Wedding Day Timeline Example

CIVIL WEDDINGS

  • Arrange for photography to begin 1 hour to 30 minutes before the ceremony for getting ready photographs of the bride and groom.

  • Anticipate the ceremony, including the processional and recessional, to last 20-30 minutes. Inform your officiant as to how long you would like the ceremony to last. If it is a church related ceremony plan on 45 minutes to 1 hour for the ceremony length.

  • If greeting guests after the recessional, allow 30 minutes for that interaction, or communicate with the officiant to inform guests of the photography schedule following the ceremony.

  • Allocate at least one hour for family group photos, bridal party photos and images of the couple around the ceremony location. If you are wanting a-lot of group photos add 30 additional minutes to ensure that I have enough time to get all the desired photos.

  • Receptions typically last between two to three hours, with time allocated for greeting additional guests who did not attend the ceremony.

  • Plan to have me there during the reception to photograph details, guests, events and the exit.

  • On your wedding invitation consider mentioning the ceremony time as 30 minutes earlier than your actual plan to ensure punctuality. For instance, if you aim for a 4:30 pm start, indicate on your wedding invitation that it begins at 4:00 pm.

Civil Wedding Day Timeline Example

4:00pm: Getting Ready Photos

4:30pm: Ceremony Begins

5:00 - 5:45pm: Photos with immediate family, bridal party

5:45 - 6:30pm: Photos of the Bride and Groom

6:30 - 7:30pm: Dinner, Toasts

7:30 - 9:30pm: More couples photos during golden hour (optional), cake cutting, dancing, bouquet toss etc.

9:30pm: Bride & Groom Departure

LDS TEMPLE WEDDINGS

  • If your sealing for example starts at 9am you can plan to be exiting the temple by approximately 10am. It takes about 1 hour to exit the temple from the scheduled sealing time.

  • Plan for one hour and thirty minutes of photography immediately after exiting the temple. This covers the exit photos, group photos, and portraits of the bride and groom.

  • If you are planning a luncheon on your wedding day here is an example of how to calculate the best start time for the luncheon.

    Example: A temple sealing time of 9am. You will exit from the temple at 10am, photos will be taken at the temple from 10-11:30am. You will then need to factor in the travel time to the luncheon location as well as if the bride is going to change into a different dress or not. Generally the bride will attend the luncheon in her wedding dress but I have also seen where she will wear a secondary dress to the luncheon. If doing a luncheon I suggest scheduling the start time 3.5 hours after the sealing time. This leaves a buffer or time and prevents the photography process from feeling rushed.

  • In my experience, capturing photos at luncheons isn't typically necessary since it primarily involves people eating. However, I do recommend taking photos if there's a comprehensive program in place, like live music or toasts. Additionally, some LDS weddings opt to turn their luncheon into their main reception, in which case, photographing the event becomes more significant.

  • Schedule the photography to start either 30 minutes to 1 hour prior to the reception, ensuring ample time for capturing images of the couple at the venue and various family photos. Allocate one hour if you desire extensive photos including immediate family, grandparents, the bridal party, and shots of the couple together. Alternatively, allocate 30 minutes for a more concise session focusing on immediate family and the couple.

  • LDS Temple Wedding receptions typically last two hours. Plan for two hours of photography at the reception, capturing details, guests, key events and departure shots.

  • On average for LDS Temple Wedding Photography 3-5 hours of wedding day coverage is sufficient.

  • During the summer, receptions usually wrap up around 9 pm, while in the winter months, they tend to conclude earlier due to shorter daylight hours. It's advisable to check your location's sunset time/calendar and plan your timing accordingly.

    LDS Wedding Day Timeline Example

    9am: Temple sealing begins

    10am: Bride & Groom exit the temple (Photography Coverage Begins)

    10 - 11am: Entire Group, Family and Bridal Party Portraits

    11 - 11:30am: Bride & Groom portraits on Temple grounds (Photography coverage pauses until the reception)

    12:30 - 2:30pm: Wedding Day Luncheon (photography coverage is generally unnecessary at the luncheon unless there's a complex program involved)

    6:30 - 7:00pm: Family and Couple Photos at Reception Center (Optional)

    7:00 - 9:00pm: Reception

    9:00pm: Bride & Groom Departure