• Couples who ARE opting to share a first look before the ceremony
• Weddings where getting ready, the ceremony, AND the reception are all at the same location (no travel from venue to venue!)
• Smaller weddings with smaller wedding parties and family photo lists
• Couples planning a stated exit (or no fancy exit)
• Couples whose wedding date falls during longer daylight hour seasons (such as spring, summer, and early fall)

A 6 hour wedding photography timeline sample can look like:

• 4:00 | Bridal Details
• 4:20 | Getting Ready/Pajama/Robe Shots
• 4:35 | Bride in Dress – Bridesmaids Dressed – Bridal Party Reveal
• 4:50 | First Look with Partner (Couples Portraits)
• 5:05 | Bride w/Bridesmaids Groom w/Groomsmen
• 5:30 | Ceremony Begins
• 6:15 | Ceremony Ends – Begin Family Formals – Cocktail Hour
• 6:45 | Full Bridal Party Portraits
• 7:00 | Bridal Party Entrances, First Dance, Daddy/Daughter, Mother/Son
• 7:20 | Dinner & Toasts (Sunset Portrait Option)
• 8:00 | Dance floor opens
• 8:30 | Cake Cutting
• 9:00 | Party Time
• 10:00 | Exit (Staged, most receptions end at 11pm)

Wedding Photography Coverage | The 8 Hour Wedding Timeline

The most popular duration of wedding photography coverage is typically 8 hours. Couples who choose an 8 hour wedding photography duration receive more comprehensive coverage in each category. Couples also enjoy a more relaxed timeline overall and don’t experience the same pressure to pack in all their photos in a tight timeline before they lose daylight. An 8 hour package is perfect for:

• Couples who are first look flexible
• Locations that require travel (usually from ceremony to reception)
• Medium-sized weddings, wedding parties, and family photo lists
• Couples who are planning a special exit and getaway (usually staged, sometimes organic)
• Couples who want to do a private last dance

An 8 hour wedding photography timeline sample can look like:

• 2:00 | Bridal Details
• 2:45 | Getting Ready/Pajama/Robe Shots
• 3:00 | Bride in Dress – Bridesmaids Dressed – Bridal Party Reveal
• 3:30 | First Look with Dad
• 3:45 | First Look with Partner (Couples Portraits)
• 4:00 | Bride w/Bridesmaids Groom w/Groomsmen
• 4:30 | Ceremony Begins
• 5:15 | Ceremony Ends – Begin Family Formals
• 5:45 | Full Bridal Party Portraits
• 6:00 | Cocktail Hour Begins (+15 min just married portraits)
• 7:00 | Bridal Party Entrances, First Dance, Daddy/Daughter, Mother/Son
• 7:20 | Dinner & Toasts
• 8:00 | Dance floor opens
• 8:30 | Cake Cutting
• 9:00 | Party Time
• 10:00 | Exit (Staged, most receptions end at 11pm)

Want to learn more about the 8 hour wedding photography coverage? Check out my blog post with the 8 Hour Wedding Photography Timeline Sample (with and without a first look!)

Wedding Photography Coverage | The 10 Hour Wedding Timeline

For my wedding packages the best value is in the 10 hour wedding photography package. The more time you add on the day, the less time costs overall. Time is the most valuable currency on your wedding day and it is spent so quickly. Not having to worry intensely over timeline details because you have ample coverage can be super valuable to some couples. For couples with a lot going on or who simply want to ensure a relaxing pace for their big day – the 10 hour package is where it’s at. Some wedding days start incredibly early to accommodate the amount of people getting their hair and makeup done for the day and having a longer coverage time can ensure you don’t have to be ready quite as early! A 10 hour package is best for:

• Couples who are first look flexible – but especially for those who are against a first look. (If you are still undecided about a first look, be sure to check out my Top 5 Reasons to Do a First Look!)
• Large weddings, large wedding parties, large family photo must-haves
• Weddings that require travel to multiple locations for getting ready, ceremony, reception, and any other specially requested photo locations
• Couples planning a celebratory exit and getaway at the end of the night
• Couples with a later reception end time
• Couples who want a private last dance
• Couples who want photos of just about everyone and every scenario – the most photos possible!

An 10 hour wedding photography timeline sample can look like:

• 1:00 | Bridal Details/Hair & Makeup
• 2:00 | Getting Ready/Pajama/Robe Shots
• 2:45 | Bride in Dress – Bridesmaids Dressed – Bridal Party Reveal
• 3:00 | First Look with Dad – Bride Photos with Parents – Bridal Portraits
• 3:30 | Bride w/Bridesmaids – Bride tucks away
• 4:00 | Groom w/Groomsmen
• 4:30 | Ceremony Begins
• 5:15 | Ceremony Ends – Begin Family Formals
• 6:00 | Full Bridal Party Portraits
• 6:00 | Cocktail Hour Begins (+15 min just married portraits)
• 7:00 | Bridal Party Entrances, First Dance, Daddy/Daughter, Mother/Son
• 7:20 | Dinner & Toasts
• 7:30 | Golden Hour/Sunset Portraits (Timing varies based on sunset)
• 8:00 | Dance floor opens
• 8:30 | Cake Cutting
• 9:00 | Party Time
• 10:00 | Dancing, garter, bouquet toss (if choosing to participate)
• 11:00 | Exit & Getaway!

Other things to consider

Ready to plan your wedding photography timeline? I always bet that certain photography moments on a wedding day are going to take longer than someone ordinarily thinks. When push comes to shove, you would be surprised at how long it can take to snap a few photos (especially with an unruly family – we all love them but it can be like herding cats!) In addition to the timeline suggestions I have also put together some other questions you may wish to consider when choosing your wedding photography coverage. These questions include:

• How important is the anticipation of the day and capturing getting ready?
• Are you planning to share a first look?
• How much travel is involved?
• How long is your reception? When does it end?
• What part of the day is the most important to you?
• What are your absolute must have moments you want to cherish for a lifetime?
  • Is it the first kiss?
  • Is is that special moment with your mom as she zips you in your dress and adjusts your veil?
  • Is it the tears in your dads eyes as he puts on a brave face when he gives you away?
  • Is it the intimate moments of togetherness, just you and your partner?
  • Is it the big celebration and coming together with family? Is it professional photos with family who may not get another moment in the sun with you?

These are some of the questions that should ultimately dictate hoe much wedding photography coverage you really need. It can be challenging to balance budget, style, and the offerings of your favorite wedding photographer. Hopefully this helps make choosing the best wedding photography coverage for your big day a little easier.

Want my help finding the best photography package for you?

Simply head on over to my contact page and submit an inquiry! I would love to not only photograph your wedding but also help build the best wedding photography package for your budget, style, and planning needs. I create custom timelines for all of my couples and we work together to create a wedding-photography friendly day that is exciting, relaxed, and totally joyful. Get in touch today!