1 hour
(Best for Elopements)

5PM Ceremony
5:20PM Family Portraits
5:30PM Couple’s Portraits
6PM End of Coverage

6 hours
(Best for those not having a formal exit)

3PM Final getting ready photos
4PM First look or Wedding Party/Family Portraits (either couple separated or together dependent on if there’s a first look)
4:30PM Photos of ceremony, reception + venue details
5PM Ceremony
5:30PM Any leftover family and wedding party portraits not completed prior to ceremony will be taken during the first portion of the cocktail hour
5:45/6PM Couple’s Portraits (15-20 minutes)
6:30PM Reception Begins, Intro, First Dance, Welcome Toast
6:40PM Dinner Served (Photographer eats at same time so as to not miss anything)
7:30PM Toasts
7:50PM Cake and then Parent Dances
8PM Dance floor opens
9PM End of Coverage

8 hours
(Best for most couples)

2PM Getting ready photos + Wardrobe/shoes/jewelry pics
3:30PM First look or Wedding Party/Family Portraits (either couple separated or together dependent on if there’s a first look)
4:30PM Photos of ceremony, reception + venue details
5PM Ceremony
5:30PM Any leftover family and wedding party portraits not completed prior to ceremony will be taken during the first portion of the cocktail hour
5:45/6PM Couple’s Portraits (15-20 minutes)
6:30PM Reception Begins, Intro, First Dance, Welcome Toast
6:40PM Dinner Served (Photographer eats at same time so as to not miss anything)
7:30PM Toasts
7:50PM Cake and then Parent Dances
8PM Dance floor opens
9:50PM Line up for sparklers, glow sticks, bubbles, etc.
10PM End of Coverage

Tips

• Personalize your timeline by starting at your ceremony time and then working out from there.

• Travel time should be factored in if there is more than one location for getting ready, ceremony, reception.

• Less time can be allotted if there is not an official exit at the end of the night or if detail photos (wardrobe/dress hanging, flowers, table setting details) are not desired.

• Don’t forget to add in 10 minutes for some portraits of the couple during sunset.