One of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of wedding planning is creating a timeline that keeps everything running smoothly. A well-structured schedule ensures you have enough time for getting ready, portraits, your ceremony, and all the special moments in between—without feeling rushed.
As a Richmond wedding photographer and Charlottesville wedding photographer, I work with couples to create the perfect photography timeline based on their needs. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a grand celebration, your wedding timeline plays a crucial role in making sure the day feels relaxed and enjoyable.
Often, a planner or coordinator will work with you to create the best schedule for your wedding. But how long do you really need to book a photographer for? That’s the big question! Below, I’ve outlined three sample wedding day timelines based on common photography coverage lengths: 6, 8, and 10-hour wedding photography packages.
Each has its perks, and it just depends on what you and your partner are looking for!
6 Hour Wedding Timeline
Best for small weddings or couples who just want photos of the highlights.
1:00 PM --- Photography Coverage Begins
Couple and wedding parties are mid up hair/makeup
Wedding attire and details are photographed
Candid moments captured with close loved ones
A few minutes for wedding attire individual portraits or with the wedding parties
2:00 PM – First Look & Couple’s Portraits
Private first look between the couple
Portraits around the venue
3:00 PM – Wedding Party & Immediate Family Photos
Group shots with the full wedding party
Immediate family portraits
4:00 PM – Ceremony
Guests arrive and take their seats
Processional begins
Vows, ring exchange, and first kiss
Recessional (with a kiss halfway down the aisle!)
4:30 PM – Post-Ceremony Group Photos
Full family portraits
Extended family and friend groups
Full wedding party photos
5:00 PM – Cocktail Hour & Candid Moments
Guests enjoy drinks and appetizers
Couple and photographer goes and takes newlywed portraits
Photographer's 2nd covers cocktail hour
6:00 PM – Reception begins
Guests make their way into the reception
Couple makes their big entrance
First dance
6:10 PM – Welcome toasts
Any special toasts from chosen loved ones
6:20 PM – Dinner Service Begins
Guests are seated and served or buffet opens
Couple mingles with guests
6:45 PM – Toasts
Cake cutting and dessert is served
7:00 PM --- Photography Coverage Ends
8 Hour Wedding Timeline
Best for mid sized weddings or couples who want the whole day documented.
12:00 PM --- Photography Coverage Begins
Couple and wedding parties are at the beginning up hair/makeup
Wedding attire and details are photographed including a flat lay of important items and any stationary
Candid moments captured with close loved ones
Photos in pre-wedding pjs or other cozy wear
1:00 PM --- Hair and Makeup Finishes
Portraits with each of the fiances, their wedding parties, and immediate families
2:00 PM – First Look & Couple’s Portraits
Private first look between the couple
Portraits around the venue
2:45 PM – Wedding Party & Immediate Family Photos
Group shots with the full wedding party
Immediate family portraits
4:00 PM – Ceremony
Guests arrive and take their seats
Processional begins
Vows, ring exchange, and first kiss
Recessional (with a kiss halfway down the aisle!)
4:30 PM – Post-Ceremony Group Photos
Full family portraits
Extended family and friend groups
Full wedding party photos
5:00 PM – Cocktail Hour & Candid Moments
Guests enjoy drinks and appetizers
Couple and photographer goes and takes newlywed portraits
Photographer's 2nd covers cocktail hour
6:00 PM – Reception begins
Guests make their way into the reception
Couple makes their big entrance
First dance
6:10 PM – Welcome toasts
Welcome toast by couple or parents
6:20 PM – Dinner Service Begins
Guests are seated and served or buffet opens
Couple mingles with guests
6:45 PM – Toasts
Speeches from chosen loved ones
7:00 PM – Cake Cutting
Couple cuts the cake
Dessert is served
7:15 PM – Parent dances
Special dances with parents/other loved ones
7:30 PM – Dance floor opens
DJ or band welcomes all to the floor for dancing
8:30 PM – Photography coverage ends
10 Hour Wedding Timeline
Best for large weddings or couples who want every detail captured.
12:00 PM --- Photography Coverage Begins
Couple and wedding parties are mid up hair/makeup
Wedding attire and details are photographed including a flat lay of important items and any stationary
Candid moments captured with close loved ones
A few photos in pre-wedding pjs or other cozy wear
A few minutes for wedding attire individual portraits or with the wedding parties
2:00 PM – First Look & Couple’s Portraits
Private first look between the couple
Portraits around the venue
3:00 PM – Wedding Party & Immediate Family Photos
Group shots with the full wedding party
Immediate family portraits
4:00 PM – Ceremony
Guests arrive and take their seats
Processional begins
Vows, ring exchange, and first kiss
Recessional (with a kiss halfway down the aisle!)
4:30 PM – Post-Ceremony Group Photos
Full family portraits
Extended family and friend groups
Full wedding party photos
5:00 PM – Cocktail Hour & Candid Moments
Guests enjoy drinks and appetizers
Couple and photographer goes and takes newlywed portraits
Photographer's 2nd covers cocktail hour
6:00 PM – Reception begins
Guests make their way into the reception
Couple makes their big entrance
First dance
6:10 PM – Welcome toasts
Welcome toast by couple or parents
6:20 PM – Dinner Service Begins
Guests are seated and served or buffet opens
Couple mingles with guests
6:45 PM – Toasts
Speeches from chosen loved ones
7:00 PM – Cake Cutting
Couple cuts the cake
Dessert is served
7:15 PM – Parent dances
Special dances with parents/other loved ones
7:30 PM – Dance floor opens
DJ or band welcomes all to the floor for dancing
9:50 PM – Grand Exit
DJ or band announces the grand exit, and the couple heads towards the door!
There are so many fun ways to have an exit: bubbles, sparklers, paper airplanes, flower petals, are just the beginning! Be sure to check with your venue about any restrictions.
10:00 PM --- Photography Coverage Ends
These are just sample timelines and can be a great starting point if you're not quite sure what you want yet to help guide you when picking a package.