Planning your wedding day timeline is one of the most important—and often overlooked—parts of creating a smooth, stress-free celebration. When photography is factored in from the beginning, everything from getting ready to golden hour portraits flows more naturally, ensuring you don’t miss a meaningful moment. In this post, I’ll guide you through how to build a wedding day timeline that not only keeps things on track, but also maximizes your photography coverage so you get the most beautiful, authentic memories captured throughout your day.
This is specifically a guide to a 6-8 hour wedding day of photography coverage; however, if you have less hours booked keep these things in mind that matter to you the most and it’ll flow smoothly as well!
There are 3 crucial times when creating your timeline:
Access to the Venue
Ceremony
Planned Exit or First Dance (depending, foregoing a grand exit has been less common as of late in my personal experience)
Plan on giving your photographer 30-45 minutes if possible to photograph details
While this covers all of the pretty shiny things, this can also include getting ready, gift exchanges, and other small moments. In the timeline I’ll include a list of all the personal details you may have to be set aside (ALL rings, invites, shoes, jewelry, dress, etc.).
Ceremony Times:
Please refer to this suntime chart throughout the year on the eastern coast of Virginia, but refer to details on your specific area if needed.
If your ceremony is at least 2 hours prior to sunset, this should allow for a beautiful ceremony view as well as any photos taking place after the ceremony. Earlier does not hurt, but do be mindful of high noon and direct overhead sun. Moving to a later time only shortens the time for available light shooting after the ceremony, so this truly depends on what has been photographed at this point and what is most important to YOU, the couple.
🌸 Spring (March – May)
- Sunrise: ~6:15 AM to 6:45 AM
- Sunset: ~6:15 PM to 8:15 PM
- Golden Hour:
- Morning: ~5:45 AM – 6:45 AM
- Evening: ~6:15 PM – 8:15 PM
Notes: Spring light is soft but getting stronger. Early blooms and fresh greens pair beautifully with golden light.
☀️ Summer (June – August)
- Sunrise: ~5:45 AM to 6:15 AM
- Sunset: ~8:15 PM to 8:30 PM
- Golden Hour:
- Morning: ~5:15 AM – 6:15 AM
- Evening: ~7:15 PM – 8:30 PM
Notes: The light is warm and long, perfect for outdoor weddings and beach shoots. Hazy air can add atmosphere but be prepared for heat.
🍁 Fall (September – November)
- Sunrise: ~6:30 AM to 7:00 AM
- Sunset: ~5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Golden Hour:
- Morning: ~6:00 AM – 7:00 AM
- Evening: ~4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Notes: Arguably the most photogenic season in Virginia. The golden light complements autumn foliage beautifully.
❄️ Winter (December – February)
- Sunrise: ~7:00 AM to 7:30 AM
- Sunset: ~5:00 PM to 5:30 PM
- Golden Hour:
- Morning: ~6:30 AM – 7:30 AM
- Evening: ~4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Notes: The sun stays low in the sky, creating long shadows and soft, cool-toned golden light—perfect for moodier sessions.
Formal Photos: How to Herd Cats 101
Getting as many group photos done prior to the ceremony is the way to go I must say. However, if this isn’t possible get anything that you can prior so that you allow plenty of time for the portraits of you and your love after the ceremony.
I always send my couples examples of past lists I have created with previous clients and simply request that they send me a similar list back (I’ll format to my specific template). This is KEY for me – I’ll ask who will be available prior to the ceremony for photos. As long as we can assemble everyone in earshot – we’ve got this. I have what’s been described as a stern, but fun, teacher voice.
Reception & Exiting Your Night
This is all for you! This is your party, your music, your food, your friends and family, and most importantly, your night. Depending on your crowd and the planned events, this is either where guests have potentially been to cocktail hour and are now at an open bar, or it’s an earlier crowd that may have work, babysitters to relieve, or a number of other obligations that for any reason may create an earlier exiting crowd. Your know your guests the best – consider this.
This offers a few different options:
An early faux exit: which can result in guests leaving fair warning. This is also when the most guests are present if you are going for a full crowd of sparklers, bubbles, cheering, whatever may be the case.
A true ending time exit: 1-2 hours before your must exit the venue allowing for cleanup and a safe night, but potentially less guests
Forgo the exit and enjoy the night: I’ll be there capturing all the moments, the dances, any should tap request and more. End the night together just the two of you on the dancefloor if you’d like.
These are some of my top tips and ideas to keep in mind as your create a timeline for the day.
I know it’s not the most enjoyable part of the planning, but I promise you even if you make a timeline as simple as below, it will help in your day and be one less thing to stress over.
Arrive
Finish Getting Ready
Ceremony
First Dance
Exit
Thank you for reading & feel free to contact if you may have questions, completely disagree, or want to know more.
