The Ultimate Wedding Day Timeline for Perfect Photo & Video Coverage

Your wedding day will fly by faster than you can imagine—and having a well-planned timeline ensures every special moment is beautifully captured on photo and video. As a husband-and-wife photo and video team, we’ve learned that great visuals come from great planning.

Having a wedding planner or coordinator makes a huge difference—they help keep the day organized, stress-free, and running on schedule so you can fully enjoy each moment. But even with the best planner, it’s important to know how photo and video coverage fit into your day. Here are some timeline tips to help you make the most of every moment and ensure everything flows seamlessly.

1. Getting Ready – The Calm Before the Celebration

Recommended time: 1.5–2 hours

These are some of the most emotional and beautiful moments of the day—hair and makeup, laughter with friends, and that first look in the mirror. Having both photo and video coverage here ensures the excitement and emotion are preserved forever.

Tip: Keep your getting-ready space tidy for the best results.

2. First Look (Optional, But Magical)

Recommended time: 20–30 minutes

If you’re doing a first look, it’s one of the most intimate moments of the day—and one of our favorites to film and photograph. Video captures the movement and reaction, while photos freeze that emotional first glance.

Tip: Choose a quiet location with great natural light.

3. Ceremony – The Heart of It All

Recommended time: 30–60 minutes

This is where the story truly unfolds. Photographers capture emotions, details, and expressions, while videographers record vows, music, and movement. Together, these create a powerful memory you’ll relive forever.

Tip: Ask your officiant to step aside during the first kiss—it makes for a clean, cinematic shot.

4. Portraits & Family Photos

Recommended time: 45–60 minutes

After the ceremony, we’ll capture family formals and romantic portraits. These are must-haves for your album, and video snippets during this time add emotional depth to your wedding film.

Tip: Create a family photo list before the wedding to stay organized.

5. Reception – The Celebration Begins

Recommended time: 3–4 hours

From your grand entrance to the dance floor, this is where candid energy takes over. Photography focuses on capturing expressions and décor details, while videography records the energy, laughter, and movement.

Tip: Keep speeches and dances close together on the schedule—your guests (and your vendors) will thank you!

6. The Grand Exit – Ending on a High Note

Recommended time: 15 minutes

Whether it’s sparklers, confetti, or a classic car getaway, your grand exit deserves a photo and video finish. It’s the perfect closing scene to your wedding story.

Bonus: Trust Your Team with Wedding Day Timeline

When photography and videography teams work seamlessly together—especially a husband-and-wife duo who understand each other’s rhythm—it ensures every moment is covered beautifully without overlap or chaos.

A well-planned wedding timeline isn’t just about organization—it’s about creating space for genuine moments to unfold naturally. With our experience capturing weddings across DFW and beyond, we help our couples plan timelines that bring out the best in both photo and video.

Ready to plan your perfect day? Schedule a consultation with us to create a custom photo and video timeline for your wedding.