Quick Answer: A solid wedding photography timeline usually starts 2–3 hours before the ceremony (prep + details) and runs through 30–90 minutes after the big exit (or at least the key reception moments). Your photographer should capture details, people, emotions, and the flow—not just posed portraits—so the best timeline builds in buffer time, keeps portraits efficient, and protects the moments you can’t redo (ceremony, first dance, toasts).

Wedding photography timeline stress is real. We’ve watched couples plan a gorgeous day down to the signature cocktail… then accidentally schedule portraits during cocktail hour, or stack family photos right when the limo is supposed to arrive, or realize too late they never planned time for partner portraits in daylight. And here’s the thing: the camera doesn’t create time. It only reveals how you used it.

This article breaks down wedding photography by hour, from early-morning prep to late-night exits, with specific shot lists, realistic time estimates, and the logic behind them. We’ll also answer the question we hear constantly: when does wedding photographer arrive? (Spoiler: it depends on what you want documented, but most regrets come from starting too late—not too early.) If you want a simpler overview first, check our Wedding Day Photography Timeline and Wedding Photography Guide pages—then come back here for the hour-by-hour version.

The big question: When does the wedding photographer arrive?

Most full-service weddings we photograph in the DC metro area start coverage 8–10 hours before we ever say goodbye—sometimes 12. But arrival time isn’t about “what’s standard.” It’s about what you want preserved.

The most common arrival windows (and what they actually cover)

3+ hours before ceremony: Full getting-ready story (details, hair/makeup, gifts, emotions, candid chaos, pre-ceremony portraits)
2–2.5 hours before ceremony: Getting ready + a trimmed set of details + enough time for a first look and portraits (if you’re efficient)
90 minutes before ceremony: Bare-minimum prep, usually no hair/makeup story, limited details, high risk of rushed portraits
At ceremony start: You’ll get ceremony + reception, but you’re missing the “how it felt” part of the day

If you’re deciding between “more coverage” or “more stuff,” we’re biased: more coverage wins. Couples don’t cry over not photographing the welcome sign. They cry over not photographing their parents seeing them dressed, their friends hyping them up, or the quiet moment before they walk down the aisle.

A practical framework: pick your non-negotiables first

Ask yourselves:

Do we want hair/makeup documented (not just the finished look)?
Do we want a first look?
Do we want wedding party portraits before the ceremony?
Do we want family portraits before the ceremony?
Do we want golden hour portraits?
Do we want the exit photographed?

Your answers determine the start time. And yes—your ceremony time sets the whole domino chain.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, start photography coverage 2.5 hours before the ceremony as a baseline. It gives you enough room for real moments without turning the morning into a photoshoot (because nobody wants that).

Coverage length vs. experience level (hot take)

Here’s our slightly spicy opinion: a shorter timeline demands a more experienced photographer. Tight schedules don’t forgive hesitation. If you’re trying to squeeze prep + first look + portraits into 60 minutes, you need a team that can move fast, direct confidently, and still catch candids.

Wedding photography by hour: the “realistic” template timelines

Before we go hour-by-hour, let’s anchor with a few sample timelines. Use these as starting points, then customize.

Sample timeline A: 8-hour coverage (great for many weddings)

2:00 PM Photographer arrives (details + prep)
3:30 PM First look + couple portraits
4:15 PM Wedding party portraits
4:45 PM Family portraits (immediate family)
5:30 PM Ceremony
6:00 PM Cocktail hour candids
7:00 PM Reception events + open dancing
10:00 PM Coverage ends (often after cake/dancing)

Sample timeline B: 10-hour coverage (our sweet spot for full storytelling)

1:00 PM Arrive (details + full prep)
3:30 PM First look + portraits
5:30 PM Ceremony
6:00 PM Cocktail hour + room reveal
7:00 PM Reception formalities
8:30 PM Golden hour / sunset portraits (quick)
11:00 PM Late-night dancing + exit

Sample timeline C: 12-hour coverage (big events, multiple locations, or cultural weddings)

11:00 AM Start (extended prep / tea ceremony / baraat prep)
2:00 PM First look / portraits
4:00 PM Ceremony
5:00 PM Cocktail hour
6:30 PM Reception
10:30 PM After-party coverage
11:00 PM Exit or final dance

If you want a simpler checklist version, our Wedding Day Photography Timeline is a great companion piece.

