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Editable Wedding Day Timeline Templates

Before you download one of the editable wedding day timeline templates below, I recommend that you first check out my wedding day schedule guide. This guide will show you all the details you should think about when creating your timeline.

Once you understand the main segments that comprise a wedding, the templates below will help give you the best plan for your day. A well planned timeline will not only help you get better photos, it will also reduce the chance of missing photos from your shot list. Additionally, it will also help make your wedding photography more efficient so you can spend more time with your guests.

Editable Wedding Day Timeline Templates

Below you’ll find three different wedding day timeline templates to give you the best starting point for your circumstance. Once the schedule is customized to your liking you can then easily share it with other vendors, family and your bridal party!

These sample timelines include:

  1. 10 hr wedding day timeline template with no first look.
  2. 12 hr wedding day timeline template with a first look.
  3. A short elopement wedding day timeline template.

These templates also give my recommended coverage times for each segment of your wedding day. Please note that these recommended coverage times should NOT be altered if you want wedding photos consistent with what I show in my portfolio.

Wedding Day Timeline Template: 10 hrs Without a First Look

12:00 PM
Groom putting on cuff links as he get's ready for wedding.
12:00 PM

Groom get's ready (1.5hr)

Photos with groom’s parents, family and groomsmen. Formal and creative portraits with groom solo.

1:30 PM
1:30 PM

Travel Time (30 Min)

Travel time between groom and bride’s location

2:00 PM
Portrait of a bride looking over her shoulder while holding her bouquet Sonoma wedding photographer
2:00 PM

Bride get's ready (2hr)

Photos with bride’s parents, family and brides maids. Formal and creative portraits with bride solo.

4:00 PM
4:00 PM

Couple rests (1hr)

Couple rests and hangs out with bridal party before ceremony. Photographer captures wedding details while guests arrive.

5:00 PM
5:00 PM

Ceremony (1hr)

Ceremonies can be anywhere from 10 minutes to over an hour long depending on your faith and desires. Adjust the ceremony length as needed.

6:00 PM
6:00 PM

Formal Group Photos (30 min)

Pictures of the entire wedding party and any remaining combinations you want from your shot list.

7:00 PM
7:00 PM

Cocktail Hour (1hr)

Cocktail hour is when your guests begin to socialize and mingle. Choosing not to have a first look means you will miss this part while you have your couples portraits taken.

7:00 PM
Sonoma wedding photographer
7:00 PM

Couples Portraits (1hr)

While your guests enjoy cocktail hour, we will go and capture formal and creative couples portraits.

8:00 PM
Little girls and adults dancing at a wedding reception.
8:00 PM

Reception (2hr)

Bride and groom grand entrance, speeches, first dance, mother and son dance, father and daughter dance, cake cut and the garter/bouquet toss etc.

10:00 PM
10:00 PM

Photographer Photo coverage ends

Wedding Day Timeline Template: 12 hrs With a First Look

11:00 AM
Groom tying his tie
11:00 AM

Groom get's ready (1.5hr)

Photos with groom’s parents, family and groomsmen. Formal and creative portraits with groom solo.

1:00 PM
Portrait Photographer Napa
1:00 PM

Bride get's ready (2hr)

Photos with bride’s parents, family and brides maids. Formal and creative portraits with bride solo.

3:00 PM
couple embracing under an alter and framed by an oak tree Sonoma wedding photographer
3:00 PM

First Look / Couples Formal Portraits (1 hr)

 Groom’s first look of the bride in her wedding dress. Formal & creative portraits with couple.

4:00 PM
Macro shot of wedding rings on a thistle bouqet
4:00 PM

Couple rests (1hr)

Couple rests and hangs out with bridal party before ceremony. Photographer captures wedding details while guests arrive.

5:00 PM
Couples kisses under an oak tree at sunset in a backyard wedding ceremony sonoma county
5:00 PM

Ceremony (1 hr)

Ceremonies can be anywhere from 10 minutes to over an hour long. Adjust the following events as needed according to your faith and rituals.

6:00 PM
6:00 PM

(Formal) Group Photos (30 min)

Pictures of the entire wedding party and any remaining combinations you want from your shot list. This is a great time to show how you really are with your friends!

6:30 PM
6:30 PM

Cocktail Hour (1 hr)

Cocktail hour is a great time to capture any photos you want with your guests. Remember to fill out your shot list so we don’t forget anyone!

7:30 PM
7:30 PM

Reception (3.5 hrs)

Bride and groom grand entrance, speeches, first dance, mother and son dance, father and daughter dance, cake cut and the garter/bouquet toss etc.

11:00 PM
11:00 PM

Photographer photo coverage ends

Wedding Day Timeline Template: Elopement

3:30 PM
3:30 PM

Groom Solo Portraits (1hr)

Groom last minute adjustments & details plus some formal and creative portraits.

4:30 PM
Bride putting on her pearls
4:30 PM

Bride Solo Portraits (1hr)

Bride last minutes adjustments & details plus some formal and creative portraits.

5:30 PM
Bride and groom elope at a church
5:30 PM

Ceremony (30 min)

Ceremonies can be anywhere from 10 minutes to over an hour long. Adjust the following events as needed according to your faith or desires.

6:00 PM
Elopement portrait of a bride and groom Sonoma wedding photographer
6:00 PM

Couple Portraits (1 hr)

Formal and creative portraits with the couple. Adjust this timeline as necessary to coincide with sunset for the best outdoor light during your couples portraits

Jason Guy

I am a portrait photographer based out of Sonoma, California. I create portraits for people of all ages with the goal of making images that are timeless. Portraits you will look back on decades from now, and still love them just as much then as you do today. While flattering lighting and pose are important, capturing how others see you is what I ultimately strive for.

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