Crafting the Perfect Wedding Day Timeline with Your Photographer
Planning your wedding day timeline is one of the most important steps to ensuring a relaxed, joyful, and beautifully documented celebration. As a wedding photographer based in Northern Colorado, I don't just show up with a camera — I'm here to help you design a timeline that allows your day to flow seamlessly while making space for all the moments that matter most.
From the quiet getting-ready moments to your first dance under the stars, every part of your wedding day deserves to be experienced and preserved without feeling rushed. That's why I work closely with you (and your planner, if you have one) to build a schedule that feels effortless and leaves room for genuine, unhurried memories.
How I Help You Create a Seamless Timeline:
1. Starting with What Matters Most: We'll begin by identifying your top priorities: Are sunset portraits a must? Do you want a quiet first look? Would you prefer an extended cocktail hour so you can mingle with guests? By understanding what moments are most meaningful to you, we can anchor your timeline around them.
2. Building in Buffer Time Weddings naturally have little delays — a bustling bridal suite, a heartfelt toast that runs long — and that's perfectly normal. When I help build your timeline, I intentionally include buffer time around key events, so you never feel rushed or stressed.
3. Guiding You Through the Day Throughout your wedding, I gently guide you through portraits and special moments while allowing you to stay fully present. You won't have to watch the clock or worry about what's next; I'll keep us on track so you can simply enjoy.
4. Tailoring the Timeline to Your Unique Celebration Every wedding is different. Whether you're planning an intimate mountain elopement or a grand ballroom celebration, I'll customize a timeline that reflects your unique vision and priorities.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding day should feel like a true reflection of your love story — not a photoshoot or a race against time. By working together to craft a thoughtful, well-paced timeline, we'll ensure that your wedding day is filled with joy, beauty, and genuine moments you can feel forever.
If you're beginning to plan your wedding in Northern Colorado and want a photographer who offers more than just beautiful images — someone who supports you in creating a smooth, stress-free experience — I'd love to connect!
Wedding Day Timeline Tips Below!
Wedding day timeline tips
Planning your wedding day timeline is the key to a smooth, stress-free experience.
Here’s a breakdown of each major part of your day, with suggested time frames and what to expect — so you can relax and savor every beautiful moment.
Wedding Day Details
45 minutes to 1 hour
Capturing your personal story through the little things that your choice for your wedding day.
I’ll style and photograph your dress, shoes, rings, invitation suite, jewelry, veil, florals, and other meaningful heirlooms. These images take time to thoughtfully compose with care and artistry, so setting aside about 45 minutes to an hour ensures we can capture everything beautifully without feeling rushed.
Tip: Have all your details ready in a box or designated area to maximize our time! I send a detailed email and reminder to clients.
Bridal Party Getting Ready
2 to 4 hours
The anticipation, laughter, and joy before the vows.
This time block covers everything from champagne toasts in matching robes to the quiet, emotional moments of getting into your dress.
We’ll capture candids of you and your bridal party hanging out, robe photos, the finishing touches of hair and makeup, and the emotional moment when you step into your gown, veil, shoes, and jewelry.
Consider how much of the getting-ready process you want documented — if you want lots of relaxed, candid moments, allow extra time. This is one of my favorite parts of the day to document and I prefer to start when the Bride starts!
First Look + Couple’s Portraits, Bridal Portraits, Groom Portraits
30 minutes to 1 hour
The first quiet, breathtaking moment together.
A first look allows you and your partner to connect privately before the ceremony — and gives us time for stunning, relaxed portraits.
Depending on your vision and if you want to travel (walk or drive) to additional locations, we’ll set aside 30–60 minutes.
Bonus: We’ll build in a 30-minute buffer after portraits to ensure the bride is tucked away before guests arrive.
Ceremony
20 to 60 minutes
The heart of it all.
Ceremonies typically include the processional, vows, ring exchange, and the official pronouncement, followed by the recessional. Religious and traditional ceremonies often run closer to an hour, while non-traditional or elopement-style ceremonies are shorter.
Family Formals
15 to 30 minutes
Timeless portraits with your loved ones.
After the ceremony, we’ll gather immediate family for formal portraits.
The time depends on your family list — about 1–2 minutes per grouping is a good rule of thumb. A pre-planned list helps us move quickly and keeps everything joyful and organized!
Bridal Party Photos
30 minutes
Celebrating with your closest friends.
This time is for full bridal party portraits, Bride with Bridesmaids, Groom with Groomsmen, plus individual photos with bridesmaids and groomsmen.
If you have a larger bridal party, we may extend this time slightly.
Optional: Extend your cocktail hour to 90 minutes so you can also join part of it and mingle with your guests!
Transportation Buffer
15 minutes - 20 minutes
Allow breathing room.
If your reception is at a different location, plan a 15-minute buffer for transportation — especially with large groups or in mountain areas.
Reception: Toasts + Dinner
1 to 1.5 hours
Cheers to your next chapter.
Dinner service and toasts typically take about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on the number of speeches.
Pro Tip: Short, heartfelt speeches tend to keep the energy high and the schedule flowing smoothly!
Sunset Session
10-15 minutes
Golden light magic.
At the perfect moment (usually about 20–30 minutes before sunset), we'll sneak away for a few intimate portraits in the best light of the day. It’s quick, easy, and always worth it.
First Dances
20 minutes
We’ll capture your first dance as a married couple, plus parent dances if you choose to include them.
Open Dancing — 3 hours
1 to 1.5 hours
Cheers to your next chapter.
Dinner service and toasts typically take about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on the number of speeches.
Pro Tip: Short, heartfelt speeches tend to keep the energy high and the schedule flowing smoothly!
Other Add-Ons You Might Want to Consider:
Private Last Dance: End the night with a private dance after guests exit — a beautiful, quiet way to close your wedding day.
Grand Exit: Whether it’s a sparkler exit, bubbles, or vintage car getaway, plan about 15 minutes for your send-off photos.
Room Reveal: If you’ve invested in stunning reception decor, we can photograph the room empty before guests enter.
