Planning a wedding day timeline can feel overwhelming — so many moving pieces, so many opinions, and not enough clarity on what actually matters.

As a wedding photographer (and videographer) who has seen everything from rushed timelines to perfectly flowing days, I can confidently say this:

A well-planned timeline is the secret to a stress-free wedding day and the photos you’ve been dreaming of.

This guide will walk you through exactly how to build a wedding day timeline that feels relaxed, intentional, and photography-friendly — without over-scheduling your day.

Wedding Day Timeline Guide

Simplifying your wedding day so everything flows effortlessly

Why Your Wedding Day Timeline Matters

Your timeline isn’t just a schedule — it sets the tone for your entire wedding experience.

A thoughtful timeline:

reduces stress and last-minute scrambling

Keeps your wedding party, family, and vendors on the same page

Gives you breathing room to actually enjoy your day

Creates space for meaningful, storytelling photos and video

When your timeline is rushed, photos feel rushed. When your timeline has intention, your memories feel natural, emotional, and real.

Key Decisions to Make Before Building Your Timeline

Before plugging times into a spreadsheet, there are a few big decisions that shape everything else.

1. Ceremony Time

Your ceremony time determines your lighting, portrait options, and flow into the reception. Earlier ceremonies offer more daylight flexibility, while later ceremonies prioritize golden hour portraits.

2. Are You Doing a First Look?

This is one of the biggest timeline influencers (more on sample timelines below). First looks create flexibility, while no first look leans heavily on golden hour.

3. Travel Time (and Parking!)

Always overestimate travel time between locations — especially for venues with parking shuttles, downtown areas, or temples. This is where timelines most often fall apart.

4. Lighting Preferences

If golden hour photos are important to you (they should be 😉), your timeline should intentionally protect that window.

5. Build in Extra Time

Hair runs late. Buttons break. Someone forgets their bouquet. Buffer time is not optional — it’s essential.

Sample Wedding Day Timelines

Below are two general wedding day timeline examples. These will always be adjusted based on your specific wedding, but they give a solid starting point.

Sample Timeline: With a First Look

This option creates the most relaxed day and maximizes photo time.

Getting Ready

• Detail photos (dress, rings, florals)
• Final touches of hair + makeup
• Candid moments with your people

First Look

• Private, emotional moment together
• Immediate couple portraits after

Bride + Groom Portraits

• Calm, unhurried portraits
• Creative, storytelling images

Family + Bridal Party Photos

• Done before the ceremony
• Fewer interruptions later

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

• Guests mingle
• You can relax or sneak away for a moment

Sunset Photos

• Quick golden hour portraits

Reception Timeline

• Grand entrance
• first dances
• dinner + toasts
• open dancing

Sample Timeline: Without a First Look

This timeline prioritizes tradition and anticipation.

Getting Ready

Ceremony

Family Photos

• Immediate family portraits right after the ceremony

Bridal Party Photos

Couple Portraits (Golden Hour)

• Romantic, glowing light
• Short but impactful session

Reception

This option works beautifully — it just requires tighter planning and a little more efficiency.

Timeline Tips from a Wedding Photographer

These are the things I see couples wish they knew sooner:

Add buffer time everywhere — especially transitions

Don’t rush portraits — this is when emotions shine

Golden hour is non-negotiable for dreamy photos

Factor in travel, parking, and walking time

Less scheduled moments often create the best memories

LDS + Temple Wedding Timeline Variations

Temple weddings follow a slightly different flow, and that’s okay — they just need extra clarity.

Typical LDS Wedding Timeline Includes:

Temple Sealing

• Guests attend sealing

Family Group Photos

• Outside the temple
• Organized, efficient grouping

Bridals (Same Day or Separate Day)

• Often done on a different day for flexibility

Reception-Only Schedule

• Grand entrance
• First dances
• Dinner + toasts
• Dancing + exit

Temple timelines benefit greatly from clear communication and pre-planning with your photographer.

When to Schedule Your Photographer + Videographer

Coverage length matters more than couples realize.

6 Hours of Coverage

• Ceremony + reception focus
• Limited getting ready or portraits

8 Hours of Coverage (Most Popular)

• Getting ready through major reception moments
• Balanced storytelling

10+ Hours of Coverage

• Full wedding story
• Slow, intentional pacing
• Ideal for destination or multi-location weddings

Your timeline directly determines how much of your story can be captured — photo and video

Want Your Wedding Day Timeline Done For You?

Every wedding is different — locations, lighting, traditions, personalities, and priorities all matter.

When you book with us, we help you build a custom, photographer-approved timeline that protects your peace and your memories.

If you want a wedding day that feels calm, intentional, and beautifully documented: