The Perfect Wedding Day Timeline for Stress-Free Photos

We’re Rebecca and Alex - a husband-and-wife duo who both photograph weddings full-time here in the Pacific Northwest. Over the past 19 years, we’ve captured more than 1,500 celebrations, and one thing’s for sure: when a wedding day flows smoothly, everyone’s happier and the photos shine.

If there’s one thing we've learned after photographing 1,500+ weddings, it’s this: a smooth timeline = a happy, relaxed couple and gorgeous photos.

When the schedule feels rushed, it can snowball into missed moments, less time for portraits, and extra stress you just don’t need on your wedding day.

So let’s build a timeline that gives you breathing room, keeps things fun, and still makes sure we capture everything you’ve dreamed of.

1. Getting Ready – 2 to 3 Hours Before the Ceremony

This isn’t just about hair and makeup - it’s also when we capture those beautiful “start of the day” moments: your dress hanging in the window, detail shots of shoes, rings, invitations, and those candid laughs with your wedding party.

Pro tip: Hair and makeup almost always take longer than expected. Pad your timeline by 30 minutes so you’re not rushing into your dress.

2. First Look & Couple Portraits – 1.5 Hours Before the Ceremony

If you’re doing a first look, this is a great time to see each other, calm your nerves, and get the bulk of your portraits done. That way, you can head straight to cocktail hour after the ceremony.

Bonus: A first look often means we can grab extra romantic shots without feeling the clock ticking.

3. Wedding Party Photos – 1 Hour Before the Ceremony

Gather your best people for fun, relaxed group photos before guests arrive. This also frees everyone up to enjoy cocktail hour later.

4. Ceremony – The Main Event

Plan for 20–30 minutes for most ceremonies. If you’re doing a religious or cultural ceremony, allow extra time as needed.

5. Family Formals – Immediately After the Ceremony

This is the one part of the day that can really run long if it’s not organized. We’ll work from a pre-made list so it’s quick, smooth, and drama-free. (Trust me, this list is a game-changer.)

6. Sunset Portraits – 20 Minutes Before Sunset

That golden light? It’s pure magic. Even if you’ve already done portraits earlier, sneaking out for a quick golden hour session will give you some of the most stunning photos of the day.

7. Reception & Dance Floor Fun

Once the formalities are over, it’s time to relax, dance, and let us capture those candid, joy-filled moments - the ones you’ll love looking back on for years.

The Secret to a Stress-Free Wedding Timeline

It’s all about buffer time. Adding 10–15 minutes here and there means if something runs late, it doesn’t throw off the whole day.

Your wedding should feel easy, not like a race against the clock - and the right timeline is the secret ingredient.

Planning your wedding?

If you’d like me to help you create a custom timeline that fits your vision and gets you dreamy photos, let’s chat!