The Ultimate Wedding Day Timeline Guide

When you’re planning your wedding, one of the trickiest parts is figuring out when everything should happen. You’ve got hair and makeup, guests arriving, portraits to take, the ceremony, speeches, dancing… and through it all, your photographer and videographer are quietly capturing every moment.

As a photo and video team, we’ve been part of more weddings than we can count — and we’ve learned what makes a timeline flow well, what keeps things feeling relaxed, and how to make sure you actually get to enjoy your day.

Here’s our go-to guide and timeline examples to help you plan your wedding timeline around your photography and videography — without the overwhelm.  You can also head over to our Packages to see our most popular film and photo packages and what’s included, and a sample highlight film.

Getting Ready

Timeframe: 1–2 hours before the ceremony

The getting-ready part of the day is more than just prep — it’s the build-up. It’s anticipation, nerves, laughter, and those fleeting moments with your closest people before the day begins.  That being said, we don’t need to be there with you the whole time.  Usually, getting the final flourishes of hair and makeup is fine — this way, everyone is all but finished and looking runway (wedding aisle) ready!

We recommend:

• Having all your details (dress, rings, invites, shoes, flowers, etc.) in one spot ready to be shot.
• Allowing time for candid moments — not just hair and makeup, but hugs from Mum or that quiet cup of coffee.
• If you’re doing a letter or gift exchange, schedule the opening or reading of it when your photographer and videographer are with you.
• Making sure your room has no unnecessary clutter and lots of natural light! It makes all the difference in photos and footage.  Making this responsibility for one of your bridesmaids works well!

If you’re getting ready in separate locations, allow for a travel window between the two. If you both are getting dressed at the same time or the distance is more than 5-10 minutes apart, you’ll need to consider adding second shooters or doing a “Final Prep” before the ceremony for one of the parties.

First Look (If You’re Having One)

Timeframe: 15–30 mins

A first look is a private moment between the two of you before the ceremony. It can help calm the nerves and make space for some quiet connection — and from a photo/video perspective, it gives us beautiful reactions in great lighting without a crowd around.  It’s also a good opportunity to schedule in bridal party photos straight after.

Not for everyone, but definitely worth considering if:

• Your ceremony is late in the day
• You want to get most of your creative shoot done early by getting Bride & Groom and Bridal party photos done before the ceremony.

Pro tip: Just because it’s called a First Look, it doesn’t mean you have to use this time to set eyes on each other for the first time! We’ve had couples come together without seeing each other and holding hands around a corner and praying together before the ceremony.

The Ceremony

Timeframe: 20–45 mins (average)
Photo/video notes: Let us know if there are any special moments during your ceremony such as readings, music or cultural traditions.

The ceremony is the heart of your day, and we’ll be capturing it all — from the aisle walk to the rings, the kiss, and the reactions of your guests.

Even though it can be a nerve-wracking experience for some, take your time walking down the aisle. It gives your film and photo team time to get different angles and focal lengths.

Savour your first kiss, throw in a dip even. A long leisurely first kiss gives your team lots of opportunities for gorgeous shots. A quick peck is easy to miss!

Pro tip: Try to stand in natural light if you’re outdoors, or make sure the space isn’t too backlit if you’re indoors.

Post-Ceremony & Congratulations

Timeframe: 5–30 mins

After you walk back down the aisle, you’ll wonder what to do or where to go. This is the moment for your bridal party to gather around and give their first congratulations, which will let all your other guests know that they can do the same. This time is gold — candid, emotional, and full of joy. We usually stay close but discreet during this bit, capturing the natural moments as they happen.

Family & Group Photos

Timeframe: 15–45 mins
Tip: Create a short list of must-have family combinations – you can send through your group lists to us on our helpful form here.

The timeframe for this can vary a lot depending on how many guests you have and how many groups you want captured, and things can easily run long, so we always recommend:

• Nominate a helper (ideally someone assertive who knows both families) to help wrangle people
• Keep the list realistic — you don’t need every second cousin, just the combos that matter most

If you’re wanting a big group photo with all your guests, usually, the celebrant would invite guests to congratulate the bride and groom and ask them to stay close for the photographer to take a big group photo.

Creative Shoot / Golden Hour

Timeframe: 30–45 mins (post-firstlook or post-ceremony)
Golden Hour portraits: Optional extra 10–15 mins before sunset

We’ll take you and your bridal party after group and family photos for a creative portrait shoot, starting with all of you, then your bridal party can go get ready for the reception arrival and we’ll get some shots with just bride and groom. This is when we capture some of your most beautiful, natural images together.

Golden hour (that soft light just before sunset) is magic for both photo and video — if you’re up for it, we’ll sneak you out for a few minutes while guests are finishing dinner or dancing.

Reception & Speeches

Photography coverage: Through key moments (entrances, speeches, first dance, cake)
Videography coverage: Captures audio of speeches, candid crowd reactions, first dance

We work around your meal service — no one likes being filmed mid-bite! — and focus on the atmosphere, laughter, and energy of the evening. If you have surprises or special moments planned, just give us the heads-up so we’re ready.

Dancing & Party Time

Timeframe: 5–60 mins (or more!) depending on your vibe
Coverage tip: Check if your package includes late-night coverage

The dance floor is where things loosen up — and it’s always some of the most fun footage to watch back later. If you’re planning a sparkler exit or last dance, let us know so we don’t miss the finale.

Wedding Day Film & Photo Team Timeline Examples

Below you’ll find our timeline examples for various lengths of coverage, factoring in a variety of travel in between.  Bear in mind that the start time for your day will differ depending on your preparations in the morning, how many in your bridal party, etc.  Depending on your coverage and order of events on your day, we may not be capturing any preparations in the morning or speeches in the evening if you have a shorter package.

The start and finish times on the examples below are based on our start time and finish times, so you know what can fit into a package shoot.  It’s just a guide though.  We will work out with you which package feels like the best fit for you, your day and your budget, and the start and finish times based on what’s most important to you.

Final Thoughts

Planning ahead of the day, and flexibility on the day is key.
Every wedding is different. Some couples want a chill, slow-paced afternoon; others have packed schedules and surprises at every turn. A good photographer and videographer will adapt — but a thoughtful timeline helps make sure we have space to tell your story properly, without rushing.

If you have questions about the timeline for your day, get in touch!  I’m more than happy to help you plan the perfect wedding day for you!