How to Build the Perfect Wedding Photography Timeline

Marisa Colón
Jul 4
2 min read

Let’s be real—wedding days fly by. One minute you’re sipping mimosas in your robe, and the next you’re dancing your heart out at the reception. That’s why having a solid photography timeline isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

At FBM Studios, we work with our couples to create stress-free timelines that ensure we capture all the magic and give you room to breathe. ✨

⏰ First Things First: Start With the Ceremony Time

Your entire timeline is built around this key moment. Once we know your ceremony start time, we can work backward and forward to plan your day.

💄 Getting Ready (1.5–2 Hours)

Let’s kick things off with glam! This time block includes hair, makeup, details (rings, invites, shoes), and fun candids with your crew. We usually arrive during the last hour of makeup to capture the final touches and those sweet pre-ceremony moments.

📸 Tip: Have your details ready to go in one spot to save time—rings, shoes, dress, perfume, etc.

🫶 First Look (Optional – 30 Minutes)

Thinking about a first look? We love them! It gives you and your partner a quiet, emotional moment before the ceremony—and helps with nerves. Bonus: It frees up more time later for photos, so you can enjoy cocktail hour!

👰 Portraits & Wedding Party Photos (30–60 Minutes)

If you're doing a first look, we’ll roll right into portraits and wedding party shots before guests arrive. If not, we’ll do some right after the ceremony. Either way, we keep it fun, organized, and full of natural smiles.

💍 Ceremony (30–60 Minutes)

The main event! We capture everything from walking down the aisle to the first kiss to the joyful exit. All you have to do is soak it all in—we’ve got the rest.

🌅 Golden Hour Portraits (20 Minutes)

This is the chef’s kiss moment of the day. That dreamy sunset light? It’s perfect for romantic, glowy portraits of just the two of you. We sneak you away for 15–20 minutes while guests enjoy cocktails.

🕺 Reception (We Capture the Highlights!)

Once the party starts, we stay to capture your grand entrance, first dance, speeches, cake cutting, and the early dance floor fun. After that, we usually wrap up once we’ve got a solid set of reception moments (unless you’ve booked us for an extended celebration!).

📋 Sample Wedding Photography Timeline

Here’s a rough example for a 5 PM ceremony with a first look:

1:00 PM – Photographer arrives / detail shots
1:30 PM – Getting ready + final touches
2:30 PM – First look + portraits
3:00 PM – Wedding party photos
4:00 PM – Hidden away for guest arrival
5:00 PM – Ceremony
5:45 PM – Family photos
6:15 PM – Golden hour couple portraits
7:00 PM – Reception coverage
9:00 PM – Photography ends

Every wedding is different, and that’s the beauty of it. Your timeline should reflect your day, your vibe, and what matters most to you. We’re here to help guide you every step of the way—so you can stay present and soak in every unforgettable second. 💕

Let’s plan your dream timeline together!

Reach out here to get started: Book a Consultation