The Ideal 8 hour Wedding Photography Timeline with and without a first look
Hey, everyone! We’re Jane and Tony, wedding and elopement photographers with over a decade of experience in capturing love celebrations ranging from epic 200+ guest Italian weddings to super intimate elopements in the wilderness of Norway and Iceland.
Being wedding photography experts and having a deep passion for storytelling, we know the importance of a well-planned photography timeline to capture every precious moment of your special day.
So, we’ve created two sample 8-hour wedding photography timelines – with and without first looks. The reality is that these 8 hours of photography are enough to cover the needs of more than 80% of our couples.
Remember – it’s just an example that can be modified to 10 hours and even to a whopping 12 hours of photography coverage, depending on your personal needs and wishes.
8-Hour Wedding Photography Timeline No First Look
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Getting Ready
- Bride and bridesmaids’ preparation photos, detail shots (wedding dress, jewelry, invitations, etc.)
- Groom and groomsmen preparation photos, candid group shots
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Separate Portraits of Bride and Groom
- Portraits of the bride, followed by solo shots of the groom
- Bridesmaids and groomsmen photos separately with the bride and groom
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Wedding Party and Family Photos
- Individual family photos with the bride and groom separately
- Separate group photos with bridesmaids and groomsmen
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Ceremony
- Arrival of guests, venue decor, and details
- Full ceremony coverage, including processional, vows, first kiss, and recessional
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Cocktail Hour and Post-Ceremony Portraits
- Bride and groom’s couple portraits in a scenic area (now together as a married couple)
- Candid shots of guests mingling and enjoying cocktail hour
6:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Grand Entrance and First Dance
- Couple’s grand entrance into the reception
- First dance as a married couple
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Dinner, Toasts, and Parent Dances
- Guests enjoying dinner, speeches, and laughter
- Parent dances, adding sentimental moments to the evening
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Dance Floor and Candid Moments
- Capturing the lively energy on the dance floor as guests celebrate
- Candid shots of friends and family enjoying the night
8:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Sparkler Exit or Final Send-Off
- Fun and memorable exit with sparklers or a special farewell activity
8-Hour Wedding Photography Timeline with First Look
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Getting Ready
- Bride and bridesmaids’ preparation photos, detail shots (dress, jewelry, invitations, etc.)
- Groom and groomsmen preparation photos, candid group shots
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | First Look and Couple’s Portraits
- Private first look moment for the couple, capturing genuine reactions
- Couple’s portraits in a chosen scenic area
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Wedding Party and Family Photos
- Formal and candid shots with the wedding party
- Family portraits with immediate family members
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Ceremony
- Arrival of guests, venue details, and decor shots
- Full ceremony coverage: processional, vows, first kiss, and recessional
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Cocktail Hour and Reception Details
- Candid guest interactions during cocktail hour
- Photos of reception decor, tables, and venue before guests enter
6:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Grand Entrance and First Dance
- Couple’s entrance into the reception
- First dance between the newlyweds
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Dinner, Toasts, and Parent Dances
- Candid shots of guests enjoying dinner
- Speeches from loved ones and parent dances
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Dance Floor and Candid Moments
- Guests dancing, laughing, and celebrating together
- Candid moments and interactions on the dance floor
8:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Sparkler Exit or Final Send-Off
- Grand farewell with sparklers or other fun send-off ideas
Things to Keep in Mind from a photography perspective
Every wedding day is different, so no two timelines will be exactly the same! Things like location, family size, wedding party size, and travel time between places all impact the flow of the day. The sample timelines here are a good starting point—they keep things moving smoothly and make sure there’s enough time for the big moments without a rush.
Both timelines hit a balance: enough time for photos, not too much waiting for guests, and some extra buffer so there’s no stress if something takes longer. Whether or not you’re planning a first look, the schedule can always be tweaked to match what you’ve got planned.
Hopefully, this gives you a head start on mapping out your day. If you have questions or just want some help figuring out where to begin, reach out anytime! Just send us a message or follow along on Instagram for more tips.
Together with Tony Iskra, they are ISKRA Photography - a husband & wife duo shooting in Iceland and beyond.
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