Creating Your Perfect Wedding Photography Timeline: A Stress-Free Guide

Your wedding photos will tell the story of your special day for generations to come. Before diving into timeline planning, ensure your photography package includes sufficient coverage hours for your desired photo sessions. Connect with your photographer early to confirm your chosen package accommodates all the moments you want captured.

Start with Getting Ready Photos (2-3 Hours Before Ceremony)

The "getting ready" phase sets the tone for your entire collection. Schedule hair and makeup to finish 30 minutes before you need to dress. This allows time for those intimate moments with your wedding party and family without feeling rushed.

First Look vs. Traditional Timeline

First Look Timeline:

  • Reduces time needed between ceremony and reception

  • Allows for majority of photos before the ceremony

  • Creates an intimate moment between couples

  • Provides more flexibility for sunset photos

Traditional Timeline:

  • Maintains the surprise element

  • Requires longer cocktail hour for photo sessions

  • May need to start ceremony earlier for optimal lighting

Key Photo Sessions to Schedule

  • Wedding Party: 30 minutes

  • Family Portraits: 30 minutes

  • Couple Portraits: 45 minutes

  • Reception Details: 20 minutes (before guest arrival)

Pro Tips for Perfect Timing

  1. Plan couple portraits during "golden hour" for magical lighting

  2. Buffer 15 minutes between each photo session

  3. Consider season and sunset times when planning

  4. Schedule detail shots before ceremony while elements are fresh

How We Can Help

Contact us for personalized timeline planning. With years of experience photographing weddings in Greater Toronto Area, we'll create a custom schedule that ensures every precious moment is captured beautifully.

Ready to create your perfect wedding photography timeline? Let's connect and make your vision come to life. See our portfolio and fill out the inquiry form located here.

Matt Vardy

Matt is an Ontario-based professional with roots in photography, design and digital marketing. His career spans successful ventures in music promotion, news and real estate media, while his photography captures everything from rock stars to sweeping landscapes. Through his blog, Matt dives into a wide range of topics including politics, tech, culture and beyond. He's part of a new generation of content creators who collaborate with AI research tools while maintaining creative control and personal voice. Through this blog, Matt aims to connect people with meaningful moments and ideas in an accessible, engaging way.

Previous
Previous

Rediscovering a Forgotten Treasure: The Making of LIGHTS' Siberia

Next
Next

A Moment in Rock History: Photographing Slash at Canadian Music Week 2010