With tradition pretty much gone the way of the dodo, wedding photography timelines can be… let’s just say “creative.” I’ve photographed weddings that lasted three full days (yes, three) and others that wrapped up faster than a lunch break.

That said, there are some general time frames to keep in mind when planning your special day. Now, I know some of these times may seem long, but remember three things:

1. The day will fly by faster than your bouquet toss.

2. Almost all weddings run behind schedule—there’s always that one groomsman who can’t find his shoes.

3. I promise I’ll make the photo sessions fun. (Think less “awkward prom pose” and more “laughing so hard your cheeks hurt.”)

So relax—we’ll get the shots, we’ll keep it lively, and if your wedding happens to run late, don’t worry… I’ve got snacks in my camera bag.

Ideal Time Allotment – 60-90 minutes

Having at least an hour for “getting ready” photos and detail shots gives me time to do what I do best—chase after dresses, rings, shoes, bouquets, and every other little thing that makes your day special. Sometimes the hotel room or bridal suite is perfect… and sometimes it looks like a suitcase explosion. In those cases, don’t be surprised if I sneak your dress down to the lobby or outside for a mini field trip. Trust me—the results are worth it.

During this time, I also catch all the fun, candid stuff: makeup being applied, bridesmaids laughing, hair spray clouds thick enough to need a warning label—you name it. I usually start with the ladies, capturing the chaos and joy, then head over to the men. The guys are… let’s say more efficient. (Translation: it takes about four minutes for them to get dressed, two of which are spent Googling “how to pin on a boutonnière.” Spoiler alert: they still don’t get it.)

Once that’s done, I circle back to the bride for those finishing touches: slipping into the dress, hugging family, and of course, the “dad seeing his little girl in her dress for the first time” moment—which, fair warning, has about a 99% chance of tears.

These are some of the most emotional and fun times of the whole wedding day—so trust me, you won’t want to rush them. Besides, this is the part where the memories (and the laughter) start rolling in before you even walk down the aisle.

Ideal Time Allotment – 30-45 minutes

The first look doesn’t take long—maybe 5–10 minutes to scout out a spot, sneak the groom into place, and then bring in the bride for the big reveal. After that, it’s all about portraits of the two of you together (and me trying not to cry while also making sure I’m getting the shot).

This session is totally optional—some couples love breaking tradition with a private moment before the ceremony, while others prefer the classic “see you at the altar” suspense. Either way works—it’s your day!

The key is timing: if you do a first look, it needs to be early enough that the bride can slip back to the dressing room before guests start arriving. Because nothing kills the “wow” factor like your cousin Greg spotting you in the hallway while carrying his second plate of appetizers.

Ideal Time Allotment – 10 minutes + Ceremony Time

I usually knock out the detail shots of the ceremony space in about 10 minutes—things like the unity candles, bouquets, décor, and of course, those early guests who sat down way too soon and are now wondering if they should’ve hit the restroom first.

And then… it’s showtime! Your officiant can usually give you a pretty solid idea of how long the ceremony will run, but it helps if I know in advance about anything special you’re planning. Water ceremony? Oil? Planting a tree? Jumping the broom? Sand? Communion? Trust me, I’ve seen it all. (Pro tip: sand looks beautiful in a vase, but somehow always ends up in someone’s shoe.)

Whatever you’ve got planned, I’ll be ready to capture it—whether it’s heartfelt, traditional, or just slightly Pinterest-inspired chaos.

Ideal Time Allotment – 30 minutes

Family photos usually take about 30 minutes—give or take. Of course, this can stretch a bit if you’ve got a super-sized family, relatives who don’t all speak the same language, or Great Uncle Joe who moves at the speed of a dial-up modem.

I like to work biggest to smallest. First, we gather everyone even remotely related to the bride and groom—yes, even that cousin who only shows up for free food. The bride and groom go in the middle, then parents, grandparents, siblings, and finally everyone else. Once we’ve nailed the big shot, I start “peeling off” people one layer at a time until we’re down to just the couple. Think of it as family photo Jenga—hopefully without anyone toppling over.

Some couples want a picture with all their guests (which is basically a Where’s Waldo challenge in wedding attire), while others stick to select VIPs to keep things quick. Either way, I recommend being organized—have a shot list and a helper from each side of the family to round up the troops. Because nothing slows things down faster than someone wandering off to the bar mid-photo.

Ideal Time Allotment – 45-60 minutes

If at all possible, I like to whisk the wedding party off to a different location once the family photos are done. By then, the family is usually busy cleaning up the ceremony site, packing flowers, and arguing over who has the car keys to get to the reception.

Wedding party photos usually run about 45 minutes to an hour, and in that time, I capture a little bit of everything. We start with the basics—the classic, timeless shots where everyone’s smiling, lit beautifully, and at least pretending to behave. Then I work large to small, photographing the whole group and gradually peeling it down until it’s just the bride and groom. Think of it like a reverse family reunion—fewer people, better lighting, and no one wandering off.

This is also the time when I pull out the fun, creative shots—the ones that end up on Instagram before the bouquet toss even happens. And since your wedding party is made up of your favorite humans, I make sure to get individual shots of you with each bridesmaid and groomsman. That way, years later, when one of them makes it big (or gets really embarrassing on TikTok), you’ll have proof you knew them “back when.”

The ceremony is done, the dress is bustled, and now it’s time to hit the dance floor. This is when you finally get to relax a little—chat with friends, show off that shiny new ring, and maybe even test the limits of your dance skills in front of relatives with camera phones. It’s your first dance, your family toasts, your big celebration—and trust me, you’ll want photos of all of it. These are the moments full of laughter, tears, and just enough champagne-fueled dance moves to keep things interesting.

The reception is a goldmine for photos: the first dance, family dances, toasts, cake cutting, bouquet toss, garter toss—you name it. Plus, I capture all the little details that make your reception unique: the cake, the food, the gifts, and that centerpiece your aunt “borrowed” from Pinterest.

This is also the perfect time to snag photos with your guests. After dinner, you can make the rounds at each table to thank everyone, and I’ll be right there catching quick candids of you with your friends (and possibly that one guest who’s already hogging the dance floor).

And of course, one of my favorite shots: the grand exit. Whether your guests are sending you off with bubbles, flower petals, sparklers, or glow sticks—it’s the perfect ending to a perfect day. (And yes, sparklers are magical in photos… just maybe keep them out of the flower girl’s hands.)

Ideal Time Allotment – 30 minutes

This optional couple’s session only takes about 30 minutes, and the ideal time is about 20 minutes before sunset—better known as “golden hour.” Why? Because the light is soft, warm, and flattering enough to make anyone look like they belong on the cover of a magazine.

It’s also the perfect time to capture those jaw-dropping scenic shots. If you booked your venue for the ocean view, the rolling vineyards, or those snow-capped mountains in the distance, trust me—you’ll want those memories in your album. Otherwise, 20 years from now, people will ask, “Wait… why did we get married in Napa again?”

So, let’s take advantage of that magical lighting, those colorful skies, and the fact that for half an hour you get to sneak away from the crowd and just soak it all in. (Think of it as a romantic mini-vacation… with me tagging along and pointing a camera at you.)