Why Your Timeline Matters More Than You Think

A great wedding day timeline doesn’t just keep things on track — it’s the difference between feeling rushed and feeling fully present. As photographers, we’ve seen both perfectly orchestrated days and total chaos. And trust us: when the schedule is built with photography in mind, everything flows more smoothly.

Here’s what your wedding day timeline really needs, with honest, practical insight from a photographer’s perspective — and a few photo-saving tips you won’t find on a standard planning checklist.

The Core Moments Every Wedding Timeline Should Include

Whether you're planning an elegant urban affair or a laid-back celebration in the Rockies, these are the anchor points most Canadian weddings will have.

Getting Ready

• Hair & Makeup: 2–3 hours
• Photography Begins: Typically 1–1.5 hours before your departure or first look

Photography Tip: Choose a space with natural light and minimal clutter — see What Makes a Great Getting Ready Space.

First Look (Optional)

• Time Needed: 20–30 minutes
• Why It Matters: Allows for relaxed portraits, reduces pre-ceremony nerves, and gives couples a moment alone before the whirlwind begins.

Ceremony

• Typical Length: 20–40 minutes
• Add Buffer: 10–15 minutes for guest exit, hugs, and impromptu moments

Family & Wedding Party Photos

• Time Needed: 30–60 minutes, depending on group size
• Avoid Delays: Have a printed wedding photography shot list ready and assign a helper to gather people.

Couple Portraits

• Time Needed: 20–45 minutes
• Ideal Timing: Golden hour — the soft, glowing light around one hour before sunset.

Reception

• Grand entrance
• Dinner
• Speeches
• First dance
• Cake cutting
• Open dance floor

These moments can be flexible, but set approximate times for vendor coordination — especially photography coverage, catering, and entertainment.

Where Couples Often Underschedule (and Regret It)

Travel Between Locations

Even a 10-minute drive can turn into 30 with traffic, parking, and wrangling the wedding party.

Post-Ceremony Greetings

Guests will want hugs, selfies, and small talk. Build in time to soak in the moment without feeling pulled in every direction.

Golden Hour Portraits

This is the best light of the entire day — don’t miss it. Even if you've already done portraits earlier, a short golden hour session can be the most magical 15 minutes of your wedding.

Explore Wedding Photography Styles to see how light shapes the mood and story.

Photographer Insight

“Build your timeline around light, not just logistics. The most regretful couples are the ones who skipped golden hour portraits or ran out of time for family photos.”

Sample Timeline (With a First Look)

• 12:00 PM – Photographer arrives, getting ready coverage begins
• 1:30 PM – First look + couple portraits
• 2:30 PM – Wedding party photos
• 3:30 PM – Travel to ceremony site
• 4:00 PM – Ceremony
• 4:45 PM – Family photos + guest greetings
• 5:30 PM – Cocktail hour / golden hour portraits
• 6:30 PM – Reception begins
• 9:00 PM – Formalities end, dancing begins
• 10:00 PM – Photographer coverage ends

Need help mapping this out by season? Our Month-by-Month Canadian Wedding Planning Guide walks you through everything from weather prep to ideal timing for sunset photos.

Pro Tips for a Smoother Day

Add Buffer Time

Every major section should include a 15–30 minute cushion. Delays happen. Build them in.

Share the Timeline

Make sure all vendors — especially your planner or day-of coordinator — are working from the same updated version.

Leave Room for the Magic

The most memorable moments are often unscripted. Your timeline should allow for flexibility.