Wedding Day Timeline Templates

Sample timelines for different wedding scenarios. Use these as starting points and customize for each couple's specific needs and venue.

Timeline Building Tips:
  • Work backwards from sunset for optimal portrait light
  • Build in 15-30 minute buffers - weddings always run late
  • Coordinate with planner and other vendors
  • Send timeline to couple for approval before the day

First Look Timeline 6pm Sunset

Popular for Hawaii weddings - allows full portraits before ceremony, couple can enjoy cocktail hour.

Sample: 5:00 PM Ceremony

1:00 PM
Photographer arrives at bride's location
Set up, scout light, begin detail shots
1:00 - 2:00
Getting ready coverage - Bride
Hair/makeup finishing, dress details, candid moments
1:30 - 2:00
Second shooter: Groom getting ready
Details, candids, finishing touches
2:00 - 2:30
Bride into dress
Mom/bridesmaids helping, full-length mirror shots
2:45 PM
FIRST LOOK
Position groom, capture approach and reaction (15-20 min)
3:00 - 3:45
Couple portraits - Session 1
Beautiful light, relaxed couple, variety of locations
3:45 - 4:15
Wedding party photos
Bridesmaids, groomsmen, full party, fun shots
4:15 - 4:45
Family formals
Work through shot list efficiently
4:45 PM
Buffer / Hidden from guests
Couple hidden, final touch-ups
5:00 PM
CEREMONY
Processional, vows, ring exchange, kiss, recessional
5:30 - 6:15
Cocktail hour
Couple can enjoy! Photographer captures guests, details
5:45 PM
GOLDEN HOUR - Steal couple for sunset
15-20 min of sunset portraits (the magic shots!)
6:15 PM
Grand entrance / Reception begins
Introduction, first dance

Traditional Timeline (No First Look) 6pm Sunset

First time seeing each other is at the ceremony. Requires more time after ceremony for portraits.

Sample: 4:30 PM Ceremony

1:30 PM
Photographer arrives
Begin getting ready coverage
1:30 - 3:00
Getting ready - Both locations
Bride prep, groom prep (second shooter), details
3:00 - 3:30
Bride with bridesmaids (separate from groom)
Group shots, candids, final preparations
3:00 - 3:30
Groom with groomsmen (separate location)
Group shots, candids
3:45 PM
Venue/ceremony detail shots
Before guests arrive, capture setup
4:15 PM
Guests seated, groom in position
Pre-ceremony atmosphere
4:30 PM
CEREMONY
Capture groom's reaction to bride, all key moments
5:00 - 5:30
Family formals (immediately after)
Work quickly, guests waiting for cocktail hour
5:30 PM
Cocktail hour begins
Release family, keep wedding party
5:30 - 5:50
GOLDEN HOUR - Couple & wedding party
Best light! Prioritize couple portraits
5:50 - 6:10
SUNSET - Couple only
The hero shots, silhouettes, intimate moments
6:15 PM
Grand entrance
Reception begins
Traditional Timeline Challenge: Without a first look, you have limited time for portraits between ceremony and reception. Consider a longer cocktail hour (90 min) or sneaking couple away during reception for sunset.

Intimate/Elopement Timeline Small Wedding

For smaller weddings with 20 or fewer guests. More relaxed, portrait-focused timeline.

Sample: 4:00 PM Beach Elopement

2:00 PM
Meet couple at getting ready location
May be same location as ceremony (resort, vacation rental)
2:00 - 3:00
Getting ready coverage
More relaxed pace, details, intimate moments
3:15 PM
First look (optional)
Private moment before small gathering
3:30 - 4:00
Pre-ceremony portraits
Couple portraits in great light
4:00 PM
CEREMONY
Intimate beach ceremony
4:20 - 4:45
Family/group photos
Quick with small guest count
4:45 - 5:30
EXTENDED COUPLE SESSION
Explore multiple locations, golden hour through sunset
5:30 PM
Dinner/celebration
Coverage as needed

Time Allocation Guide

Activity Minimum Recommended
Getting Ready (per location) 45 min 60-90 min
First Look 15 min 20-30 min
Couple Portraits 20 min 45-60 min total
Wedding Party Photos 15 min 20-30 min
Family Formals 15 min 20-30 min
Ceremony 20 min 30-45 min
Buffer time (build in!) 15 min 30 min
Hawaii Timeline Considerations
  • Sunset timing: Varies from ~5:45 PM (winter) to ~7:15 PM (summer) - build timeline around this
  • Travel time: Factor in island traffic, especially on Oahu and during peak hours
  • Heat: Avoid scheduling outdoor portraits during midday heat (11am-2pm)
  • Rain: Build in buffer for brief tropical showers
  • Destination guests: Consider jet lag - earlier ceremonies can be challenging
  • Beach timing: Check tide schedules if shooting at water's edge