The Ideal Order for Wedding Day Events (From a Photographer’s Perspective)
There’s no one-size-fits-all wedding timeline, but after photographing countless weddings over the years, I’ve found there is a flow that tends to keep the day calm, seamless, and stress-free — without sacrificing any of the magic moments.
Here’s the order I typically recommend for a smooth, photo-friendly wedding day (and why it works so well).
Detail Photos
I usually start the day here. It’s the perfect warm-up for me as a photographer — I get to photograph all your carefully chosen details while the morning energy is still quiet.
This might include your invitation suite, rings, jewelry, shoes, bouquet, perfume, and a few meaningful keepsakes. These small touches tell the story of your day before it even begins.
Getting Ready Photos
While I’m photographing details, hair and makeup are finishing up, which flows perfectly into getting ready photos.
I usually photograph the bride and bridesmaids putting on final touches — buttoning the dress, adjusting jewelry, laughing together — and then move over to the groomsmen for a few quick shots before they head to the ceremony.
It’s also when I’ll grab those emotional moments with parents or the bridal party seeing the bride fully ready for the first time.
First Look with Parents
If you’re planning a first look with your dad, mom, or both, this is the ideal moment for it — right after getting ready, before things get busy.
It’s such a special and emotional few minutes, and having it before the rest of the day starts keeps things relaxed (and makeup intact).
First Look with the Couple
This is one of my favorite parts of the day.
We’ll usually plan for 30 minutes here — not because the first look takes that long, but because I never want to rush those genuine emotions. Once the first look wraps up, we’ll roll right into some couple portraits while everything still feels fresh.
Bridal Party Photos
After the first look, we’ll bring in your bridal party for group photos. I like to start with the full group, then split into bridesmaids and groomsmen photos.
If you want a mix of traditional and fun shots, this is the perfect time to get both — everyone’s excited, relaxed, and looking their best.
Ceremony
And then, the big moment.
Whether it’s inside a chapel or outdoors in the sunshine, I always build your timeline around ceremony lighting. Outdoor ceremonies, in particular, photograph best in even light — so make sure your ceremony time matches the lighting you love most.
Family Photos
Once the ceremony wraps up, we’ll move straight into family photos while everyone is still close by.
I usually recommend keeping these to immediate family for efficiency — parents, siblings, and grandparents — and saving extended family photos for the reception if needed.
This part usually takes about 30 minutes, and I always work from a pre-made shot list so no one gets missed.
Bride & Groom Photos
This is where you finally get to breathe.
Once family photos are done, I love sneaking away for couple portraits — the first few minutes as newlyweds are always full of sweet emotion. Depending on the timeline, we might split portraits into two parts: after the ceremony and again around sunset for that golden glow.
Reception Photos
Once the formal photos are finished, it’s time to celebrate!
I typically recommend at least two hours of reception coverage to capture introductions, toasts, first dances, and plenty of dance floor fun. If you’re planning a grand exit, we’ll make sure to leave time for that too.
Final Thought
Every wedding day looks a little different, but this order tends to create the best flow — with just enough structure to stay organized, and enough flexibility to let moments unfold naturally.
A thoughtful timeline means fewer rushed photos, calmer transitions, and a day that actually feels like you.