Here’s an 8-hour wedding photography timeline to help you plan out the key moments to include on your wedding day.
We’ve even included some extra hours on the timeline in case you prefer a 10-hour option.
We all know that wedding photography doesn’t come cheap, so you want to get all the shots you’ve dreamed of to remember forever.
But how?
Read on. This easy guide will help you decide the best shots, the must-haves, and the special moments your photographer MUST include in your wedding photography coverage.
While making all the creative decisions for your timeline, don’t be afraid to reach out to your photographer for help.
Put simply, the 8-hour wedding photography timeline is the hours of coverage the photographer will capture your wedding story, from getting ready to the final dance party.
The 8-hour timeline is the near-perfect amount of time to fit all the extra intimate moments like the first look.
No matter how good your photographer is, they still need your input to make the most of your 8 hours to ensure no emotional moment is missed and that your wedding photos tell the complete story of your day.
Below is a real-life example of an 8-hour wedding if you don't include the highlighted areas (worked off a recent 10-hour timeline to give you ideas).
· Getting ready preparations
· First look (if chosen)
· Couple portraits
· Wedding party and family photos
· The ceremony
· Bar and casual mingling
· Reception events
· Dances
· Final Party
Communicating to your photographer the must-include moments to capture helps keep everyone on schedule, reduces stress, and allows your photographer to prepare for each moment.
Be it the subtle smile on your face as you admire your wedding fit, or the moments as you anticipate the long day ahead—every shot matters.
This is when the story of your wedding day begins to unfold.
Why not showcase the transformation from everyday life to your wedding day best?
Capture any of those special items passed down or family heirlooms.
· Hair and makeup application
· Candid moments with bridesmaids
· Putting on the wedding dress
· Final touch-ups and accessories
· Emotional moments with family members or children
· The wedding dress hanging
· Glance at the wedding dress hanging
· Shoes, jewelry, and other accessories
· Bouquets and boutonnieres
· Invitation suite and other stationery
· Perfume and other personal items
· Gifts from the groom
If possible, your photographer should split time between the bride and groom’s preparations or include a second photographer to capture shots of the groom and groomsmen.
If the groom is getting ready in a second location, having a second photographer can capture the groom preparation:

· Putting on the suit or tuxedo
· Adjusting tie or bow tie
· Candid moments with groomsmen
· Attaching boutonnière
· Gift exchanges with groomsmen
· Gifts from the bride
Gather all your details (jewelry, invitation, etc.) in one place before your photographer arrives to save time and ensure nothing is missed.
This intimate moment allows you to see each other before the ceremony and calm the pre-wedding jitters.
You also get a chance for beautiful, emotion-filled photos.
· Choose a private, well-lit location
· Allow genuine emotions to flow
· Take a moment to soak in the experience
· Consider exchanging personal vows or gifts during this time
Some brides choose to have a first look with their father which is also an amazing and emotional experience.
If there are children, consider a groom and daughter first look, which is also very cute.
Of course, not everyone everyone wants to do a first look.
A “First Touch” could also be an idea. When the bride and groom don’t see each other, they can position themselves to read vows, communicate or touch hands around the corner of a building.
If you don’t prefer first looks, use this hour elsewhere for extra getting-ready photos, extended bride and groom photos, multiple locations, or time for breaks.
Leave the creativity for this one to your photographer and focus on the most important time of the day.
Let them use their expertise to take pictures of every special moment for a visual story of your commitment to each other.
The photographer should plan for these shots:

· Venue and decor details
· Guest arrivals and seating
· Wedding party processional
· Bride walking down the aisle
· Reactions of the couple seeing each other
· Exchange of vows and rings
· First kiss as a married couple
· Recessional
Remember to discuss any cultural or religious restrictions on photography during the ceremony with your photographer beforehand.
Sometimes specific rules about flash photography or photographer movement can occur during the service.
We all know how hard it is to get people to work together but they have to—for your sake.
Many people will linger and take their time, so be clear with the photographer prior of which family members will be in the photos.
This will help make sure everything stays on time as the photographer organizes the different family members.
Here’s how to get all the combinations you want:
· Immediate family groups (parents, siblings)
· Extended family combinations
· Grandparents and special relatives
· Blended family photos if applicable
· Bride with her family
· Groom with his family
· Bride and groom together with families
· Provide your photographer with a list of family combinations in advance.
· Assign a family member or friend to help gather people for photos.
· Assign someone to help with children if needed while they wait for photos
· Consider doing some of these photos before the ceremony if not doing a first look.
This is where you get to have a bit of fun in between everything to capture the bridal party.
Depending on the vibe you want, let your photographer know if you prefer to have more serious poses or fun and candid shots.
There are tons of exciting ideas to capture for the bridal party… especially the bride toss or groom toss (always fun!).
