The Real Wedding Day Timeline: How Long Photos Actually Take
The Real Wedding Day Timeline: How Long Photos Actually Take (From a Nashville Wedding Photographer)
If you’ve never planned a wedding before, the timeline can feel like a mystery. How long do getting-ready photos take? When should the ceremony start for the best light? How much time do we actually need for portraits?
Take a deep breath — I’ve got you.
As a Nashville wedding photographer who’s photographed hundreds of weddings, I’ve built more timelines than I can count. And there’s one thing I know for sure:
A well-planned timeline = a calm, enjoyable, beautifully photographed wedding day.
Below is a breakdown of exactly how long each part of the day typically takes, why it matters, and how to build a timeline that keeps you relaxed and fully present through every moment.
Let’s dive in.
Getting Ready — 1.5 to 2 Hours
Getting ready sets the tone for the entire day. It’s more than hair and makeup — it’s where the story begins.
During this time, I photograph:
Flat lays + detail photos (dress, rings, invitations, jewelry, shoes)
Hair and makeup finishing touches
Bridesmaids moments (robes, champagne, hype photos!)
Groom + groomsmen portraits
The dress going on
Emotional candid moments
If your prep locations and venue are separate, build in 15–20 minutes of travel time.
A relaxed morning = a relaxed wedding day.
First Look — 15 to 20 Minutes
Not every couple chooses a first look, but if you do, this is one of the most intimate and emotional parts of the day.
Why this time matters:
We find the perfect, private spot
Each partner arrives separately
You get genuine reactions without a crowd
You enjoy a quiet moment together before the day picks up
We take a few portraits afterward while emotions are high
A first look also opens up your timeline and reduces pressure later.
Bride + Groom Portraits — 30 to 40 Minutes
This is the moment for the romantic, editorial, glowy portraits you’ll print, frame, and treasure forever.
Why we need 30–40 minutes:
It gives you time to slow down and breathe
We can move around the venue for variety
Lighting sometimes requires adjustments
You get a full, well-rounded set of portraits
The best images come when you aren’t rushed
If your ceremony is close to sunset, we’ll still do a quick golden hour session later — but this earlier portrait block is essential.
Wedding Party Photos — 30 Minutes
This includes:
Full wedding party
Bridesmaids
Groomsmen
Fun candid shots
If you have a larger wedding party (10+ on each side), plan for 40–45 minutes — big groups take a little extra time to coordinate.
Family Formals — 20 to 30 Minutes
Family photos move quickly when we have a clear, pre-planned list — and I'll walk you through building one.
We typically include:
Immediate family
Parents
Siblings
Grandparents
Any special groupings
If you have blended families, we’ll plan the order carefully so everything feels comfortable and seamless.
Ceremony — 20 to 45 Minutes
Ceremonies vary depending on:
Traditions
Readings
Religious elements
Guest count
Personal touches
Most ceremonies fall between 20–30 minutes, but some run closer to 45. Either way, we’ll plan your timeline around natural light so everything photographs beautifully.
Cocktail Hour — 1 Hour
During cocktail hour, I typically photograph:
Candid guest interactions
Couple mingling photos
Reception details
Any additional family/groupings requested
If we’ve done a first look, this hour is usually very relaxed. If not, part of it is used for portraits.
Golden Hour Portraits — 10 to 15 Minutes
If you’ve followed me for five minutes, you know I always advocate for golden hour portraits.
It’s the dreamiest time of day for photos — warm, soft, glowy light that instantly levels up your images.
And the best part?
We only need 10–15 minutes.
Even couples who “don’t love photos” LOVE these.
Reception Events — 1.5 to 3 Hours
Reception coverage typically includes:
Grand entrance
First dances
Toasts
Dinner
Cake cutting
Open dancing
Bouquet toss (optional)
Private last dance (one of my favorites!)
Your exit
Once dancing begins, most couples only need 1–1.5 hours of coverage unless there are cultural events or surprise performances.
Sample Wedding Timeline (With a First Look)
This sample works beautifully for spring or fall weddings where sunset is around 6:30–7:00 PM:
12:00 PM — Photographer arrives
12:00–1:00 — Details + getting ready
1:00–1:20 — Bridesmaids fun photos
1:20–1:45 — Groom + groomsmen
2:00 — First look
2:20–3:00 — Bride + groom portraits
3:00–3:35 — Wedding party
3:35–4:00 — Family formals
4:00 — Ceremony
4:30 — Cocktail hour
6:00 — Reception begins
7:15 — Golden hour portraits
9:00 — Photography coverage wraps
Swap in or out what fits your day — but this gives you a clear starting point.
Final Thoughts
You deserve a wedding day that feels calm, joyful, and beautifully paced.
A thoughtful timeline helps create that.
And the best part? You don’t have to build it alone.
Every couple I work with receives a custom wedding day timeline created around their venue, season, lighting, and personal priorities.
If you're planning your wedding and want a day that feels effortless and gorgeous from start to finish, I’d love to help.
📩 Let’s plan your wedding photo timeline together: