Wedding day Timeline Examples
A photographer-led guide to realistic wedding day pacing
Your wedding timeline determines far more than what happens when. It shapes how relaxed the day feels, how much time you spend with your people, and how your wedding is ultimately photographed.
This page offers real wedding day timeline examples based on different photography coverage lengths. These timelines are designed to help you visualize how a wedding day can flow without rushing, over-scheduling, or sacrificing meaningful moments.
These are not rigid schedules. They are practical starting points designed to support calm, connection, and intentional pacing.
How to read these Timelines
Season, venue, and location will influence exact timing. These examples show flow, not perfection.
If you are still deciding between a first look and a traditional ceremony, timing will shift slightly depending on that choice. If you’d like to understand more about how timing affects the flow of your wedding day, this post explores it in depth.
Each sample timeline below assumes:
• A mid to late afternoon ceremony
• Minimal travel between locations
• A focus on experience rather than maximizing coverage at all costs
Sample timeline
6 hour wedding photography timeline
Six hours of photography works best for smaller celebrations, fewer locations, and couples who want focused coverage without extensive getting-ready or late-night reception coverage.
Best for intimate or streamlined wedding days
2:30 PM
Getting Ready Photos
3:30 PM
Ceremony
4:00 PM
Family Photos
4:30 PM
Wedding Party Photos
5:30 PM
Couples Portraits
6:30 PM
Dinner
7:15 PM
Speeches
7:45 PM
First Dance & Parent Dances
8:00 PM
Cake Cutting & Evening Coverage
8:30 PM
Coverage Ends
This timeline prioritizes connection and key moments while keeping the day intentionally simple.
Sample timeline
8 hour wedding photography timeline
Eight hours allows the day to unfold naturally without rushing and is the most popular coverage choice for couples planning a full wedding day.
The most balanced and flexible option
1:30 PM
Getting Ready Photos
3:00 PM
First Look & Couples Portraits
4:30 PM
Ceremony
5:00 PM
Family Photos
5:30 PM
Wedding Party Portraits
6:30 PM
Dinner
7:15 PM
Speeches
7:45 PM
Sunset Portraits
8:15 PM
First Dance & Parent Dances
8:30 PM
Cake Cutting & Evening Coverage
9:30 PM
Coverage Ends
This timeline offers flexibility for light, portraits, and a relaxed transition into the evening.
Sample timeline
10 hour wedding photography timeline
Ten hours of coverage is ideal for larger weddings, multiple locations, or couples who want their day documented from start to finish without pressure.
Maximum breathing room and full storytelling
12:30 PM
Getting Ready Photos
2:15 PM
First Look & Couples Portraits
3:30 PM
Wedding Party Photos
4:30 PM
Ceremony
5:00 PM
Family Photos
5:30 PM
Coctail Hour Coverage
6:30 PM
Golden Hour Portraits
7:00 PM
Reception Begins
8:00 PM
Speeches
9:00 PM
First Dance & Parent Dances
9:30 PM
Open Dancing & Evening Atmosphere
10:30 PM
Coverage Ends
This timeline supports a calm pace and allows moments to breathe throughout the day.
Travel Time & Location Considerations
Travel between locations always takes longer than expected. Buffer time is essential for transitions, parking, and settling into new spaces.
When planning your timeline, fewer locations often lead to a smoother experience and more time actually enjoying the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours of wedding photography do we need?
The ideal coverage length depends on the size of your wedding, number of locations, and how much breathing room you want. Six hours works well for intimate days, eight hours suits most full weddings, and ten hours offers the most flexibility.
Is eight hours of wedding photography enough?
For many couples, yes. Eight hours typically allows for getting ready moments, the ceremony, portraits, and key reception events without feeling rushed.
What time should wedding photography start?
Photography usually begins one to three hours before the ceremony, depending on whether you want getting ready coverage and whether you plan a first look.
How long do family photos take on a wedding day?
Family photos usually take twenty to thirty minutes when groupings are planned in advance and immediate family is photographed first.
Do sunset photos interrupt the reception?
Golden hour portraits usually take ten to fifteen minutes. Many couples enjoy this brief pause as a chance to reconnect before returning to the celebration.
Final Thoughts
final thoughts
A well-planned wedding timeline creates space for connection, presence, and genuine moments. When the flow of the day is intentional, everything feels calmer and more meaningful.
If you’re planning a wedding on Vancouver Island and would like help refining your timeline or choosing the right photography coverage, I’d love to hear more about your day.
