locations at or near your venue!

D. Do you want to prioritize attending your cocktail hour?

If yes, we need to try to get a lot of your formal photographs done before your ceremony. 

2. Break it Down into Photography Blocks!

How much time should you budget for photographs throughout your wedding day? This varies dependent on a couple’s priorities. Some people want the day captured, but are less interested in setting aside time for formal photographs. When I say formal, we are not talking about you stiffly looking at the camera. Formal photo blocks include time that has been set aside for fun couple photos, family photos, bridal party photos and sunset pics. I always warn clients that creativity does take time. There is a huge documentary trend in the wedding photography world right now. However, so many of the “candid” wedding photographs you see are actually orchestrated by a photographer.

First decide if you want to prioritize all the typical formal photos on a wedding day. If yes, I’ve listed recommend times below. Simply put, you are the boss, but I’m not a magician. If you want fewer formal photos that’s okay! However, I never want you to be disappointed that certain photos weren’t captured at your wedding. As a result, we communicate clearly in advance to make sure that everything you want is captured. 

If standard photos are a priority Here’s what I would recommend:

• 15  minutes for the first look (if applicable)
• 30 – 45 minutes for photos of just the bride and groom
• 30 minutes for family photos (we usually do these faster)
• 45 minutes for bridal party photos (full bridal party, groom with girls, bride with guys, just guys, just girls)
• 15 minutes for sunset

Make sure to also account for speeches, candid photos, first dances, cake cutting, dance floor, and formal exit photographs. However, Im getting ahead of myself, we’ll talk about that more below!

3. How Many Hours of Wedding Photography Coverage Do You Need?

Think about the first thing and the last thing that you want photographed! Generally, you would need a minimum of eight hours of photography to cover everything from a glimpse of getting ready photos to a few dance floor pics. I’ve attached a sample itinerary’s below to help you build your wedding schedule! You’ll notice that one of the itineraries includes a first look and the other does not. Remember this itinerary is a reference tool NOT an exact science. 

 

Sample Itinerary #1: With First Look

*** Budget time for sunset photographs. Sunset time varies so I have not included it in the sample itineraries

*** This itinerary is based on one location

12:00 Photographs of Partner 1 Getting Ready + Details

• If you have one photographer

12:45 All Hair and Makeup Finished

1:00 Dress On; Final Touches

1:30 First Look + Bride and Couple Photos

2:10 Wedding Party Photos

3:00 Family Portraits Photos (note these can happen after the ceremony if preferred)

3:45 Details! Photograph Ceremony Decor

4:30 Ceremony Begins

5:00 Ceremony Ends (consider confetti or flower exit)

5:10 A few couple photos at the altar without officiant

5:20 Couple Joins the Cocktail Hour

6:00 Reception space opens

6:30 Wedding Couple + Bridal Party Grand Entrance

7:00 Toasts & Dinner Is Served

8:00 CUT THAT CAKE so that it can be taken away and plated

8:15 Speeches

9:00 First Dances

9:30 Dance Floor Opens

Sample itinerary #2: Without First Look

*** Budget time for sunset photographs. Sunset time varies so I have not included it in the sample itineraries

*** This itinerary is based on one location

1:00 Photographs of Getting Ready + Bridal Details

1:45 All Hair + Make-up is Finished

2:00 Dress on + Final Touches

2:30 Details! Photograph Ceremony Decor

3:30 Wedding Ceremony

4:00 Confetti Exit (eco-friendly option preferred) + Cocktail Hour

4:10 Family photos

4:40 Bridal Party Photos

5:40 Couple Photos

6:00 Guests Enter Reception Area

6:30  Wedding Couple + Bridal Party Grand Entrance

7:00 Toasts & Dinner Is Served

8:00 CUT THAT CAKE so that it can be taken away and plated

8:15 Speeches

9:00 First Dances

9:30 Dance Floor Opens

4. Let’s Talk More About High Sun!

Photographers’ LOVE late Ceremonies and here’s why! In the summer sunlight is typically the harshest from 12:00-2:00pm. How does this translate in terms of photographs? Harsh light causes shadows, sweat and squinting. 

Mid-day ceremonies are the most difficult aspect for your photographer to capture! I put the sun behind my subject when it is high which actually reduces the amount of contrast. However this is not always possible during a ceremony. Think about it, your photographer has to capture multiple angles. On one side there’s an alter and on the opposite side there is usually a bride walking down the aisle. With that said, if your ceremony has to take place during high sun do not stress! I can still photograph it, just expect more contrast in your photographs. 

More Resources

Now that was a lot of information in one blog post! If you are one of my clients please email me if you have ANY questions while planning your wedding photography timeline! I have a ton of resources for you that are not public on my blog.

If you are not currently my client, but you are looking for a wedding photographer you can find my wedding portfolio here. I would LOVE to hear more about you and your wedding day 🙂 . A quick refresher, I’m now located in Manitoba and I travel to Vancouver for work. I love adventure and would be more than happy to take a train, plane, car or ferry to wherever you are.

Happy wedding planning! Take me to more client resources on the blog!