Wedding Photography Timeline | Time slots for your photography | Colorado Wedding Photographer

With all the different sizes, needs, and cultures, a wedding day is unique to the individuals. A wedding day is full of non-stop moments that are priceless to your future selves reflection of the day. Whether you’re having a short intimate wedding, or a large full coverage wedding day, here is a list of ideal time frames for each section of your big day. Reminder that this is just an ideal timeline for a full coverage wedding day.

DETAILS | DRESS, RINGS, SHOES..

Suggested Time - 10-20 minutes

In most cases, the first photos taken are the detail images. When I arrive, I like to say my hellos and introductions, then start capturing all the details requested from the bride and groom. In some cases we can capture all of what we need right in the getting ready room, but if the room is crowded or we had an idea else where at the venue, the details could be captured in a different location. Another reason why I like starting with details is that it gives the family and wedding party time to get comfortable with the photographers in the room. Most likely the couple has already worked with us during numerous talks and the engagement session, so the relationship has developed. It’s an extra plus to get that comfort through out the room, so we can capture the true natural moments and excitement of this part of the day.

PREPARATION | BRIDE AND GROOM PORTRAITS

Suggested Time - 30-45 minutes

After the details, we move right into the getting ready portion of the day. The final stages of makeup and hair, the best man helping the groom with his tie, and all the laughs and emotions that you won’t want to miss. This section of the day is were the reality of “It’s happening” and emotions come together. That’s why I suggest giving the getting ready part the proper time it deserves. The lead photographer will be with the bride, and the second with the groom, unless the bridal suite and the grooms room is close to each other, we will most likely be going back and forth from room to room. (Note: extra time could be needed if you only have one photographer.) After preparation, When you are freshly ready and feeling good, it’s the perfect time for individual photos of the bride and groom. These photos can be done in the suite (always great window light), lobby, or somewhere close by. And if time permits, I like to take some separate wedding party group photos and individual wedding party photos with the bride and groom. This will save time after the ceremony when we take the full wedding party photos.

FIRST LOOK | FIRST COUPLES SESSION

Suggested Time - 15-30 minutes

Although a first look only takes up to 10 minutes, the rest of the time allotted will be valued for you and your photographer. After capturing that initial joy in both of your eyes and the moment of you two coming together, I personally like to give you both 5-15 minutes alone. If the afternoon timeline permits, I feel this short window is very important. This whole day and everyone that’s apart of it is focused on one thing, the couple. This is most likely the only time of the day you’ll get to spend alone together, so stop, breath, and enjoy that mid-day break together. Then, it’s a great time to get a few daytime couple photos. This will give a variety of couples photos through out the day with different light and scenery.

WEDDING PARTY PHOTOS

Suggested Time - 15-30 minutes

After the first look/couples session it is the perfect time to reunite with your wedding party. At this time we will take a variety of group shots and get one-on-one’s for everyone with the bride and groom. Like all other parts of the day, the time needed will vary and depend on how large the wedding party is, and if the couple wants more artistic group images additional to the traditional posed images. It’s also a good time to get photos with your immediate family. It’s always a plus to have additional photos beyond the traditional family formals taken after the ceremony.

This time is also great for the second photographer to capture candid images and details of the ceremony location before guest are seated.

Note: If you decide to do a traditional reveal instead of a first look, these images with the family formals will most likely be right after the ceremony while the cocktail hour is happening.

FAMILY FORMALS | RECEPTION DETAILS

Suggested Time - 20-30 minutes

After the ceremony, it’s time to gather all the guests for family formals. I like to have a list of groups before hand on all the variations of family group photos wanted by the couple. This makes it flow much easier and reassures that we don’t miss any important images to the family. I like to have my second photographer taking candid images, help pose the groups, and take detail photos of the reception area before the guests arrive.

COUPLES PHOTOS | COCKTAIL HOUR

Suggested Time - 20-30 minutes

This is one of my favorite times of the day. All that anxious anticipation since the day of the proposal has exploded into joy and happiness. You are married!

This is the time we get to take advantage of all the beautiful surroundings of your venue, whether it be downtown or on the edge of a mountain. And in most cases, will be scheduled when the natural light is at its best. Cocktail hour has the word “hour” in it for a reason. That gives us at the remainder of the time after family formals to create great wall hanging images of the newly weds. My second will be capturing candid images of the guests enjoying cocktail hour and possibly assisting me with the couples session.

THE RECEPTION

Depending on the couple and what traditions they believe, the rest of the evening will most likely be filled with a grand entrance, toasts, first dances, party dancing, cake cutting, bouquet/garter toss, grand exit, etc. I would suggest sneaking in a final couples session (10-15 minutes) towards the end of dinner or later in the night to capture some dramatic night images. These images can be a great part of ending a perfect day.

If you have any questions on your specific day and timeline, I am an open book. Please feel free to message me anytime. And if you want to no more about my booking process or availability, I look forward to hearing from you.