Early morning prep shots (the part couples underestimate)

Early prep coverage isn’t just “people putting on clothes.” It’s where the story starts—anticipation, nerves, inside jokes, the calm before the schedule goes feral.

What we’re capturing in early prep (shot categories that matter)

1) Establishing details (10–25 minutes)

Dress/suit on a nice hanger (near window light)
Shoes, jewelry, veil, cufflinks, tie, perfume/cologne
Invitation suite (if you have it)
Vows, letters, gifts
Florals if delivered early
Any heirlooms (grandma’s handkerchief, borrowed necklace, etc.)

2) People + relationships (ongoing)

Parents and friends arriving
Champagne pours, coffee runs, snack chaos
The “I can’t believe it’s today” moments
Candid hugs, laughter, nerves

3) The space

The hotel, the getting-ready suite, the venue grounds
A few wide shots to set the scene (especially helpful for albums)

How to make prep photos look expensive (not messy)

Prep photos go from magazine-level to “why is there a Target bag in every frame?” fast.

Do this:

Put all bags/suitcases in one corner or closet
Keep food in one area (not on every surface)
Choose one “pretty zone” near a window as home base

And yes, we’ll help you. We’ve moved more curling irons and garment bags than we can count.

Pro Tip: Ask your florist (or planner) to deliver a few loose blooms with the bouquet. We’ll use them for detail styling, and it instantly upgrades your flat lays without you buying anything extra.

How much time early prep actually needs

Minimal details + a few candids: 20–40 minutes
Full details + real moments + robe/PJs photos: 60–90 minutes
Multiple outfits + big group + gifts/letters: 90–120 minutes

If your timeline only allows 15 minutes for “getting ready,” you’ll get the zipped dress photo and… not much else.

For deeper getting-ready planning, our Getting Ready Photography Guide goes into outfits, lighting, and what to have ready.

Hair and makeup documentation (without turning it into a reality show)

Hair and makeup photos can be stunning—or repetitive. The trick is documenting the experience without photographing the same mascara swipe for 45 minutes.

The hair and makeup shots we actually want (and why)

The “story” moments

Final touches (lipstick, veil placement, hair pins)
Reactions in the mirror (especially with mom/maids)
Artist at work with clean background
Bridesmaids/friends in chairs chatting

The “beauty” moments

Close-up of finished makeup (near window)
Over-the-shoulder mirror shots
Hands adjusting earrings/necklace
A calm portrait once you’re fully ready (before the chaos starts)

Timing it right: where hair/makeup photography fits best

In our experience, hair/makeup coverage is most valuable in two windows:

Midway through (a few shots to show the process)
At the end (the best photos happen here)

If your photographer arrives right after makeup is done, you’ll still look amazing—but you’ll miss the “getting there” chapter.

Common hair/makeup photo mistakes (we see them weekly)

Getting ready in a room with no window light
A cluttered counter that reflects in every mirror shot
Everyone wearing mismatched sports bras and sweatpants (you’ll see it in photos)
Scheduling makeup to finish 15 minutes before leaving (someone will run late—someone always runs late)

Pro Tip: Tell your HMUA you want 10 clean minutes at the end for photos: you by a window, finished hair/makeup, robe/button-up on, no bags in the background. That 10 minutes can produce 20–40 of your favorite images.

Pre-ceremony portraits (where timelines live or die)

Pre-ceremony portraits can be calm and beautiful… or a sprint with people yelling “we’re going to be late!” from the hallway.

This is the chunk of the day where we’re directing the most. So it needs structure.

Decide: first look or aisle reveal?

Neither is “right.” But your choice changes the whole wedding photography timeline.

Feature	First Look	Aisle Reveal Only
Portrait time	Earlier, more flexible	Mostly after ceremony
Cocktail hour	Often protected	Often sacrificed
Nerves	Many couples feel calmer	Many couples feel the “big moment” hit harder
Timeline risk	Lower (more buffer)	Higher (post-ceremony pileup)
Best for	Tight schedules, winter weddings, big family lists	Couples who want tradition + can extend cocktail hour or add coverage

Our hot take: first looks are practical, not less romantic. We’ve seen deeply emotional first looks in empty gardens, hotel hallways, and behind venues next to a dumpster (romance is about the moment, not the backdrop).

