AH, the wedding day timeline. So how are you supposed to know how much time this stuff takes when you’ve never done this before from the bride perspective?!?!

As someone who has done this dozens of times, I’m happy to share what an optimal 8 hour timeline at a single venue (getting ready, ceremony and reception all in one location) looks like. These are all tentative time suggestions based on a standard 8-hour wedding day with a first look between the wedding couple.

2:00 – *photographer arrives* details photographed (rings, invites, flowers, shoes, perfume, etc.)

3:00 – getting ready photos of bride and groom begin

3:30 – first look with bridesmaids and/or father of the bride

4:00 – first look for bride + groom 

4:15 – bride + groom photos

4:30 – bridal party photos

5:15 – bridal party tucks away, freshens up

5:15- ceremony details photographed

5:30 – guest arrival (candid photos)

6:00 – ceremony

6:30 – family + group photos

7:00 – additional couples portraits (align with sunset)

7:15 – join cocktail hour

7:30 – grand entrance into reception + first dance + bride/father + groom/mother dance

7:45 – dinner service begins

8:00 – toasts

8:30 – group photo on the dance floor

8:30 – open dancing with everyone on the dance floor

9:00 – cake cutting/dessert + champagne toast

9:10 open dancing

9:45 – sparkler exit

Note this is just one sample wedding day timeline and each timeline will vary. You may want more time to account for the ceremony and reception being at separate locations or if you want to ensure you have a leisurely day with wiggle room for whatever may occur.

When given multiple options and dealing with a wedding budget, it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option and without having experienced the wedding day experience before, many brides and grooms believe that 6 hours will be enough for a wedding day. However, if you want to get pictures of you getting ready AND dancing/exit pictures, 8 to 10 hours tends to be the sweet spot for photography coverage.

Of course, each wedding is different, and I’m not saying you can’t get all the photos you desire in a 6 hour time period. It may require passing on the getting ready photos or not capturing the exit at the end of the night, but it’s totally up to you how which photos matter most at the end of the day.

See my ultimate BRIDE GUIDE for my wedding day tips or check out my wedding portfolio to see more real weddings.