How to Build the Perfect Wedding Photography Timeline
by Christine | Leif and Christine Photography
Planning a wedding can feel like juggling a hundred moving parts—but one of the most important pieces to get right is your wedding photography timeline. A thoughtfully designed timeline not only helps your day run smoothly, it ensures we capture every moment that matters most—without rushing or missing a beat.
Whether you’re having a first look or keeping it traditional, this guide will walk you through how to build the perfect photography schedule for your big day.
Start With the Coverage You Need
Start by deciding how many hours of photography coverage you’ll need. Most couples book between 8 to 9 hours, which typically provides enough time to capture everything from getting ready through the first dances. Key factors to consider include travel time between locations, whether you're doing a First Look, if you’ve hired a second shooter, and the timing of sunset (Winter: 4:00 PM, Fall: 6:00 PM, Spring: 7:00 PM, Summer: 7:30 PM). A second shooter can be especially helpful for covering multiple moments simultaneously. If you're planning a grand exit or want full reception coverage, consider booking 10 hours—or plan a “mock” exit earlier in the evening.
Key Moments to Include
Here are the main parts of the day that we’ll want to plan around:
Getting Ready (Details + Candids)
First Look (if doing one)
Couple Portraits
Wedding Party Photos
Family Photos
Ceremony
Cocktail Hour
Reception (Dinner, Toasts, Dances, Cake, etc.)
Golden Hour Portraits (if timing allows!)
Sample Wedding Timeline (8 Hours Coverage – One Photographer)
With and Without First Look
This sample timeline outlines how your day can flow with 8 hours of coverage and one photographer. The structure shifts slightly depending on whether or not you choose to do a first look.
📷 With a First Look
12:30–1:30 PM – Photographer arrives; captures wedding details, venue, and decor
1:30–2:00 PM – Groom getting ready
2:00–2:30 PM – Bride getting ready (covered by lead photographer)
2:30–3:30 PM – First look and couple portraits
3:30–4:00 PM – Wedding party portraits
4:00–4:30 PM – Ceremony
4:30–5:00 PM – Family portraits
5:00–5:15 PM – Additional couple photos
5:15–5:30 PM – Line-up for reception entrance
5:30–7:30 PM – Reception begins: dinner, toasts, cake cutting, mingling
7:30–8:30 PM – First dance, parent dances, and open dancing
8:30 PM – Photographer wraps up coverage
📷 Without a First Look
12:30–1:30 PM – Photographer arrives; captures wedding details, venue, and decor
1:30–2:00 PM – Groom getting ready
2:00–2:30 PM – Bride getting ready (covered by lead photographer)
2:30–3:30 PM – Wedding party portraits (taken separately)
3:30–4:00 PM – Ceremony
4:00–4:30 PM – Family portraits
4:30–5:15 PM – Couple portraits during cocktail hour
5:15–5:30 PM – Line-up for reception entrance
5:30–7:30 PM – Reception: dinner, toasts, cake cutting, and mingling
7:30–8:30 PM – First dance, parent dances, and open dancing
8:30 PM – Photographer wraps up coverage
Timeline Tips from a Pro
Add Buffer Time: Always include 10–15 minutes of cushion between major parts of the day. Weddings rarely run perfectly on time, and that’s okay!
Family Photo List: Prepare a list in advance with specific groupings so we can work efficiently and avoid missing anyone important.
Think About Light: If you love that soft, glowing look in photos, add some portraits time close to golden hour (0.5 hours before sunset).
Trust Your Team: I’m always happy to help you build a timeline that flows naturally and gives you plenty of breathing room to enjoy your day.
Want Help With Your Timeline?
If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry! When you book with me, I’ll personally help you build a custom photography timeline that fits your day, your vision, and your venue. It’s one of the ways I help ensure your wedding experience is stress-free and full of joy.
Let’s Capture It Beautifully
Looking for a photographer who cares just as much about the moments as the images? I’d love to hear from you. Contact me here or follow along on Instagram [@leifandchristine].