The pre-ceremony portrait blocks (and realistic times)

Here’s how we typically build it:

First look (if doing one): 10–15 minutes
Couple portraits: 20–45 minutes
Wedding party: 20–35 minutes
Immediate family: 15–30 minutes
Buffer time: 10–20 minutes (you’ll use it, promise)

If you’re trying to do all of that in 45 minutes, something will suffer. Usually it’s couple portraits—which is wild, because those are the photos that end up framed.

The “must-get” pre-ceremony portraits

Couple

Classic full-body + close-ups
Movement shots (walking, laughing, forehead-to-forehead)
Wide scenic shot (especially if venue is iconic)
A quiet moment (yes, we’ll prompt it without making it weird)

Wedding party

Clean, classic lineup
Fun, candid vibe (walking, cheering, interacting)
Individual shots with each side (not just the whole group)

Family

Couple with each set of parents
Couple with siblings
Couple with grandparents (do not skip this—seriously)

Pro Tip: Put one decisive friend in charge of family photos—someone who knows faces and isn’t afraid to be loud. We’ll pose and shoot; they’ll wrangle. That combo can cut family photo time from 35 minutes to 15.

What changes if you’re doing portraits after the ceremony?

If you’re skipping the first look, plan for:

Ceremony ends
Receiving line / hugs / congratulations (this happens even if you didn’t plan it)
Family photos
Wedding party
Couple portraits
Then cocktail hour is basically over

You can still do it. But be honest about the tradeoff: you’re choosing guest time or photo time. There isn’t a cheat code.

Ceremony coverage breakdown (what should be photographed and in what order)

Ceremony coverage is one of the few parts of the day you can’t redo. No second takes. No “can you cry again but slower?”

So the ceremony section of a wedding photography timeline needs breathing room and clear expectations.

Before the ceremony: 15–30 minutes of quiet gold

This is where we’re capturing:

Venue exterior, signage, ceremony program
Florals, aisle details, ceremony arch/chuppah/mandap
Guests arriving and hugging
Ushers seating family
The “hidden” pre-ceremony emotions (dad pacing, mom tearing up)

If your timeline starts at ceremony time, you miss all of that—and those images matter more than you think.

Processional: the sequence you want covered

Every ceremony is different, but we plan for:

Officiant + groom/partner reaction
Wedding party walking down
Flower child/ring bearer (if applicable)
Parent reactions
The big entrance (and the reaction)
The handoff / hug / veil moment (if doing one)

We’re also paying attention to lighting and angles. DC-area venues can be tricky—dark churches, bright waterfront ceremonies, harsh noon sun. This is where experience matters.

During the ceremony: key moments your photographer should capture

Wide establishing shot (the full scene)
Close-ups of faces (you and your partner, and key family)
Reading(s)
Vows (both speakers)
Ring exchange (hands + faces)
The kiss (and the moment right after)
Any cultural/religious rituals
Signing license (if it happens during ceremony)
The recessional (pure joy—often the best walk of the day)

Unplugged ceremonies: worth it?

We’re fans. Not because we hate phones (we get it, guests are excited), but because:

Phones block faces
iPads appear in wide shots like random billboards
Guests lean into the aisle at the worst moment

If you care about ceremony photos, an unplugged ceremony is one of the easiest wins.

Pro Tip: Put the unplugged message in 3 places: your website, your program, and one quick line from the officiant right before the processional. One sign alone won’t do it.

How long should the ceremony be for photo purposes?

Not about photos, but practically:

15–25 minutes: Great for short civil ceremonies, elopement vibes
25–45 minutes: Most weddings
45–75+ minutes: Full mass or extended cultural ceremonies

Long ceremonies are fine—just know that photographers may need to rotate positions discreetly (and your guests will appreciate comfortable seating).

Cocktail hour candids (your guests are finally relaxed—so let us work)

Cocktail hour is a goldmine. People are happy, holding drinks, and not yet sweaty from dancing.

And it’s the only time most couples are not present (if portraits are happening). That’s why it’s smart to protect at least part of cocktail hour for you to enjoy.

What we capture during cocktail hour (beyond “people standing around”)

Passing apps (yes, we photograph food—quickly)
Guests greeting each other
Group photos guests naturally form
Hugs, laughter, candid interactions
Signature cocktails, escort cards, lounge areas
Live music moments (if you have it)
Any special displays (guestbook, memorial table, favors)

Cocktail hour vs. portraits: the real tradeoff

If you’re doing:

First look + portraits pre-ceremony: cocktail hour becomes guest candids + details + YOU enjoying it
Aisle reveal only: cocktail hour becomes portrait crunch time

Here’s the honest math. Most couples need:

20–30 minutes for family photos
15–25 minutes for wedding party
15–25 minutes for couple portraits (minimum)

That can easily wipe out a 60-minute cocktail hour.

