8 Hour Coverage Example

1:00 PM – Photographer Arrives (Getting Ready – 1 Hour)

  • Candid moments with the wedding party

  • Dress, suit, shoes, rings, and other detail shots

  • Final touches (buttoning dress, tying tie, putting on jewelry)

  • Candid champagne toast or first look with parents

2:00 PM – First Look & Couple Portraits (30-45 Minutes)

  • Private first look (if the couple chooses to do one)

  • Couple portraits at a beautiful location

2:45 PM – Wedding Party Photos (30 Minutes)

  • Fun and natural wedding party group shots

  • Individual portraits with bridesmaids/groomsmen

3:15 PM – Family Photos (30 Minutes)

  • Immediate family first, then extended family

  • Organized for efficiency so guests can relax before the ceremony

4:00 PM – Ceremony Start

  • Candid moments as guests arrive

  • Ceremony coverage (vows, rings, first kiss!)

4:30 PM – Cocktail Hour (Candid Guest Photos & Reception Details)

  • Candid guest interactions and venue details captured

  • Couple enjoys cocktail hour or does family photos

5:30 PM – Reception Begins (Grand Entrance & Dinner)

  • Couple’s grand entrance

  • Candid dinner moments & emotional speeches

7:00 PM – First Dance & Parent Dances

  • First dance followed by parent dances

  • Any additional formal dances or traditions

  • Cake cutting

7:30 PM – Open Dancing Begins

  • Fun, high-energy dance floor shots

8:30 PM – Photographer Wraps Up (Final Fun/Dance Shots)

  • Last big dance moments & guests having fun

  • A few final night portraits (optional)

 

10 Hour Coverage Example

for a more relaxed & comprehensive day

12:00 PM – Photographer Arrives (Getting Ready – 1.5 Hours)

  • More detailed getting-ready shots

  • Pre-ceremony moments (exchanging gifts/letters)

1:30 PM – First Look & Couple Portraits (45 Minutes)

  • Private first look & intimate portraits

2:15 PM – Wedding Party & Family Photos (45-60 Minutes)

  • Full group photos done before the ceremony

3:30 PM – Ceremony Coverage Begins

  • Guest arrivals, ceremony details, and emotional moments

4:00 PM – Ceremony Start

  • Full coverage of vows, first kiss, and recessional

4:45 PM – Cocktail Hour & Sunset Portraits

  • Candid guest photos & relaxed golden-hour portraits

6:00 PM – Reception Begins

  • Couple’s grand entrances

  • Candid dinner moments & emotional speeches

7:30 PM – First Dance, Parent Dances

  • First dance followed by parent dances

  • Any additional formal dances or traditions

  • Cake cutting

8:30 PM – Cake Cutting & Party Begins!

  • Fun reception moments and high-energy dance floor shots

10:00 PM – Photographer Wraps Up

  • Final dance moments & last-night portraits with dramatic lighting

Bonus Timeline Tips for Couples

✵ Golden Hour Portraits: The best light for dreamy, glowing photos is one hour before sunset—let’s plan for at least 15 minutes to sneak away for these!
✵ Group Photos: Keeping your list organized in advance helps move things smoothly and ensures we capture all the must-have shots.
✵ Buffer Time: It’s always good to add 10-15 minutes of cushion between events - things tend to run behind!
✵These timeline suggestions do not consider the nuances of a wedding day such as whether you are staying at the same venue all day or if there’s a lot of commuting between places. These are just skeleton timelines for inspiration. I’m happy to help if you need more personalized help!