Wedding Day Template Schedules

Planning your wedding day timeline is crucial to ensure everything runs smoothly and that we capture all the important moments. Below are 8 template schedules tailored to different scenarios, factoring in various locations, first looks, and other considerations. These templates are flexible and can be adjusted to fit your specific needs.

1. Single Location Wedding with First Look

All events take place at one venue. Including a First Look allows for a relaxed schedule and maximizes photo opportunities.

Total Coverage Time: 8 hours

Sample Timeline

  • 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Photographer arrives; captures bride and groom's final preparations and detail shots.

  • 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM: First Look between bride and groom.

  • 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM: Couples portraits around the venue.

  • 2:45 PM – 3:15 PM: Bridal party portraits.

  • 3:15 PM – 3:45 PM: Family portraits.

  • 3:45 PM – 4:15 PM: Couple tucks away as guests begin to arrive.

  • 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Ceremony.

  • 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Cocktail hour; we capture venue details and candids.

  • 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Reception events (grand entrance, first dance, speeches, cake cutting, dancing).

  • 10:00 PM: Photographer's coverage ends.

Notes:

  • Having everything at one location minimizes travel time.

  • First Look allows most photos to be completed before the ceremony, giving you more time to enjoy your reception.

2. Single Location Wedding without First Look

All events at one venue. No First Look, so extra time is needed after the ceremony for portraits.

Total Coverage Time: 9 hours

Sample Timeline

  • 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Photographer arrives; captures preparations and detail shots.

  • 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Bridal party portraits separately (bride with bridesmaids, groom with groomsmen).

  • 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Bride and groom tucked away; guests begin to arrive.

  • 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Ceremony.

  • 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Family portraits and couples portraits.

  • 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Cocktail hour for guests; additional portraits if needed.

  • 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM: Reception events.

  • 9:00 PM: Photographer's coverage ends.

Notes:

  • An extra hour is scheduled between the ceremony and reception for portraits.

  • Bride and groom avoid seeing each other before the ceremony.

3. Multiple Locations with First Look

Prep at hotel, First Look and ceremony at church, reception at separate venue.

Total Coverage Time: 10 hours

Sample Timeline

  • 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Photographer arrives at hotel; captures preparations.

  • 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM: Travel to First Look location.

  • 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM: First Look at a scenic spot.

  • 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM: Couples portraits.

  • 2:15 PM – 2:45 PM: Travel to church.

  • 2:45 PM – 3:15 PM: Bridal party and family portraits at church.

  • 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Ceremony.

  • 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Exit and candid shots outside the church.

  • 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Travel to reception venue.

  • 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Cocktail hour; venue detail shots.

  • 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Reception events.

  • 10:00 PM: Photographer's coverage ends.

Notes:

  • Travel times are factored in; ensure punctuality to stay on schedule.

  • First Look and portraits are completed before the ceremony.

4. Multiple Locations without First Look

Prep at hotel, ceremony at church, reception at venue. Extra hour between ceremony and reception for portraits.

Total Coverage Time: 10 hours

Sample Timeline

  • 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Photographer arrives at hotel; captures preparations.

  • 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM: Travel to church.

  • 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Bridal party portraits separately at church.

  • 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Bride and groom tucked away; guests arrive.

  • 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Ceremony.

  • 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Family portraits and couples portraits at church or nearby location.

  • 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Travel to reception venue.

  • 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Cocktail hour for guests; we capture venue details.

  • 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Reception events.

  • 9:00 PM: Photographer's coverage ends.

Notes:

  • Additional hour after the ceremony allows for necessary portraits.

  • Important to keep travel times efficient.

5. Multiple Locations with First Look and Extra Portrait Location

Prep at hotel, First Look at a special location, ceremony at church, reception at venue.

Total Coverage Time: 10 hours

Sample Timeline

  • 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Photographer arrives at hotel; captures preparations.

  • 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM: Travel to First Look location (e.g., a park or meaningful spot).

  • 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM: First Look.