Feature	Protect Cocktail Hour (First Look)	Use Cocktail Hour for Portraits (No First Look)
Guest candids	Strong	Limited
Couple enjoys cocktail hour	Yes, usually	Rarely
Pressure level	Lower	Higher
Timeline flexibility	Higher	Lower
Best for	Couples who value guest experience	Couples who prioritize aisle reveal and can extend timeline

A quick checklist for cocktail hour success

Tell your planner/DJ to announce where cocktail hour is (guests wander)
Keep family photo list tight (more on that later)
If you want “table-to-table” guest photos, tell us—don’t assume

Pro Tip: If you want photos with a lot of guests but hate “working the room,” do a 10-minute “mini receiving line” right after the ceremony recessional. We’ll shoot it fast, you’ll get tons of guest interactions, and it won’t eat your entire cocktail hour.

Reception key moments (what matters, what’s optional, and what kills time)

Receptions move fast. Lighting changes. People are drinking. Uncle Mike is suddenly doing backflips.

Your wedding photography timeline should call out the big beats so your photographer doesn’t get surprised by a toast starting early or the cake being cut while we’re outside photographing the room.

For a detailed checklist, our Reception Photo Checklist is a great add-on.

Reception “must-photograph” moments (most weddings)

Reception room before guests enter (details, tablescapes, florals)
Grand entrance
First dance
Parent dances (one or two)
Toasts (and reactions)
Dinner candids
Cake cutting or dessert moment
Bouquet/garter (if doing)
Open dancing

We’ve seen every order imaginable. Here’s what tends to work best for energy and photos:

Grand entrance
First dance
Parent dances (if doing)
Toasts
Dinner
Sunset portraits (quick!)
Cake/dessert
Open dancing
Late-night snack
Exit

Why? Because once dinner starts, momentum slows. Once dancing starts, it’s harder to pull people back for formalities (and you’ll be sweaty in photos—sometimes that’s a vibe, sometimes it’s not).

Room reveal photos: don’t skip them

Room details matter because they’re expensive. If you spent $6,000–$20,000 on flowers and rentals (very normal in DC), you should have photos of them before guests destroy the place.

We typically need 8–12 minutes for:

Wide shots from corners
Centerpiece close-ups
Place settings
Sweetheart table
Cake/dessert display
Escort card display
Any special lighting (candles, uplighting)

One sentence warning: If you don’t build this into the timeline, it often doesn’t happen.

Pro Tip: Ask your coordinator to hold guests at the door for literally 2 minutes so we can photograph the room untouched. Two minutes. That’s it. You’ll never regret it.

Speeches/toasts: how to make them look good in photos

Toasts are emotional—if the setup is right.

Best practices:

Have speakers stand in good light (near dance floor light, not a dark corner)
Keep microphones consistent (no random handheld pass-around with cord tangles)
Ask speakers to face you, not the wall
Limit to 3 speakers (hot take: 5+ toasts is a guest experience crime)

Time planning:

Each toast is usually 3–6 minutes
Add 2 minutes between speakers
Total: 15–25 minutes for a typical toast block

Dance floor coverage (how we capture the party without being annoying)

Dance floor photos should feel like your party—not like a staged nightclub shoot (unless you want that).

What great dance floor coverage includes

Wide shots that show the room energy
Tight shots of people laughing, singing, hugging
Groups in motion (spins, dips, hands in the air)
The couple in the middle of it (not just on the edges)
Parent/family dancing (often the sweetest part)
The “unexpected” moments: conga lines, shots, spontaneous lifts

Lighting: what you should know

If your venue is dark (many are), your photographer will use:

On-camera bounce flash (clean and flattering)
Off-camera flash (more dramatic, “editorial party” look)
Continuous video light (if video team is present)

If you hate flash photos, say it early. But our honest take: a dark dance floor without flash equals blurry sadness. There’s no magical camera setting that fixes physics.

How long should dance floor coverage last?

