One of the biggest questions I get from my couples is:
“How should we plan our wedding day timeline?”
And I totally get it—this is where your wedding vision meets real-life logistics. A well-planned timeline helps your day feel calm, joyful, and most importantly, full of meaningful moments—not just a bunch of boxes to check off.
As your wedding photographer, I’m here to make sure everything flows smoothly and that the light, emotions, and memories all line up beautifully. Whether you’re working with a planner or building your own schedule, here’s what you need to know to create a wedding day timeline that works for YOU.
And just so you know—you can always reach out! My brides text, email, and call me at all different stages of planning with timeline questions, and I truly love helping every step of the way.
PRO TIP: There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. Every wedding is unique and deserves a custom approach!
WHY YOUR TIMELINE MATTERS (ESPECIALLY FOR PHOTOS)
Gorgeous photography isn’t just about a beautiful venue or a skilled photographer—it’s about timing and light.
Dreamy golden hour portraits, relaxed getting-ready moments, and a smooth ceremony all depend on a timeline that supports them.
Here’s how to get started:
3 Questions to Consider Before Planning Your Timeline
1. Will you do a first look?
If yes, we can take most of your portraits before the ceremony, so you’ll have more time to enjoy cocktail hour.
2. What time is your ceremony—and what season is your wedding?
The sun sets earlier in fall, winter, and early spring. If your ceremony is close to sunset, we’ll want to take portraits beforehand while the light is still dreamy.
3. Is your day logistically complex?
Religious ceremonies, venue changes, or portrait stops? Add buffer time. Things often run late—and that’s okay! Planning for it keeps you stress-free.
EXAMPLE WEDDING DAY TIMELINES
With a First Look
Perfect for winter weddings, if you want to enjoy your cocktail hour, or if you just want more breathing room or more portraits in your day.
| TIME | EVENT |
|---|---|
| 1:00 PM | Photographer Arrives & Details & Prep |
| 2:00 PM | Bride gets dressed |
| 2:30 PM | First Look + Couple Portraits |
| 3:15 PM | Wedding Party Photos |
| 4:00 PM | Finished with Photos |
| 4:30 PM | Ceremony |
| 5:00 PM | Family Photos |
| 5:30 PM | Couple Joins Cocktail Hour |
| 6:00 PM | Reception Begins |
| 8:00 PM | Golden Hour Portraits – Summer months (10 mins) |
| 10:00 PM | Grand Exit |
Without a First Look
More traditional—just plan extra time after the ceremony for portrait and watch the sunset times during shorter daylight days.
| TIME | EVENT |
|---|---|
| 1:00 PM | Photographer Arrives & Details & Prep |
| 1:45 PM | Bride gets dressed |
| 2:30 PM | Wedding Party Photos (separate sides) |
| 3:30 PM | Finished with Photos |
| 4:00 PM | Ceremony |
| 4:30 PM | Family Photos |
| 5:00 PM | Couple + Wedding Party Portraits |
| 5:30 PM | Reception Begins |
| 8:00 PM | Golden Hour Portraits (optional) |
| 10:00 PM | Grand Exit |
MOLLIE JANE’S BIGGEST PIECE OF ADVICE
ALWAYS PLAN AROUND THE SUNSET!!!!
One of the most important things you can do when building your timeline is to check:
What time is sunset?
Your whole photo schedule should be planned around this—especially in the late fall, winter, and early spring when the sun sets earlier than you’d expect.
Here’s why:
If sunset is AT 5:30 PM, and you start your couple portraits at 5:00 PM, you’re cutting it TOO close, NEVER put your pictures right up against the sunset. If anything runs behind, or if it’s cloudy, you might lose light much sooner—and that can mean rushed or dark photos. And when it comes to those dreamy, light-filled images, natural light is everything. It’s not something that can be recreated with artificial light. And this is a once in a lifetime day!
I go into even more detail about this in the Mollie Jane Bridal Guide you’ll receive after booking—so you’ll be fully prepared to plan with confidence!
Tips For a Smooth Wedding Day Timeline
- Build in buffer time. Sometimes hair and makeup run long or any number of things can happen—adding even 15 extra minutes, in several places, can prevent stress.
- Keep travel minimal. If possible, choose a venue where prep, ceremony, and reception are nearby. If there is a lot of travel, a planner is essential to help with all the logistics.
- Golden hour is your friend. If light-filled romantic portraits are important to you, let’s plan around that dreamy light.
- Let someone else keep the schedule. A planner is worth their weight in gold! Whether it’s a full planning and design team or a day-of coordinator.
Do you need help crafting your wedding day timeline with your photos in mind?
I am here to help! Your Mollie Jane Bridal Guide will be a HUGE help (in every aspect of your wedding photography experience), but I’m here to help you personally when you book your wedding photography with Mollie Jane Photography. I’ve photographed over 500 weddings in the last 20 years, and every timeline I build is made with your priorities and photo goals in mind.
Planning your wedding should feel exciting, not overwhelming—and I’m here to help every step of the way.
I can’t wait to talk to you more about your wedding day!!
