Wedding Day Timeline: A Photographer’s Guide
Quick answer: for a 1pm ceremony, a typical wedding day runs like this: preparations from 10.30am, the ceremony at 1pm, drinks and photos until about 3.30pm, the wedding breakfast, evening guests at around 7pm and the first dance at 8 to 8.30pm.
A good timeline is the secret to a relaxed wedding day. Here’s how a typical day runs, based on the hundreds of weddings I’ve photographed, and the timings I’d suggest.
A sample wedding day timeline
This is based on a 1pm civil ceremony. If yours is earlier or later, just move everything along.
| Time | What’s happening |
|---|---|
| 10.30am | Preparations and details |
| 1pm | Ceremony |
| 1.30pm | Drinks reception, group photos and photos of the two of you |
| 3.30pm | Sit down for the wedding breakfast |
| About 7pm | Evening guests arrive |
| 8 to 8.30pm | First dance |
| Depends on the season | Twilight photos |
Preparations
I usually start about two and a half hours before the ceremony. That’s enough time for the details, the dress going on and the moments with family, without anyone feeling rushed. If you’re getting ready at the same venue as your ceremony, I’ll head off about 30 minutes before it starts. If it’s somewhere else, I leave a little earlier to allow for the drive.
The ceremony
A civil ceremony usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. A church ceremony tends to run longer, so if you’re marrying in church, allow about an extra 30 minutes before the meal.
Drinks reception and photos
This is when your guests relax with a drink and I get the photos done. Most couples have 10 to 12 group photos, which take around 15 to 20 minutes. Then I take the two of you away for a short while for your couple photos, and get you back to your guests. Have a look at my wedding group photo list guide for more on this.
The wedding breakfast and speeches
Most couples sit down about two and a half hours after the ceremony. If you’re having the speeches before the meal, allow around 30 minutes for them, and ask your venue to serve the food 30 minutes after you sit down.
The evening
Evening guests usually arrive around 7pm, and the first dance is usually between 8 and 8.30pm. That gives everyone time to arrive, grab a drink and get to the dance floor.
Twilight photos
Twilight photos depend on the time of year. In the summer it doesn’t get dark until late, while in winter it can be dark before the meal. I check the sunset time for your date and plan a few minutes outside at the right moment.
You don’t have to work it out alone
My online planning hub builds a timeline for your day, based on your ceremony time, whether it’s in church or a civil ceremony, and when you’re having your speeches. We go through it together before the wedding, so everyone knows where they need to be.
Frequently asked questions
What time should wedding preparations start for photos?
I usually start photographing preparations about two and a half hours before the ceremony. That gives time for the details, the dress, and the last few nerves without anything feeling rushed.
How long after the ceremony is the wedding breakfast?
Usually about two and a half hours. That leaves time for the drinks reception, your group photos and some relaxed photos of the two of you.
What time is the first dance at a wedding?
Usually between 8 and 8.30pm, after your evening guests have arrived at around 7pm.
When is the best time for twilight photos?
It depends on the time of year. In summer it gets dark late, so twilight photos are usually later in the evening. In winter it can be much earlier. I’ll plan it around your date and the sunset time.
Want to know more? Read what to expect when I photograph your wedding, see my collections, or get in touch to check my availability.
