HOW LONG DOES WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY TAKE?

Below is my recommendation on the minimum amount of time you should allocate for each event of the day.

We want you to have a wedding day that moves at a steady pace throughout the day for two key reasons. First, so that you do not feel rushed. Second, to also avoid excessive downtime that can make the day lose its momentum.

We like looking at the timeline in this way so that you can re-order each part to align with your priorities and constraints that you determined above.

Note: if you are working with a different wedding photographer, you will want to consult them directly on this portion.

• 15 Minutes – Bridesmaids Fun Getting Ready Celebrations (matching robes, champagne, confetti toss)

• 30 Minutes – The Details (dress hanging, rings, veil,  flowers, jewelry, invitations, etc.)
• 30 minutes – Getting Dressed (putting on dress or suit, individual portraits, reactions of bridal party and parents)
• 
• 30 minutes – First Look + Bride and Groom Portraits
• 30 minutes – Bride & Groom out of sight from guests before ceremony (makeup retouch, prayer)
• 30-75 minutes – Wedding Ceremony (varies depending on affiliation)
• 30 minutes – Immediate Family portraits (parents, siblings, grandparents)
• 15 minutes – Extended Family Combinations/Important Relationships (we recommend one large group photo per side to include aunts, uncles, and cousins)
• 45 minutes –  Wedding Party (group shots and capturing each individual relationship)
• 20 minutes – Reception Details (during cocktail hour)
•  
• 20 minutes – Sunset Newlywed Portraits (ending 30 minutes prior to the schedule sunset)
• 125 minutes – Reception Time
  • (15 minutes) Guests seated and Grand Entrance
  • (5 minutes) Blessing of the meal
  • (45 minutes) Dinner
  • (5 minutes) Cake Cutting
  • (15 minutes) Toasts & Speeches
  • (10 minutes) First Dances
  • (30 minutes) Candid dancing & Specialty songs

All together this comes to 7.25-8 hours (without travel between locations) and the variation is largely dependent on the religious affiliation of your wedding ceremony.

Be sure to add in travel time when planning your wedding day timeline. The number of locations a couple has on a wedding day widely varies from one to five separate locations. These locations often include a getting ready suite for each the bride and groom, the ceremony location, the reception venue, a first look location, and wedding party photos.

Did you find this helpful? Share it with your fiance to start planning your wedding day timeline and to put any worries to rest!