How much time does my wedding photographer need?
One thing couples love to know is, how to make their wedding photography timeline. That is, how much time their photographer needs to photograph each part of their day.
Understanding this will help you to make the most of your wedding photography because you’ll be able to plan your wedding photography schedule so that everything that’s important to you can be captured.
Here’s my rough breakdown of how much time to allocate for your wedding photos along with my top wedding photography timeline tips for each part of your day. Times are given based on my experience as a wedding photographer in Nottingham.
Note- the times shown are times of shooting, they don’t include travel and everything that happens either side of each window of shooting.
1) Groom Getting Ready – TIME 15 min
The groom and the groomsmen won’t take long to throw themselves together! This is usually my first stop of the day.
TIP – Remember to allow time for your photographer to travel to the bride if they are getting ready at a separate location where the bride.
Some photographers might say, ‘Ah, surely you need two wedding photographers so you can capture both sets of getting ready…’ but I’ve debunked that myth HERE
2) Bridal Prep – TIME 30 min
Before dress goes on (allow 10 min)
I’ll photograph details like your dress, shoes, the room, anything of sentimental value, as well as moments between you and your bridesmaids and/or mum.
After dress is on (allow 20 min)
This is the perfect time to get some relaxed photos of you hanging with your bride squad as well as see them loose it when they see you in your dress of the first time. Also, we can get a father of the bride moment too.
Timings for photos can be a little tight so here’s my top recommendation to help you avoid it feeling like a mad rush…
TIP – Put your dress on early. Be ready in your dress at least 20 min before you leave for your ceremony.
That way you’ll have time to feel comfortable and have time with your friends and family before heading for the ceremony. It needn’t be a mad dash to the aisle! You’ll feel more relaxed about your wedding and it will also give me more time for photos 🙂
I’ll check in with you before you pop your dress on and I’ll only come back into to the room once everyone is decent.
If you can, leave some finishing touches on your dress (like buttons etc) for bridesmaids to help you with so I can photograph those getting ready moments and dress details.
Don’t worry, I also won’t be taking artsy pictures of you with your face half done and stuff like that – that’s not cool.
The photo above was taken at a Stubton Hall wedding and you can see more here
3) Ceremony – TIME: 30 – 60 min
It is what you make it… ceremonies can range from about 20 min to one hour if there are many personal contributions or cultural/ religious aspects to be observed. For the record, my fastest ceremony was a microwedding last year that lasted 7 min – I kid you not.
I’ll arrive before your starting time to capture some of your guests arriving too and get into prime position to photograph the processional (Oh, that’s the official word for the group of people walking down the aisle in a specific order to mark the beginning of your wedding ceremony). For 10 wedding ceremony tips go here
Featured photo: Go here for more from this Holme Pierrepont Hall wedding
THE PARTY REALLY BEGINS…
Ideally, you need to allow 1.5 hours between the end of your ceremony and sitting down for dinner in your wedding photography timeline to allow for confetti, group shots and couples photos as well as capture candid moments of you relaxing and enjoying time with your guests. I’ll also nip into the reception area to take photos of table décor before guests are seated.
4) Confetti – Time 5 min
TIME: 5 min
5 min for a confetti shot? I thought you were only putting down shooting times? True. Confetti tunnels are literally a 30 second whirlwind. However, you need to allow time, once everyone has filtered out from the ceremony, to be 1) given a fist full of confetti each and 2) assemble in two tight lines which your photographer will co-ordinate.
For more on how to get the best confetti photo go HERE
5) Couples Portraits – TIME 20 min
The amount of time required for photos varies A LOT between photographers. Some like to spend ages doing ‘artsy’ posed stuff or worse do it with their couple on a hill side or something ridiculous like that.
Here’s what I do:
We need only need 20 min before your your wedding breakfast begins to capture relaxed photos of you spending time together. My approach is to go for a short walk and take photos along the way. I won’t be jamming you into any awkward poses!
Featured photo: More gorgeous Langar Hall Wedding photos HERE
6) Group Photos (close family, bridesmaids, groomsmen) TIME 20 min
Check out my blog post all about this – here’s how to get your group shots done in 20 min, so you can get back to the party!
However, it will take longer if you have the ‘everyone’ group shot and an extended list of group shots.
7) Candids
TIME 30 min
I’m taking these throughout and in-between each set-piece in your day. After the confetti has been thrown, which usually follows straight on from the ceremony, you’ll want to spend some time mingling with your guests before doing group shots. Load of candids can be captured in this time.
8) Details – TIME 10 min
I aim to get into the reception area in advance of your guests being seated so that I can capture all your wedding details, décor and personal touches before the room becomes crowded with faces.
Featured Photo: This one is from a wedding at Prestwold Hall.
9) Reception and Speeches
I’ll photograph speeches, impromptu moments, guests interacting but I won’t be shooting during courses to let guests relax and focus on enjoying their meal. Plus, no one wants a photo of them with a face full of food. Groom’s, want to know how to nail your speech? I’ve 5 Groomsman speech tips for you HERE
10) Bonus Couples Session Time – 15 min
Also, time/ daylight / weather permitting, my couples love to pop out for another short session towards the end of the day. This gives you the chance to have a breather and recharge before hitting the dance floor. It also allows you to explore and enjoy more of the grounds of your awesome wedding venue. Couples really appreciate the extra time together. Plus, using the soft light towards the end of the day lends itself to making gorgeous photos too!
END
That’s pretty much all the things you need to thing about the make your wedding photography timeline. The rest, first dance and dance floor just flows.
Cheers, Nathan