Hey there, soon-to-be newlyweds! Let’s be real: your wedding day is going to fly by. It’ll be a blur of beautiful moments, laughter, and (of course) a lot of love. As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen it all – the whirlwind of emotions, the last-minute touches, and the inevitable moment when you wonder, “Where did the time go?” A solid wedding timeline is the secret sauce to making sure everything runs smoothly—and allows me to capture every single magical moment.
So, what does the perfect wedding day timeline look like? Here’s a sneak peek of the behind-the-scenes magic that goes into capturing your big day—from morning prep to that epic dance floor shot. As your photographer, I’ve seen it all, and I’m here to guide you through a fun, stress-free day where every important moment is captured beautifully.
So, let’s break it down, shall we? Here’s a wedding day timeline designed to make sure your photos are absolutely stunning—and that you have a blast along the way!
Time: 60-90 Minutes
The fun starts before you even put on your dress (or suit)! Getting ready shots are the perfect way to ease into your wedding day. I recommend that we start photographing at least 60 minutes before you slip into your attire, so we can capture those gorgeous details—the dress, shoes, rings, and any other little touches you’ve worked so hard to plan.
This time is also perfect for capturing all the candid moments with your crew. I’ll bounce between the bride and groom (or your respective groups) to get those behind-the-scenes shots, or if we’ve got a second shooter, they’ll help cover both sides! And if you’re not planning a first look, this is also a great time to get some bridal party photos in, so we don’t have to cram them in during cocktail hour.
Time: 30 Minutes
Now, if you’re on the fence about a first look—let me tell you, it’s totally worth it! Not only does it give you a moment to be alone and soak in the excitement, but it also means we get to snap some beautiful portraits in that magical pre-ceremony light.
Pro tip: A first look makes it WAY easier to capture some epic photos before the day turns into a whirlwind. We’ll find a quiet, secluded spot at your venue for this intimate moment—and trust me, you won’t regret it!
Here’s a little secret for stunning photos: light is EVERYTHING. The time of day and the position of the sun can make all the difference! In Colorado, especially if you’re near the mountains, you’ll notice the sun slips away much sooner than you might expect. Those breathtaking mountain views are amazing, but the sun tends to dip behind those peaks earlier than you think, even in summer! So if you love those dreamy, golden hour shots, we’ll want to carve out some portrait time right before sunset.
If you’re planning a fall or winter wedding when the daylight hours are shorter, we have a few tricks up our sleeves. We can either schedule a first look to give us more daylight for portraits or shift the ceremony to an earlier time to maximize natural light.
And hey, if you’re tight on time and can’t fit in a golden hour session, no worries at all! We can always steal you away for a quick 15-minute sunset shoot during dinner. It’s a great chance for some fresh air, a little break, and—of course—breathtaking photos.
Time: 30 Minutes
And here it is—the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Your ceremony will take center stage and it’s the heart of the day. Whether it’s a grand, elaborate affair or a simple, intimate exchange of vows, this is where the magic happens.
I recommend keeping the ceremony around 30 minutes for the ideal balance of personal connection and guest engagement. Plus, it gives us just the right amount of time to capture every smile, tear, and laugh that makes your ceremony uniquely yours!
Time: 60 Minutes
While we’re off snapping gorgeous couple’s portraits, your guests will be enjoying cocktail hour. This is also when I’ll get the chance to capture some candid moments of them mingling, enjoying appetizers, and soaking in the wedding vibes.
Cocktail hour is the perfect time to relax and enjoy the company of your friends and family. Plus, it gives us the space we need to capture your family, bridal party and couple’s photos without feeling rushed. When you’re ready, we’ll wrap up and make sure you two are in perfect form to join your guests and kick off the reception celebrations!
Time: 20-30 Minutes
Family photos are a wedding day staple—and though they might not be the most creative shots, they’re definitely some of the most cherished. This is the time to get everyone in the family together for a few groupings you’ll treasure forever.
To make this quick and painless, let’s keep it simple with a list of the key family combos you want. I’ve learned over the years that the fewer combinations, the better (trust me, no one wants to be stuck in a photo lineup for hours). These shots are usually taken either right after the first look or just after the ceremony—so make sure your family knows where to meet, so we don’t lose anyone to the open bar too early!
VENUE | Tapestry House by Wedgewood
Time: 15-20 Minutes
Your bridal party is a vital part of your day, so let’s make sure we get some fun shots with them too! These photos are the perfect time to capture those hilarious, joyful moments with your best friends and family, and really let everyone’s personality shine.
I’ll direct everyone in a way that’s relaxed, fun, and stress-free, making sure we get a mix of both posed and candid moments. Whether it’s just the bridesmaids or groomsmen, or the whole gang together, we’ll make sure everyone looks their best, all while having a blast. This section usually flows right after family photos, and it’s a great time to get some group shots of the whole bridal party.
VENUE | Willow Ridge Manor
Time: 30-45 Minutes
Now it’s time for the two of you to take center stage! Couple’s photos are your moment to shine, so we’ll spend some time capturing intimate portraits of you two in a private, scenic area away from guests.
If you had a first look earlier, we’ll likely do this right after family photos. If you skipped the first look, we’ll take advantage of cocktail hour to sneak away for portraits. No matter the timing, these photos are all about you two—your love, your joy, your connection. Whether it’s just a few shots or a mini session with the two of you having fun and being playful, we’ll create images that truly reflect your personalities and the magic of your day.
Time: 2-4 Hours
This is where the real fun begins! The reception is when the energy shifts into high gear. I’ll be snapping everything from your first dance to the cake cutting, and I’ll be there for all those candid moments between friends and family. This is where I get to capture all the raw emotion of the evening and turn those wild dance moves into lasting memories!
VENUE | TPC Colorado
Here’s one of my favorite parts of the day: I like to steal the couple away for about 10-15 minutes during the reception (ideally at sunset or twilight) to get some final, creative shots. It’s a time to have a little quiet moment together, get out of the limelight, and let me work some photo magic.
These often result in some of my favorite images—the light is perfect, the nerves are gone, and we just have fun with it. By the time we return to the party, you’ll be feeling refreshed and ready to dance the night away!
A Wedding Day Timeline That’s Stress-Free & Full of Fun!
And that’s it—your ultimate wedding day timeline! It’s designed to give us plenty of time to capture each magical moment without rushing, and it ensures that you’ll get to enjoy your day to the fullest. I’ve seen it all, and trust me, planning ahead makes a world of difference.
The key is to relax and remember: it’s YOUR day. I’m here to make sure every beautiful detail is captured and that you’re smiling, laughing, and loving every minute of it.
Feel free to adjust and personalize it, depending on your venue, family dynamics, or your own unique wedding style. Let’s make sure your photos are as breathtaking as your love story!
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And hey, if you’re ready to book your wedding photographer, let’s chat – I’d be honored to capture your big day!