We usually recommend at least:

45–60 minutes of open dancing coverage, even if you don’t think you’re “dancers”

Why? The party builds in waves. The first 10 minutes are often empty. The good stuff happens after people loosen up.

And if you’re doing a special cultural dance set, hora, second line, or late-night surprise—tell your team so they’re ready.

Late-night and exit shots (the photos you don’t think you need… until you do)

Late-night photos are either:

The funniest images in your entire gallery, or
A blurry goodbye because nobody planned it

Let’s plan it.

Late-night moments worth capturing

Outfit change (sneakers, jacket, after-party look)
Late-night snack station (pizza, donuts, fries)
Friends sprawled on lounge furniture laughing
Sparkler moments (if allowed)
After-party vibes (hotel bar, rooftop, etc.)

If your coverage ends right after cake cutting, you might miss the part of the night your friends talk about for years.

Exit photos: what works and what’s a headache

Great exits:

Vintage car departure
Bubble exit (daytime or nighttime)
Confetti poppers (biodegradable, and venue-approved)
Last dance in an empty room (yes, it counts as an “exit” photo moment)

Exits that often go wrong:

Sparklers with no plan (wind + drunk guests + lighters = chaos)
Fake exits with no warning to guests (nobody shows up)
Exits scheduled too late (half your guests leave)

Time needed:

Staged exit: 10–15 minutes
Real exit: depends on logistics, but still plan 10 minutes for setup

Pro Tip: If your coverage ends before your real exit, do a “planned night portrait” instead—5 minutes outside with dramatic lighting. You’ll get the wow photo without herding 120 people at 11:45 PM.

Timeline coordination with photographer (how to build a schedule that actually works)

This is the section that saves marriages (kidding… kind of). A wedding photography timeline isn’t just a list of times—it’s a strategy.

Start with your ceremony time, then build backwards

We build most timelines in reverse:

Ceremony start time (fixed)
Arrival time for guests (30 minutes prior)
Pre-ceremony buffer (15 minutes)
Family/wedding party/couple portraits
Getting ready
Photographer arrival

If you build forward from “we want photos at 1 PM,” you’ll end up with a timeline that ignores travel, hair/makeup delays, or the fact that your uncle will take 12 minutes to pin on a boutonniere.

If you want a calm day, add:

10 minutes buffer before leaving for ceremony
10 minutes buffer before ceremony start (hidden time)
10–20 minutes buffer after ceremony (congratulations happen)
5–10 minutes buffer before grand entrance (bustle, touch-ups, bathroom)

These buffers are the difference between “we’re late” and “we’re good.”

Travel time is never just travel time

If you’re moving locations (hotel → church → venue), add:

Drive time
Parking time
Walking time
“Where is everyone?” time

In DC, Baltimore, Northern Virginia, and anywhere on the East Coast, traffic can swing wildly. A 20-minute drive can become 45 minutes fast.

The family photo list: make it short and smart

Family photos are where timelines go to die.

We recommend:

Keep formal family groupings to 8–12 combinations
Limit extended family to one big group per side (if needed)
Provide names + relationships (not just “Aunt Susan”—we don’t know Susan)

Example efficient list:

Couple + both sets of parents
Couple + bride’s parents
Couple + groom’s parents
Couple + bride’s immediate family
Couple + groom’s immediate family
Couple + both immediate families together
Couple + grandparents
Couple + siblings only
Couple + wedding party

That’s already plenty.

Pro Tip: Put family photos immediately after the ceremony at the ceremony site if possible. Moving everyone to a different location is how you lose half the group (and your patience).

Who should own the timeline?

Ideally:

Planner/coordinator manages logistics
Photographer manages photo flow
You enjoy your wedding

If you don’t have a planner, we can still help you build a workable photo timeline—but assign someone (friend, sibling) to be the “time adult” so you’re not checking your phone all day.

For a timeline template and planning logic, see Wedding Day Photography Timeline and Wedding Photography Guide.

Hour-by-hour breakdown: what your photographer should capture and when

Now the main event. This is a “typical” wedding day with a 5:30 PM ceremony and 7:00 PM reception start. Adjust times based on your actual schedule.

