How to Plan Your Wedding Timeline (From a Photographer’s Perspective)

Creating a wedding timeline can feel overwhelming, but as a photographer, I can tell you this: a well-planned schedule is key to a calm, fun, and beautifully documented wedding day. The goal isn’t to rush, it’s to give you enough breathing room so your photos feel natural, relaxed, and genuinely you.

Start With Your Ceremony Time

Everything revolves around when you say “I do.” Once that time is locked in, we can work around it to build the rest of the day, from getting-ready shots to dramatic night time portraits and the exit. Typically couples will opt to either have their ceremony during golden hour (the hour and a half before "sunset" via Google), or their portraits during golden hour. It depends on what part is more important to you, and there's no one answer for everyone.

Plan Extra Time for Getting Ready

Hair and makeup almost always run longer than expected. Adding a 20–30 minute buffer not only keeps you on track but gives us time for candid moments, detail shots, and those sweet pre-ceremony interactions. Doing a full hair/makeup trial with your stylist will help give you an idea of what to expect. And if you're looking for a great artist, look no further than Team Knot Bridal. Lisa is a total sweetheart, and I love working with her and her team!

Decide on a First Look

A first look can create a smoother timeline, especially if you want some portraits done before the ceremony. It gives you a private moment to enjoy each other's presence and take a few couple's portraits before things get crazy. Not every couple wants a first look, though. Some prefer doing a "first touch" or skipping it altogether so they can have an emotional moment during the ceremony. Just keep this choice in mind when scheduling your portraits.

Leave Space for Travel + Transitions

Moving between venues, fixing a boutonnière, herding the bridal party - it all takes time. Small buffers between events keep everything stress-free and prevent rushing through portraits. Typically I recommend at least 10-15 minutes between events.

Schedule Portraits Around the Light

Great photos rely on great light. If possible, plan couple’s portraits during golden hour, or make sure your photographer is experienced with off camera flash (OCF) if doing them during blue hour (the time after golden hour). This portrait hour is usually shared with the family portraits as well, so depending on the size of your family, you may opt for a slightly longer 1.5 hour portrait session if that's important to you. Just make sure your guests have plenty of activities during the cocktail hour to keep them occupied!

Build in Breaks

You deserve moments to breathe. A quick snack/drink break after the ceremony is a great idea. So is a quiet pause before the reception, or a minute during the reception to take it all in. These breaks help you stay present and make the photos more joyful and relaxed.

A thoughtful timeline doesn’t just keep your day organized - it gives you the space to enjoy every moment and get the photos you’ll treasure forever. Work closely with your photographer early in the planning process, and together you can build a schedule that feels smooth, natural, and uniquely yours.

And if you want help getting started, here's a sample timeline I've created for my clients.

Want to discuss your wedding plans? Contact me to get started.

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