Wedding Photography Timeline: How to Plan for Stress-Free Photos
David Burn
Gloucestershire Wedding Photographer
It’s completely normal to feel stressed about fitting all your wedding photos into the day! But with a little planning, you can ensure everything runs smoothly and trust your photographer to capture all the important moments.
As a wedding photographer in Gloucestershire, I’ve worked with many couples to create a seamless photography plan, helping them relax and enjoy their day without worrying about missing important shots.
💡 Extra Tip: Pass this plan to a designated member of the wedding party or your venue coordinator. They can liaise with the photographer, taking the pressure off you! I’ve even created a document for you to download to make planning even easier!
Getting Ready Photos 🏡💄
- Ideal time: 1.5–2 hours before leaving for the ceremony.
- Key shots: Details (dress, rings, flowers), candid moments with the bridal party, final prep.
- Best location: A well-lit, clutter-free room with plenty of space.
💡 Extra Tip: The best time for these photos is when hair and makeup are almost finished. At this stage, the bride and bridesmaids feel more confident but are still in the “getting ready” phase, creating the perfect balance for natural shots.
The First Look (Optional) 💕👀
- Ideal time: 30 minutes before the ceremony (if doing one).
- Benefits: A private, emotional moment together before the day officially begins.
- Best location: A scenic outdoor spot or a quiet indoor setting with good lighting.
💡 Extra Tip: If you don’t want to see each other before the ceremony but still want to share a moment, consider a “first touch” shot. A good corner of a building and a couple of helpers to guide you will ensure you don’t accidentally see each other!
Ceremony Coverage 💍⛪
- Ideal time: Full ceremony coverage + 15 minutes after for candid moments.
- Key shots: Walking down the aisle, vows, first kiss, guest reactions.
💡 Tips: Ask guests to keep their phones away for a distraction-free wedding! Also, take your time with the first kiss—just long enough for the photographer to capture the moment without it feeling awkward.
Family & Group Portraits 👨👩👧👦📸
- Ideal time: Immediately after the ceremony or upon arrival at the reception (30–45 minutes).
- How to plan: Have a shot list ready and a designated person to gather people efficiently—this helps keep everything moving smoothly.
- Best location: Near the ceremony/reception venue or a shaded outdoor spot.
💡 Tips: Doing these early in the day means guests can relax sooner, and outfits will still be fresh—especially important if you have lots of children at the wedding!
Couple Portraits 🌅❤️
- Ideal time: 30–45 minutes, ideally around golden hour.
- Best locations: Picturesque spots around your venue—gardens, fields, or historic buildings common in Gloucestershire’s stunning wedding venues.
💡 Tip: Even if you’ve already had couple portraits earlier, sneaking away for 10 minutes at sunset can give you breathtaking golden-hour shots!
Reception & Candid Moments 🎉🥂
- Ideal time: Throughout the evening, capturing speeches, the first dance, and cake cutting.
- Key shots: Guest reactions, dancing, and fun candid moments.
💡 Tip: If you’ve planned any special moments during your first dance, let your photographer know in advance so they can capture it perfectly! Typically, photography coverage lasts until the first dance, so if you’d like later coverage, check with your photographer.
Final Thoughts
Taking a little time to plan your photography schedule, writing it down, and sharing it with your photographer and key people will ensure you get all the shots you want—without stressing on the day!
📄 Download this free PDF to help plan the key shots for your wedding day—feel free to share it with anyone who might find it useful!
📸 Interested in booking me for your wedding? Get in touch—I’d love to hear from you!
Want to find out more?
If you’re interested in booking me for your big day, a family shoot or have any other questions, I’d love to hear from you.
