How to Build the Perfect Wedding Day Timeline for Photos
Planning your Canberra wedding? A well-structured photography timeline can make all the difference. Here's how to make sure you get beautiful, relaxed images — without feeling rushed on your big day.
Step 1: Decide What Moments You Want Captured
Before creating your wedding timeline, ask yourselves:
Do you want getting ready photos?
Will you be doing a first look?
Should we do family photos before or after the ceremony?
Do you want your reception events (speeches, first dance, cake cutting) documented?
These decisions will help determine how many hours of photography coverage you need and how to structure your day.
Step 2: Estimate How Long Each Photo Segment Takes
Here’s a general guide to how much time we’ll need for each part of the day:
Getting Ready: 1–2 hours
First Look (optional): 15–30 minutes
Ceremony: 30–60 minutes
Family Photos: 20–30 minutes
Bridal Party Photos: 20–30 minutes
Couple Portraits: 30–45 minutes
Reception Coverage: 1–2 hours+ (depending on events)
💡 Add 10–15 minute buffers where possible. Things often run late, and that’s totally okay — a flexible timeline keeps everything relaxed.
Step 3: Plan Around the Best Light
If you want glowing, romantic portraits, schedule your couple session during golden hour — the soft light just before sunset.
📍 For example: If sunset is at 6:30pm, plan couple photos between 5:30pm–6:15pm.
Canberra sunsets are stunning, and this time of day makes skin tones and backdrops look dreamy.
Step 4: Sample 8-Hour Wedding Photography Timeline
Here’s a real-world timeline I often recommend for Canberra couples:
12:30 pm – Photographer arrives (getting ready photos)
2:00 pm – First look (optional)
2:30 pm – Arrive at ceremony venue
3:00 pm – Ceremony begins
3:30 pm – Family portraits
4:00 pm – Bridal party photos
4:30 pm – Couple portraits
5:30 pm – Reception begins
6:00 pm – Speeches, cake, first dance
8:30 pm – Photography ends
This can be fully customised based on your venue, season, and cultural traditions.
Step 5: Share the Timeline
Once your photography schedule is set, don’t keep it to yourself! Be sure to:
Share the timeline with your planner and vendors
Let your bridal party and family know when they’re needed for photos
Print a copy or save it to your phone for easy access on the day
Want Help Planning Your Photography Timeline?
Helping couples feel calm and confident on their wedding day is a big part of what I do. Every one of my wedding photography packages includes help building your ideal timeline — based on your priorities, location, and lighting.
If you're getting married in Canberra and want beautiful, stress-free photos, I'd love to be a part of your day.