1:00–2:00 PM — Photographer arrives + details + establishing shots

What we’re shooting

Dress/suit + accessories
Invitation suite (if available)
Rings (we’ll usually do this during details)
Venue exteriors (if nearby)
Getting-ready room wide shots
Candid moments as people settle in

What you should do

Have details gathered in a box (rings, invitation, vow books, jewelry)
Tidy one area near a window
Make sure the dress is steamed (or at least not in a crumpled pile)

If you want more on what to prep, our Getting Ready Photography Guide is the cheat sheet.

2:00–3:15 PM — Hair/makeup finishing + getting dressed

What we’re shooting

Final makeup touches
Hair finishing touches
Robe/PJs candids with friends
Gifts/letters (if exchanging)
Getting dressed sequence (dress zip, buttons, tie, cufflinks)

Key moments to plan

Put on the dress 30–45 minutes before you need to leave
Keep the room calm (too many extra people can make this chaotic)

What not to do

Schedule makeup to finish at 3:10 if you need to leave at 3:15. That’s not a plan. That’s a fantasy.

3:15–3:35 PM — Solo portraits (you, fully ready)

This is where we get:

Window-light portraits
Full-length look
Veil shots (if you have one)
A few dramatic/editorial frames

These photos matter because they show the full look—before hugs, sweat, and bustle chaos.

3:35–4:00 PM — First look (optional) + immediate reactions

If you’re doing a first look:

We set it up in good light
We give you space
We photograph the emotion without narrating your life

If you’re not doing a first look:

This block becomes more solo portraits + wedding party candids + buffer time

4:00–4:45 PM — Couple portraits (the photos you’ll frame)

This is our prime portrait block.

What we’re capturing

Classic portraits (clean, timeless)
Movement (walking, spinning, natural laughter)
Close-ups (hands, rings, forehead touches)
Wide scenic shots (venue grounds, city skyline, waterfront)

Time reality

Minimum: 20 minutes
Comfortable: 35–45 minutes
Dreamy with multiple locations: 60+ minutes

And yes, you can do more portraits later at golden hour too.

4:45–5:15 PM — Wedding party portraits

We move fast here:

Full group
Each side
Fun variations
Individuals with couple

If you’ve got a big wedding party (12+), add time. Herding humans takes longer than Pinterest says.

5:15–5:25 PM — Immediate family portraits (if doing pre-ceremony)

This is a tight block—works best for:

Parents
Siblings
Grandparents (if present early)

Extended family usually isn’t on time pre-ceremony. That’s just life.

5:25–5:30 PM — Hide + breathe

We love this part. You get:

Water
A quiet moment
A chance to be emotionally ready

And we get:

Final ceremony detail shots
Guests arriving

5:30–6:00 PM — Ceremony

Covered earlier, but in real-time:

Processional
Vows
Rings
Kiss
Recessional
Immediate reactions

If you want an unplugged ceremony, plan it in advance.

6:00–6:20 PM — Congratulations + candid family moments

This is the “hug zone.”

Even if you don’t plan it, it happens. So we plan for it.

We’re capturing:

Real hugs
Tears
Friends grabbing you for quick hellos
Your faces right after you’re married (pure joy)

6:20–6:50 PM — Family portraits (if not done earlier)

This is where efficiency matters most.

Choose a shaded spot or good indoor light
Keep list short
Have wrangler ready

6:50–7:00 PM — Couple refresh + reception room details

Bustle
Touch-up makeup
Drink water
Quick breathing room

Meanwhile we’ll grab:

Reception room untouched (if possible)
Centerpieces, escort cards, sweetheart table

7:00–7:20 PM — Grand entrance + first dance (common)

We shoot:

Entrance energy
Reactions from guests
First dance wide + close
Parent dances (if scheduled here)

If you’re debating whether to do dances before dinner: we’re fans. People are attentive, and you look fresh.

7:20–7:45 PM — Toasts

We focus on:

Speaker expressions
Your reactions
Parent reactions
Guest laughter/tears

Lighting note: Ask your DJ/band to keep the toasts in a well-lit spot.

7:45–8:45 PM — Dinner + table touches

We’re photographing:

Candid guest moments
Table groups (if you want them)
Quick couple candids eating (yes, we can do this discreetly)
Decor in candlelight

And we’ll usually take a short break too (photographers are humans, shocking).

8:45–9:05 PM — Golden hour portraits (seasonal)

Golden hour varies by season:

Summer (DC): often 7:45–8:30 PM
Fall: 6:30–7:15 PM
Winter: 4:45–5:15 PM (yes, really)

So this time block moves depending on your date.

