For a 6-hour wedding, you'll want to prioritize the most important moments while ensuring there's enough time for artistic, emotional, and candid shots. Here’s a timeline breakdown and key shots to capture with the least amout of time I need.

Getting Ready – 30 minutes to 1 Hour


Candid moments & prep (hair/makeup, bridal party, groom getting ready) – 20 min

Final touch-ups & Dress – 10-15 min

*If a second photographer is available, we can split this 30-minute window—lead photographer with the bride, second with the groom.

If I’m the only photographer, I’ll need at least 1 full hour to capture both sides of the getting-ready process.

First Look / Pre-Ceremony Portraits (if applicable) – 40 minutes

Bride & groom’s first look (if planned) - 15 min

Bride with bridesmaids / Groom with groomsmen- 20 min

Solo portraits of bride and groom - 5 min

Ceremony – 30 to 45 minutes

Guest arrivals and ceremony setup – 10 min

Processional, vows, ring exchange, first kiss – 20-30 min

Recessional & candid guest moments – 5 min

Family & Group Photos - 45 minutes


Couple with immediate family (both sides) - 10 min

Couple with extended family (optional if time is tight) - 10 min

Wedding party fun shots - 10 min

 Couple’s Portraits - 30 minutes


Romantic and candid moments - 10 min

Movement shots (walking, spinning, laughing)- 10 min

Scenic shots based on venue setting- 10 min

Reception Events - 1.5–2 hours

Grand Entrance - 5-10 min

First dance - 5 min

Parent dances (if included) - 10 min

Dinner (candids, reactions) – 5-10 min (This is when I eat too)

Toasts and reactions - 15-30 min

Cake cutting - 10- 15 min

Open dance floor, party vibes - 30 min

*Golden Hour Portraits (if possible) – 15 minutes


Best light of the day for romantic couple shots - 15 min (we usually sneak away during dinner)

 Final Moments - 30 minutes

(Optional) If no getting shots are needed and photographer starts at Ceremony

Bouquet toss (if included) -10 min

Grand exist guests line up & prepare (sparklers, bubbles, car send-off, etc.)-10 min

The couple’s exit moment – 5 min

Final hugs & farewell shots – 5 min

A 6-hour wedding means prioritizing essential moments with less time for creative/editorial-style shots.

One photographer can cover this, but a second shooter would help ensure no key moments are missed, especially if you want both partners' prep covered or more ceremony, reception, or guest candids. I’m happy to help adjust the schedule so that your most important memories are captured.

Let’s plan your perfect wedding timeline together!


Sample 6-Hour Wedding Timeline (with Getting Ready)



1:00 PM – Photographer Arrives

  • Detail shots: dress, rings, florals, invites
  • Candid prep shots (bride & groom)

1:30 PM – Final Touches & Getting Dressed

  • Bride gets into dress
  • Groom final prep shots
  • Individual portraits if time allows
  • (Needs about 60–75 minutes total for full getting-ready coverage if solo shooter)

3:15 PM – First Look & Couple Portraits (Optional)

  • First look (15 min)
  • Couple portraits (30 min)
  • Bridal Party Pictures
  • (If skipping first look, save couple portraits for after ceremony)

4:00 PM – Ceremony

  • Family hugs & candid moments after

4:30 PM – Family & Group Portraits

  • Immediate family first
  • (Allow 30 minutes if group is organized)

5:00 PM – Couple Portraits (if not done earlier)

  • Golden hour starts depending on season
  • (20– minutes ideal)

5:30 PM – Reception Starts

  • Grand entrance, toasts, dinner, special dancing

7:00 PM – Photographer Wraps Up

  • Captures first dance, a few open dancing shots, and cake if timed early
  • (Plan any key moments you want photographed early in the reception)