Wedding Photography Timeline Tips

Nov 30

Written By Becca Jones- Seattle Wedding Photographer

Wedding Photography Timeline Tips

Hey lovebirds! 🥰 Planning your dream wedding and wondering how long it will take to capture those picture-perfect moments? We've got you covered with some helpful tips and a detailed timelines!

At first glance, eight hours might seem like a lot, but trust us, it's the perfect amount of time to ensure a relaxed pace and capture all those cherished memories. 📸💕

We start by arriving just as your hair and makeup are being completed, ready to capture those candid shots of the getting ready process and those intricate detail shots of your attire and accessories. It's all about those little moments that add to the magic of your special day! ✨

Next, we recommend doing the first look, where you and your partner get to see each other for the first time before the ceremony. It's such a beautiful and emotional moment that deserves to be captured forever. 😍

After that, your amazing bridal party will join us for a variety of fun and creative photos. We love capturing the bond and joy shared between you and your closest friends! 🥳

Once we've finished with the bridal party, we'll release them into the wild (aka letting them enjoy some free time) and gather your family members for those classic and heartwarming family portraits. 📸💞

To make this process quick, efficient, and drama-free, we'll work together before the big day to create a family photo list. With the mom in charge of gathering everyone, we'll have everyone assembled in no time, giving you a few precious minutes to relax and take it all in. 😌

As your dedicated photographer, I'll be there to run the list and call out the combinations, allowing you and your loved ones to get to the bar and start celebrating sooner! 🥂🎉

All these amazing portraits and getting ready photos will take about three hours, leaving you with plenty of time to freshen up before the ceremony. Thirty minutes before the big moment, we'll tuck the bride away for that unforgettable reveal, while the groom gets to mingle with the guests as they arrive. It's the perfect way to build up anticipation and excitement! 🎉💍

Finally, the moment we've all been waiting for... it's time to say "I do" and officially tie the knot! 🤵‍♂️👰

After the heartfelt nuptials, it comes the fun part – cocktail hour and your reception! 🍾🥂 This is when you can let loose, celebrate with your loved ones, and create lifelong memories on the dance floor. 🎉

To help you envision the flow of your special day, we've put together a sample timeline that you can check out through the link in my bio. It breaks down each segment, giving you a clear idea of how the day will unfold. 💖

Remember, this timeline is just a guide, and we're always flexible to accommodate your unique preferences and vision. We want to ensure that your wedding photography experience is stress-free and tailored to your needs. 🌟

So, let's create something magical together! If you have any questions or need more personalized advice, feel free to reach out. We're here to make your wedding day extraordinary and capture every precious moment that tells your love story. 💫✨

FREEBIE

Every couple who does a consult with me receives a complimentary wedding photography timeline that is customized for their wedding.