We typically need 10–20 minutes. Not an hour. You don’t need to abandon your party.

Pro Tip: Tell your band/DJ you’re stepping out for exactly 12 minutes for sunset photos. If you call it “a few minutes,” it becomes 25. If you name a number, everyone behaves.

9:05–10:30 PM — Open dancing

We capture:

Big group energy
Couple dancing with friends
Candid fun
Any planned moments (anniversary dance, cultural dances, etc.)

If you’re doing a bouquet toss, plan it for when the dance floor is already full.

10:30–11:00 PM — Late-night snack + exit (or night portraits)

Depending on your plan:

Snack station candids
Final dance
Exit setup + departure
Or a quick night portrait outside

This is where coverage end time matters. If your photographer leaves at 10:00, your late-night story doesn’t exist in photos.

What NOT to do: wedding photography timeline red flags

We’re not trying to scare you. We’re trying to save you.

Red flags that will wreck your photo timeline

Hair and makeup ends 15 minutes before departure

Someone will run late. Build a 30–45 minute cushion.

No buffer time anywhere

That’s not “efficient.” That’s brittle.

Family photos with no list

This becomes a 45-minute shouting match with missing cousins.

Portraits scheduled at noon in direct sun

You’ll squint. You’ll sweat. Photos will look harsh (unless you have shade planned).

Multiple locations without travel padding

DC traffic doesn’t care about your ceremony time.

Grand entrance happens while photographer is still outside

Tell your coordinator: no entrances until photo team is in the room.

Sparkler exit with no lighters, no coordinator, and wind

We’ve seen it. It’s chaos. Also, some venues ban it outright.

One more honest red flag: booking photography for 6 hours when your schedule clearly needs 9–10. We can’t “hustle harder” to create missing parts of your day.

How much photography coverage do you actually need? (with real numbers)

Couples ask us this constantly, usually while staring at budgets and wondering if 8 hours is “enough.”

Here’s a practical breakdown.

Coverage recommendations by wedding type

Wedding Type	Typical Coverage	Why
Small wedding, one venue, minimal formalities	6–8 hours	Enough for prep + ceremony + key reception moments
Classic wedding, first look, full reception	8–10 hours	Protects portraits + captures dancing and story
Large wedding, multiple locations, big family list	10–12 hours	Travel + logistics eat time fast
Cultural weddings with multiple ceremonies	12+ hours or split days	Events are layered; you need room

What coverage costs usually look like (DC metro + East Coast)

Pricing varies by team and deliverables, but for premium professional wedding photography in our region, many couples see:

8 hours: about $3,800–$6,500
10 hours: about $4,800–$8,200
12 hours: about $5,800–$10,500

If you’re adding video, second photographers, albums, or travel, budgets move quickly. For a deeper breakdown, we recommend adding a page like Wedding Photography Pricing to your planning reading list (and if it exists on your site, link it internally).

Action items: how to build your wedding photography timeline this week

If you’re overwhelmed, do these 7 steps:

Lock your ceremony start time (and confirm with venue/officiant)
Decide first look vs aisle reveal
Write your family photo list (8–12 groupings)
Confirm hair/makeup end time (then add 45 minutes)
Identify portrait locations (shade, indoor backup, rain plan)
Decide which reception moments you’re doing (use Reception Photo Checklist)
Send your draft timeline to your photographer for feedback

And yes—your photographer should be giving feedback. If they just say “looks good” without asking questions, that’s not ideal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: a great wedding photography timeline feels calm (even if the day isn’t)

A strong wedding photography timeline isn’t rigid—it’s realistic. It protects the parts of the day that matter, builds in buffer time for the human stuff, and gives you space to actually feel your wedding instead of sprinting through it.

If you want help mapping your day, start with our Wedding Day Photography Timeline overview, then use this hour-by-hour breakdown to plug in your real times. And if you’re still unsure, read through Wedding Photography Guide and Getting Ready Photography Guide—they’ll help you make smarter tradeoffs.

If you’re planning a wedding in the Washington DC metro area (or anywhere on the East Coast) and want a photo/video team that’s calm under pressure, fast with timelines, and obsessive about real moments, we’d love to talk. Reach out to Precious Pics Pro through preciouspicspro.com and we’ll help you build a wedding photography timeline that actually works—and feels like you.

Wedding Photography Hour-by-Hour: What Your Photographer Should Capture and When