How To Create A Flawless 7 Hour Wedding Photography Timeline
Planning your wedding day is all about ensuring every moment is filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments. And of course, you want all these special moments to be captured beautifully by your photographer! But with so much going on, how do you ensure that the most important moments on your wedding day are immortalized smoothly and stress-free? Enter the 7 hour wedding photography timeline!
Why Create A 7 Hour Wedding Photography Timeline?
This timeline is your secret weapon for orchestrating the perfect photo narrative of your special day. In order to get started creating this timeline, you need to have an idea of timing.
So, how long should wedding photos take?
Wedding party photos and family photos usually take around 30 minutes each (so 1 hour in total to shoot) while couple portraits take about 45 minutes.
Then we have the additional shots you might want included, like getting-ready photos, first-look photos, etc.
If shot back to back, most wedding photographs take around two hours or more to knock out. Can you imagine trying to cram all your wedding photos into a two-hour marathon session? Sounds like a recipe for chaos to me!
Luckily, your wedding day isn’t a sprint — it’s a joyful marathon of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments that allow for both candid and formal photos to be scheduled and taken throughout the day.
And scheduled here is the operative word. A schedule not only helps your wedding day go off without a hitch, but it can also ensure you get all of your special moments captured by your photographer without missing a beat.
How To Create A Wedding Timeline
There are no set rules for how to plan the perfect wedding timeline! Every wedding is unique, and a timeline can vary depending on a number of factors, including the venue, the type of wedding, guest count, and more.
However, you can get started on building a timeline once you know how to make a wedding day itinerary. To do this, ask yourself the following questions:
Which Photos Are Your Must-Haves?
Alright, let’s talk about the must-have shots! Are you dreaming of those candid getting-ready moments, or maybe a heartwarming first look? And let’s not forget the all-important family portraits and those fun wedding party snaps!
Knowing your photo priorities ahead of time will help tremendously when it comes to crafting your perfect photo timeline for a wedding.
Do You Know Who Will Be Included In Your Formal Portraits?
Ready to rock those formal wedding portraits like a pro? Here’s a pro tip: whip up a list of all the VIPs you want to include in your family photos (and keep it as minimal as possible, around 10 groupings). This way, you can give them the heads-up beforehand, ensuring they’re camera-ready when the time comes.
Believe me, nobody wants to waste precious photography time playing hide-and-seek with Aunt Sue or Grandpa Rob. With a little pre-planning, we’ll have everyone lined up and smiling for the camera in no time
Do You Know Your Wedding Photo Locations?
Already know your wedding venue like the back of your hand? Fantastic! Now, let’s play a little game of photo hotspot bingo! Time to narrow down those favorite spots and designate each one for your specific photography moments.
So, whether you’re taking your first look shots in the courtyard or designating the venue’s grand staircase for your family portraits, planning is key! By deciding on your locations in advance, you and your photographer can tag team to map out the perfect timeline.
Up Next: Creating The Timeline!
Now that you’ve gathered all the intricate details, it’s time to turn them into a picture-perfect wedding photographer schedule! Team up with your photographer to craft a seamless schedule and be sure to share any specific wishes or concerns you have. Remember, your photographer is there to make your dream wedding photos become a reality!
Here’s A Sample Wedding Photography Timeline (Plus Tips And Tricks!)
Now remember, this is just a sample wedding day timeline with first look. Every wedding is unique, so while this 7 hour wedding photography timeline may not be perfect for your big day, allow it to be a guide on how to go about crafting your own unique photography schedule that fits in seamlessly with your plans.
2:00-2:30 THE DETAIL SHOTS
I like to start off by capturing the tiny details: shoes, rings, invites, etc. I recommend you pack them together for quick access.
Recommended time needed: 30 minutes
2:30-3:00 GETTING READY
Getting ready shots are really fun so I’m including a getting ready wedding day timeline. I love capturing those special moments with your family and friends.
Recommended time needed: 30-45 minutes.
3:00-3:30 FIRST LOOK
This wedding day timeline with first look is a reminder that the first look can be with your soon-to-be husband/wife, but it can also be with friends, siblings, parents — really anyone special to you! So, how long do first look pictures take?
Recommended time needed: 30 min.
3:30-4:00 WEDDING PARTY
Prepare your wedding party by telling them in advance what time they’re expected for the wedding party shots.
Recommended time needed: 30 min.
4:00-4:30 FAMILY
When it comes to family shots, I recommend sticking to a pre-planned list for quicker photos. We’ll do the must-have shots first, and do bonus shots if time permits.
Recommended time needed: 30 min.
4:30-5:00 CEREMONY
Most modern ceremonies are usually pretty quick, but I like to allow for a buffer here just in case of delays.
Recommended time needed: 30 min.
5:00-5:30 SUNSET PORTRAITS
Because ceremony and portrait shots are probably going to be some of your favorite photos from the entire day, I suggest you plan them for sunset when the lighting is the most ideal.
Recommended time needed: 30-60 min.
6:00 – SUNSET
6:00-7:00 DINNER
Time to relax and enjoy your meal while your photographer sets up for reception shots.
Recommended time needed: 60 min.
7:00-9:00 RECEPTION
Most of the action, like cake cutting and special dances, happens at the beginning of the reception. After this, I usually only need about 30-45 minutes to snap shots of open dancing.
Recommended time needed: Until coverage runs out!
Additional Tips Worth Mentioning
Here are a few additional things you should keep in mind when crafting your custom wedding photography timeline:
- Coordinate with your venue for optimal ceremony lighting for your wedding day
- Notify family of photo plans in advance
- If some family members are prone to being late, advise them to arrive 30 minutes early
- Consider hiring a day-of wedding coordinator for seamless timing
- And, if applicable, account for travel time between locations
So, are you ready to book your wedding photographer and start building your customized wedding photography timeline? I’m here to help! Contact me today.
As your designated Arizona wedding photographer, I’m here to work with you and help you create a timeline to ensure your big day is as spectacular as you’ve always dreamed!