Sample Wedding Photography Timelines

1:00PM: Photography coverage begins. Getting ready shots. Flowers should be ready. Bridesmaids should have hair/makeup done and but not be dressed. Detail shots of dresses, shoes, jewelry, flowers, invitation and rings.
1:20PM: Bridesmaids get dressed
1:30PM: Bride gets dressed.
2:00PM: First look for bride and groom. Private. No looky-loos :)
Bride and Groom portraits. (Bridal party break)
2:45 PM: Bridal Party Photos
3:15 PM: Family Photos
3:45 PM: Break (retouch hair/makeup, champagne, etc) - photographers will take detail shots of ceremony and reception
4:15 PM: Ceremony
4:45 PM: Cocktail Hour
-Bride & Groom Sign Marriage License
-Bride & Groom private moment- Photographers capture the happy couple from afar (Paparazzi style)
-A few extended family photos
5:35 Guests seated for dinner
5:45 PM: Grand Entrance -This can include just the couple or the full bridal party.
5:50 Dinner service begins
Photographers take a brief dinner break. This is the best time since no one wants photos of themselves eating. (30 min)
6:30 Toasts
6:45 Cake cutting. I suggest doing it before your dancing begins so it doesn't break up the dance party.
6:50 First Dance
Parent Dances
DANCE PARTY!
Sunset Photos: 15 min of bride & groom photos while the light is flattering and golden. These photos are often the best of the day since you are the most relaxed after the ceremony is completed and the party is in full swing. I'll coordinate this time for you based on the sunset time on your wedding day.
9:00: Photographers departs
1:00PM: Photography coverage begins. Getting ready shots. Flowers should be ready. Bridesmaids should have hair/makeup done and but not be dressed. Detail shots of dresses, shoes, jewelry, flowers, invitation and rings.
1:20PM: Bridesmaids get dressed
1:30PM: Bride gets dressed.
2:00PM: First look for bride and groom. Private. No looky-loos :)
Bride and Groom portraits. (Bridal party break)
2:45 PM: Bridal Party Photos
3:15 PM: Family Photos
3:45 PM: Break (retouch hair/makeup, champagne, etc) - photographers will take detail shots of ceremony and reception
4:15 PM: Ceremony
4:45 PM: Cocktail Hour
-Bride & Groom Sign Marriage License
-Bride & Groom private moment- Photographers capture the happy couple from afar (Paparazzi style)
-A few extended family photos
5:35 Guests seated for dinner
5:45 PM: Grand Entrance -This can include just the couple or the full bridal party.
5:50 Dinner service begins
Photographers take a brief dinner break. This is the best time since no one wants photos of themselves eating. (30 min)
6:30 Toasts
6:45 Cake cutting. I suggest doing it before your dancing begins so it doesn't break up the dance party.
6:50 First Dance
Parent Dances
DANCE PARTY!
Sunset Photos: 15 min of bride & groom photos while the light is flattering and golden. These photos are often the best of the day since you are the most relaxed after the ceremony is completed and the party is in full swing. I'll coordinate this time for you based on the sunset time on your wedding day.
9:00: Photographers departs
12:30 Bride getting ready photos in a water view suite at the woodmark Flowers should be ready. Bridesmaids should have hair/makeup done and but not be dressed. Detail shots of dresses, shoes, jewelry, flowers, invitation and rings.
1:30 First look- On the grand staircase
Bride & groom photos on the docks at Carillion Point & in the tent
2:15 bridal party photos on the docks & in the tent
3:00 Family Photos on the lawn in front of the tent
3:30 Bride gets tucked away. Detail shots of the ceremony decor. Candids of guests arrival.
4:00 Ceremony
4:40 sign the license followed by a complimentary boat ride in the woodworks vintage christ craft
Cocktail Hour
5:20 Detail shots of the reception decor.
5:30 Grand Entrance & Welcome toast from the couple
5:35 Plated dinner is served
Photographers take a brief dinner break. This is the best time since no one wants photos of themselves eating. (30 min)
6:35 Toasts
6:45 Cake cutting. I suggest doing it before your dancing begins so it doesn't break up the dance party.
6:50 First Dance
Parent Dances
DANCE PARTY!
Sunset Photos: 15 min of bride & groom photos while the light is flattering and golden. These photos are often the best of the day since you are the most relaxed after the ceremony is completed and the party is in full swing. I'll coordinate this time for you based on the sunset time on your wedding day.
10:15 Send off! (Bubbles, Sparklers, Metallic Party Poppers)
10:30 Photographers Depart
2:15 Photography coverage begins. Getting ready shots. Flowers should be ready. Bridesmaids should have hair/makeup done and but not be dressed. Detail shots of dresses, shoes, jewelry, flowers, invitation and rings.
3:15 First look at getting ready location for ease of transportation.
3:25 Depart for the sculpture park — Couple to provide group transportation.
3:30 Depart for the Sculpture Park
3:45 Bride & Groom Photos at sculpture park
4:10 Bride & Groom Photos at pike place market
4:35 Travel to the Venue Seattle Aquarium- 1483 Alaskan Way Pier 59, Seattle, WA 98101
4:45 Bridal Party photos on the floating dock at pier 62
5:45 Family Photos on the pier at the Aquarium
6:15 Bride gets tucked away
6:30pm- Venue access begins for guests
6:45pm Ceremony on the pier outside
7:00 Cocktail hour in the touch tank room
A few portraits of the bride & groom inside the aquarium dome as they sign the license.
7:40 Otter feeding
7:50 Detail shots of the reception decor.
8:00 Dinner reception in front of the puget sound hall
Photographers take a brief dinner break. This is the best time since no one wants photos of themselves eating. (30 min)
Sunset Photos: 15 min of bride & groom photos while the light is flattering and golden. These photos are often the best of the day since you are the most relaxed after the ceremony is completed and the party is in full swing. I'll coordinate this time for you based on the sunset time on your wedding day.
9:00 Toasts
9:15 Cake cutting. I suggest doing it before your dancing begins so it doesn't break up the dance party.
9:20 First Dance
Parent Dances
DANCE PARTY!
10:15 Photographers Depart
12:30 Getting ready photos begin at nearby hotel or airbnb. Flowers should be ready. Bridesmaids should have hair/makeup done and but not be dressed. Detail shots of dresses, shoes, jewelry, flowers, invitation and rings.
1:30 Depart for Chateau Lill.
1:45 Bride gets dressed onsite.
2:00 First Look at pond
Bride & Groom Photos: In the vines, In front of chateau, on the staircase, by the pond
3:15 Bridal party photos- In front of Chateau Lill by barrels and at the ceremony location with floral arrangements.
4:00 Family photos in the walkway of the vines or in front of Chateau Lill
4:30 Bride tucked away.
Decor shots of the Ceremony & Reception. Candids of guests arrival & pre-wedding hubbub
5:00 Ceremony
Sign the License in the Salon Room
-Possibly photos in the barrel room.
6:00 Grand Entrance
6:45 Dinner begins
Photographers take a brief dinner break. This is the best time since no one wants photos of themselves eating. (30 min)
7:45 Toasts
8:00 Cake cutting
8:10 First Dances
Open Dance Floor
Sunset Photos: 15 min of bride & groom photos while the light is flattering and golden. These photos are often the best of the day since you are the most relaxed after the ceremony is completed and the party is in full swing. I'll coordinate this time for you based on the sunset time on your wedding day.
9:20 Send off
9:30 Photographer departs

Of course no two weddings are the same and the order of the events may be adjusted a little. But this gives you an idea of what to expect!

During our initial consultation, before you book us for your wedding, I'll create a custom timeline for you— Even if you decide not to book, the timeline is my gift to you.