How should I prepare my wedding day timeline for the photographer?

Build backwards from your ceremony start

Work with your venue and vendors to establish realistic timelines. When does the bride need to be fully dressed? When do family formals happen? When does the ceremony actually begin (not when guests arrive)? When does the first dance start? Fill in the gaps—getting-ready time, photos before ceremony, cocktail hour length. Add 15-minute buffers for delays.

Include vendor access details

Specify when the photographer can access each location and any restrictions: Can they enter the ceremony space before guests arrive? Is there a rehearsal they should attend? Are there blackout periods (like during vows when you want no photos)? Does your venue have low light, restricted tripod use, or limited movement? The more your photographer knows, the better they prepare.

Share it, then confirm it

Provide your timeline to your photographer at least one week before the wedding, then confirm the night before or morning-of. Confirm with your wedding planner, venue, and any officiant too. When everyone's on the same page, timing flows better. If something changes on the day, alert your photographer immediately—they can adjust their positioning and priorities.

Build in flexibility

Ceremonies run late, getting-ready takes longer than expected. Flag what's non-negotiable (first kiss, first dance) versus flexible (cocktail hour candids, specific location shoots).