· Either at the end or beginning, get everyone together for a full group shot
· Bride with bridesmaids
· Groom with groomsmen
· Individual shots with the bride
· Individual shots with the groom
· Fun and creative group poses
· Serious portrait-style poses
Bride and Groom photos are the absolutely most important time for photos, second to the ceremony.
You will be tempted to get tired and hungry and want to rush through these photos, but this is where you need to push through.
The photographer should emphasize and let you know that this is the part you do not want to compromise on.
If you have enough time, you may want to include multiple locations with different backgrounds, think outside sky shots, inside the venue, and outdoor shots.
When you discuss with your photographer, dream up all the vibes you want to capture/
Start to save a list of idea poses and send them to your photographer leading up to the wedding day.
· Use different backgrounds and locations
· Capture both formal and candid shots
· Have individual shots to remember your lovely wedding dress and the grooms attire
· Take advantage of golden hour lighting later in the day if timeline allows
· Include some shots that showcase your venue
Don’t forget to enjoy each other during this time and cherish the moment!
Before the reception, use this time for any additional portraits and to capture the atmosphere of the cocktail hour.
This is a great time to get shots of your guests mingling and enjoying themselves.
· Newlywed portraits in and around the ceremony site
· Additional wedding party photos
· Any family combinations missed earlier
· Couple interacting with the guests
· Candid guest interactions
· Decor and detail shots
· Food and drink presentations
· Musicians or entertainers
· Guest book signing
· Table settings
· Centerpieces
· Cake display
· Seating chart or escort cards
· Any special decor elements
This is also a good time for your photographer to capture details as guests enter the space:
The next couple of hours are dedicated to capturing the festivities and memorable moments of your reception.
This is where many of the traditional wedding events take place, and your photographer will be busy documenting all the action.
· Grand entrance of the newlyweds
· Bridal party introductions
· Toasts and speeches
· Dinner service and candid shots
· Cake cutting ceremony
· Bride and groom reactions and emotions
Your photographer will also focus on shooting the ambiance, decor details, and guest interactions during this time.
They’ll be on the lookout for emotional moments, laughter, and the general joy of the celebration.
Enjoy your dinner and the speeches, sit back and let the photographer work in the background.
The final hours of your 8-hour wedding photography timeline are about capturing the party's energy and concluding your wedding story with a memorable send-off.
The first dance and parent dances are one of the most emotional parts of the wedding night.
Discuss with your photographer the must-haves and important events happening during this time.
· First Dance
· Parent dances
· Bouquet and garter toss
· Group dance shots
· Candid moments of guests enjoying themselves
· Special dance traditions or performances
· Band or DJ in action
· Consider stepping away for a few quiet moments
· Capture the joy and relief of the day’s events
· Night shots utilizing creative lighting techniques
· Sparkler exit
· Bubble send-off
· Vintage car departure
· Flower petal toss
You do not want to miss this time of the night if the weather and timeline permit.
Discuss with your wedding photographer how to capture this amazing golden-hour glow.
Your photographer may strategize to come and sneak you away when the time is right. Speak with your event planner to coordinate this into the schedule.
Remember, you’re going to be tired, but don’t miss out if you get this chance to have these beautiful photos, even if it’s only for 10-15 minutes.
Photographers depart after spending the day with you.
From here on out, anticipate the exciting day you will receive your wedding gallery.
Remember, you’re in control of your wedding budget for your story and crafting an 8-hour wedding photography timeline doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
To get the most out of your wedding photography, clear communication with your photographer and good planning are life savers.
Start by discussing your must-have shots with your photographer to ensure those special moments are captured. Then, work closely with your wedding planner or photographer to create a smooth timeline.
Remember to avoid delays and brief your family and wedding party about the photo schedule.
Set time aside for group shots while also allowing your photographer the freedom to capture spontaneous, authentic moments.
Remember, even the best plans can hit a snag, so be prepared for unexpected delays. Assign a trusted friend or family member to manage the timeline, so you can stay in the moment without worrying about logistics.
Consider adding that extra buffer of time or breaks throughout the day.
And after the wedding, it’s natural to be eager for your photos. Give your photographer time to deliver your timeless photos.
Your photographer is just as excited as you to see the final results and hit the send button on your wedding gallery.
With thoughtful planning and a bit of flexibility, your wedding photography will perfectly capture the joy, love, and beauty of your special day, creating memories that last a lifetime.
You might still be unsure how to plan or fit your wedding day within your timeline.
Reach out to us if you’re still on the search for a wedding photographer in Alberta, Edmonton, or within Canada, and we're happy to help!
Request a wedding questionnaire, and we can get the ball rolling to chat up your wedding dreams!
Download a copy of the 8-hour timeline PDF here:
About the Author, Kevin Fearn.
Kevin works directly with his wife, Shayna Fearn, and together, they run a successful wedding photography business in Edmonton, AB. He has a passion for working with photographers and hosts the SF Photography podcast. He also runs a Web Design and SEO agency for photographers and local businesses. Kevin creates photography content through blogging and video.
