Your wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions, excitement, and unforgettable moments. The key to capturing stunning wedding photos isn’t just about hiring a talented photographer—it’s also about creating a timeline that allows everything to flow smoothly. From getting ready to the grand exit, planning out your day ensures that every meaningful moment is beautifully documented.


Why a Timeline Matters


A well-structured wedding day timeline helps you:

  • Maximize natural lighting for the best photos.
  • Ensure there’s enough time for portraits, ceremonies, and reception moments.
  • Reduce stress by keeping the day organized and running smoothly.


Every wedding is unique, so the perfect timeline will depend on the size, location, and style of your event. Below, we’ll break down key considerations and timelines for multi-location weddings, elopements, and small intimate weddings.

Two hands with wedding rings rest together against a black and white patterned fabric background.

Multi-Location Weddings: Timing is Everything


Multi-location weddings require more coordination, buffer time, and often a wedding planner to keep things running on schedule. Transportation between locations can be unpredictable, so having extra time built in for travel and transitions is crucial.


Suggested Multi-Location Wedding Timeline

  • 9:00 AM – Getting Ready (1.5-2 hours, especially for detailed shots and flat lays)
  • 11:00 AM – Travel to First Look Location
  • 11:30 AM – First Look & Couple’s Portraits (30-45 minutes)
  • 12:15 PM – Travel to Ceremony Venue
  • 1:00 PM – Ceremony Begins
  • 1:30 PM – Family & Bridal Party Portraits (30-45 minutes)
  • 2:15 PM – Travel to Reception Venue
  • 3:00 PM – Cocktail Hour & Reception Begins
  • 5:30 PM – Golden Hour Portraits (30-45 minutes)
  • 6:30 PM – Dinner, Speeches & Dancing
  • 9:30 PM – Grand Exit


Tips for Multi-Location Weddings:

  • Hire a wedding planner to help coordinate logistics.
  • Allow extra time for travel—things rarely go exactly as planned.
View of a lakeside dock and lawn seating area with trees and boats on a sunny summer day.

Intimate Weddings: A Relaxed Approach


For a real-world example of a beautifully executed intimate wedding, check out An Intimate Wedding at Canterwood Country Club: Alexandra & Matt’s Perfect Day.


One of the biggest perks of a small, intimate wedding is the flexibility it offers. The timeline doesn’t have to be as rigid, allowing couples to move at a more natural, relaxed pace.


Suggested Intimate Wedding Timeline

  • 10:00 AM – Getting Ready & Casual Portraits (1-1.5 hours)
  • 12:00 PM – First Look or Pre-Ceremony Moments (optional, 20-30 minutes)
  • 1:00 PM – Ceremony
  • 1:30 PM – Family & Couple Portraits (30-45 minutes)
  • 2:30 PM – Casual Lunch/Dinner Celebration
  • 5:00 PM – Sunset Portraits


Tips for Intimate Weddings:

  • Embrace a more flexible schedule.
  • Prioritize meaningful interactions over strict timelines.
  • Allow time for spontaneous moments to be captured authentically.



Elopements: Freedom with a Loose Structure


Elopements are all about adventure and intimacy. The beauty of an elopement timeline is that it can be as structured or unstructured as the couple desires.


Suggested Elopement Timeline

  • 10:00 AM – Getting Ready at a Scenic Location
  • 11:30 AM – First Look or Private Vows
  • 12:00 PM – Travel to Ceremony Spot (Hiking/Driving)
  • 1:00 PM – Ceremony & Just Married Portraits (45-60 minutes)
  • 3:00 PM – Adventure Portraits & Exploration (1-2 hours)
  • 5:30 PM – Sunset Photos
  • 7:00 PM – Private Dinner or Celebration


Tips for Elopements:

A rustic wedding party poses on a small wooden porch of a cottage surrounded by lush greenery.
Newlywed couple shares an intimate moment surrounded by greenery while holding a bouquet of pink and red flowers.

Key Photography Considerations for Every Wedding Type


1. Getting Ready Photos

  • If you want detailed flat lays and prep shots, set aside at least an hour.
  • If one photographer is covering both partners at the same location, allocate 1.5 hours.
  • If two photographers are present, 1 hour is usually enough.


2. Portraits

  • Throughout the day: Quick 5-10 minute sessions in different locations keep things fresh.
  • Dedicated portrait time: Aim for 45 minutes to an hour at golden hour for the best light.
  • If short on time: Even 15-25 minutes can work.


3. The Importance of a Wedding Planner

  • Large weddings benefit greatly from a planner who can keep things on schedule.
  • Smaller weddings and elopements can be more flexible, but a loose structure is still helpful.


For additional wedding photography tips, read How to Get the Best Photos on Your Wedding Day.



Final Thoughts: Crafting a Timeline That Works for You


Your wedding day timeline should be tailored to fit your priorities and vision. Whether you’re planning a multi-location wedding, an intimate gathering, or an adventurous elopement, the key is balancing structure with flexibility to allow for those once-in-a-lifetime moments to unfold naturally.


As a Seattle Wedding Photographer, I work closely with my couples to ensure their day runs smoothly while capturing every emotion-filled moment. Need help planning your wedding day timeline? Let’s chat! Visit www.weddingsbyandre.com to learn more and start planning the perfect photography-friendly schedule for your big day!