If you’ve stumbled across this blog post, it’s likely that you’re looking for the perfect wedding photography timeline to implement for you wedding day. You’re in luck, because that’s what we’re going to dive into with this blog!

As an Atlanta based destination wedding photographer, I’ve captured many weddings in Georgia and beyond. I’ve seen my fair share of weddings and timelines, so let’s dive into the best timelines with examples to make your wedding planning easier!

Ruzin Cunningham Photos | Georgia Based Destination Wedding Photographer

Things to Consider When Planning The Perfect Wedding Photography Timeline:

When it comes to planning the perfect wedding photography timeline, there are quite a few things to consider such as time of year, when the sun sets, if you and your partner will be doing a first look, if you only have one photographer or are opting for a second shooter as well, and how many locations you’ll have. Let’s dive into each one a little further.

The Time of Year & Sunset Times

The time of year is important when planning your timeline because depending on the season, the sun may set earlier or later! If you want those dreamy golden hour shots, then keeping this in mind is incredibly important.

I definitely recommend stepping away for a few moments for those golden hour shots. Even if it’s just 15 – 20 minutes, though 30 minutes is ideal. They are so romantic, and really give you and your partner a slice of time together away from the hustle and bustle of the reception.

If you’re planning a summer wedding, you’ll have a little extra time to squeeze in some golden hour portraits as the sun sets later. In the winter, the sun sets earlier. This means you may want an earlier ceremony if golden hour portraits are important for you.

Late Sunset Wedding Photography Timeline Example

• 10:00am – 11:30am – Getting Ready
• 11:30am – 11:45am – First Looks
• 11:45am – 12:45pm – Wedding Couple Portraits
• 12:45pm – 1:45pm – Wedding Party Portraits
• 2:00pm- 3:00pm – Wedding Ceremony
• 3:00pm – 3:30pm – Family Portraits
• 4:30pm – 5:00pm – Cocktail Hour
• 5:00pm-8:00pm – Wedding Reception
• Sun sets at 5:00pm – Wedding couple portraits anywhere between 4:00pm- 4:30pm so you can still enjoy cocktail hour!

*Note that these examples are based on weddings at one location. If your ceremony and reception are at two separate locations, we may need to adjust your wedding photography timeline.

Will You Be Doing First Looks?

If you and your partner are opting for a first look, then your timeline may look a bit different. First looks are becoming increasingly popular among couples. First looks allow you to have that special time with your spouse before the ceremony, and allow you to get more portraits, and even read personal vows if you desire. Below are wedding photography timeline examples with and without a first look.

Wedding Photography Timeline Without First Look

• 1:00pm-3:00pm Getting Ready
• 3:00pm-3:30pm Partner 1’s Portraits
• 3:30pm – 3:45pm – Partner 1 With Wedding Party and Partner 1 With Family
• 3:45pm – 4:15pm Partner 2’S Portraits
• 4:15pm – 4:45pm – Partner 2 With Their Wedding Party, and Partner 2’s Family
• 4:45pm – 5:00pm Ceremony Décor Shots
• 5:00pm – 5:30pm – Ceremony
• 5:30pm – 5:45pm – Full Wedding Party Portraits
• 5:45pm -6:00pm – Family Photos with Wedding Couple
• 6:00pm – 6:30pm Golden Hour Portraits (sunset at 7:00pm)
• 6:30pm – 7:00pm – Cocktail Hour & Reception Décor Shots
• 7:00pm- 9:00pm – Reception

Wedding Photography Timeline With First Look

• 1:00pm – 2:30pm – Getting Ready
• 2:30pm – 3:00pm – First Looks
• 3:00pm – 3:30pm – Wedding Couple Portraits
• 3:30pm – 4:15pm – Full Wedding Party Portraits
• 4:15pm – 5:00pm – Family Portraits
• 5:00pm – 5:30pm – Ceremony Décor Shots
• 5:30pm – 6:00pm – Ceremony
• 6:00pm-6:30 pm – Golden Hour Wedding Couple Portraits (sunset at 7:00pm)
• 6:30pm – 7:00pm – Cocktail Hour & Reception Décor Shots
• 7:00pm-9:00pm – Reception

Will There be One or Two Locations for Your Wedding?

One thing to keep in mind when planning your wedding photography timeline is locations. If you have more than one location such as getting ready elsewhere, you will need to set extra time aside for traveling from one to the next! Below you’ll find an example of a wedding photography timeline with one and two locations.

Wedding Photography Timeline Example With One Location

• 1:30pm – 3:00pm – Getting Ready
• 3:00pm – 3:15pm – Partner 1 Portraits
• 3:15pm – 3:30pm – Partner 1’s Portraits With Their Wedding Party
• 3:30pm – 3:45pm – Partner 1’s Portraits With Their Family
• 3:45pm – 4:00pm – Partner 2 Portraits
• 4:00pm – 4:30pm – Partner 2’s Portraits With Their Wedding Party
• 4:30pm – 5:00pm – Ceremony Décor Shots
• 5:00pm – 5:30pm – Ceremony
• 5:30pm – 5:45pm – Entire Wedding Party Portraits
• 5:45pm – 6:00pm – Wedding Couples Family Portraits Together
• 6:00pm – 6:30pm – Wedding Couples Sunset Portraits (sunset at 7:00pm)
• 6:30pm – 7:00pm – Cocktail Hour & Wedding Reception Décor Shots
• 7:00pm – 9:30pm – Reception

Wedding Photography Timeline Example With Two Locations

• 1:00pm – 2:30pm Getting Ready
• 2:30pm – 3:00pm Drive to The Ceremony & Reception Location
• 3:00pm – 3:15pm Partner 1’s Portraits 
• 3:15pm – 3:30pm Partner 1 With Their Wedding Party
• 3:30pm – 3:15pm Partner 1 With Their Family 
• 3:45pm – 4:00pm Partner 2’s Portraits  
• 4:00pm – 4:15pm Partner 2 With Their Wedding Party
• 4:15pm – 4:30pm – Partner 2 With Their Family
• 4:30pm – 5:00pm Wedding Ceremony Décor Shots
• 5:00pm – 5:30pm Wedding Ceremony 
• 5:30pm – 5:45pm Entire Wedding Party Portraits
• 5:45pm – 6:00pm Wedding Couples Portraits With Family
• 6:00pm – 6:30pm Wedding Couples Sunset Portraits (sun sets at 7:00pm)
• 6:30pm – 7:00pm Cocktail Hour & Reception Décor Shots
• 7:00pm – 10:00pm Reception

Will You Be Using any of These Wedding Photography Timeline Examples for Your Big Day?

I hope that you found these timeline examples and tips helpful in your wedding planning! Planning a timeline can feel stressful, but you won’t have to do it alone. One other thing to consider is whether or not you’re having a second shooter for your day. This will makes things easier, but we can always discuss this on a call to see if its right or needed for you.

If you’re looking for a wedding photographer to capture your day and help you with a wedding photography timeline that’s perfect for your day, I’d love to connect with you!

Feel free to learn more about me. If I sound like the perfect wedding photographer for you, then inquire with me here! In the meantime, follow more over on Instagram and check out the blog where you’ll find everything from sessions, engagements, weddings, and resources and Georgia and beyond!