  • 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Couples portraits.

  • 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Travel to church.

  • 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Bridal party and family portraits at church.

  • 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Bride and groom tucked away; guests arrive.

  • 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Ceremony.

  • 4:00 PM – 4:15 PM: Exit shots at church.

  • 4:15 PM – 4:45 PM: Travel to reception venue.

  • 4:45 PM – 5:45 PM: Cocktail hour; candid shots and venue details.

  • 5:45 PM – 9:45 PM: Reception events.

  • 9:45 PM: Photographer's coverage ends.

Notes:

  • Extra location adds variety to your portraits.

  • Ensure transportation is arranged to keep schedule on track.

6. Early Prep Start Time with Later Photographer Arrival

Prep starts at 11:00 AM; photographer arrives at 12:30 PM to capture key moments.

Total Coverage Time: 8 hours

Sample Timeline

  • 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Bride and groom begin preparations (hair, makeup).

  • 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Photographer arrives; captures final prep stages and details.

  • 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM: First Look (if applicable) or bridal party photos.

  • 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Couples portraits.

  • 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Bride and groom tucked away.

  • 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Ceremony.

  • 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Family and additional bridal party portraits.

  • 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Cocktail hour; we capture candids.

  • 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM: Reception events.

  • 8:30 PM: Photographer's coverage ends.

Notes:

  • Arriving later focuses coverage on key moments, fitting within an 8-hour package.

  • Communicate any important early prep moments you wish to be captured.

7. Extended Wedding Day Exceeding 10 Hours

Wedding day lasts longer than photography package; advice on scheduling to maximize coverage.

Total Coverage Time: 10 hours (with option to add extra hours)

Sample Timeline

  • 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Photographer arrives; captures preparations.

  • 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM: First Look.

  • 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Couples and bridal party portraits.

  • 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Bride and groom tucked away.

  • 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Ceremony.

  • 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Family portraits and candid shots.

  • 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Extended cocktail hour; additional portraits or downtime.

  • 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM: Reception events.

  • 11:00 PM: Photographer's coverage ends.

Options:

  • Add Extra Hours: If events extend beyond the coverage time, additional hours can be added.

  • Prioritize Events: Decide which moments are most important to capture within the allotted time.

Notes:

  • Discuss your priorities with us to tailor coverage effectively.

  • Consider key events that happen later in the evening (e.g., sparkler exit).

8. All-Day Coverage with Early Ceremony and Late Reception

Ceremony in the morning, reception in the evening at different locations.

Total Coverage Time: 10 hours (split coverage with a break)

Sample Timeline

  • 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Photographer arrives; captures final preparations.

  • 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Ceremony.

  • 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Family portraits and couples portraits.

  • 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Photographer break/travel time.

  • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Luncheon or small reception coverage.

  • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Break (photographer off-duty).

  • 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Photographer resumes; captures additional preparations if needed.

  • 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Evening reception begins; cocktail hour.

  • 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Reception events.

  • 10:00 PM: Photographer's coverage ends.

Notes:

  • Splitting coverage allows capturing both early and late events.

  • Break time does not count toward total coverage hours.

Additional Considerations

  • Tucking Away Before Ceremony: We recommend the couple tucks away 30 minutes before the ceremony to avoid being seen by arriving guests.

  • Photography Setup: We need 30-40 minutes before the ceremony and reception to set up equipment.

  • Travel Time: Factor in travel times between locations; it's crucial to keep on schedule.

  • Communication: Inform vendors (DJ, coordinators) about the schedule to ensure coordination.

  • Buffer Time: Include small buffers in the schedule for unexpected delays.

Please feel free to discuss any specific needs or adjustments you'd like to make. We're here to help you create the perfect timeline for your special day!

Final Thoughts

We are honored to be part of your wedding day and are dedicated to capturing every moment that makes your love story unique. Our goal is to provide you with timeless memories that you will cherish forever.

Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or special requests. We're here to make your wedding day as wonderful and stress-free as possible.