When it comes to your wedding day, one of the biggest factors in ensuring everything runs smoothly is time management. As a Tampa Florida based Wedding Photographer, I’ve worked with countless couples to craft the perfect timeline, ensuring we capture each moment without feeling rushed. Whether you have a planner or not, understanding how much time to allocate for your photos is essential. Below are some guidelines to help you create an stress-free photography schedule on your big day!
Family Photos: 30-40 Minutes
Family photos typically take 30-40 minutes, depending on the number of people involved and how well-organized everyone is. To make the process smoother, I always recommend couples create a formal family shot list in advance and designate someone (often a planner or trusted family member) to help gather people. The best time to take these photos is right after the ceremony, while everyone is still gathered together. This ensures we capture everyone without needing to round them up from different areas.
1. Immediate Family – Both Sides (15 minutes)
– Couple with bride’s immediate family (parents, siblings)
– Couple with groom’s immediate family
– Couple with both families together
2. Extended Family (10 minutes)
– Bride’s extended family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins)
– Groom’s extended family (same format)
– Entire extended family shot with both families together
3. Special Family Groupings (5-10 minutes)
– Individual shots with grandparents
– Couple with special family members (godparents, close cousins)
– Sibling group shots
Tips:
– Always have a family member or planner help organize and gather family members.
– Make sure to create a detailed shot list ahead of time to ensure nothing is missed.
Wedding Party Photos: 30-45 Minutes
Wedding party photos are a mix of fun and formality, typically taking 30-45 minutes. If your wedding party is large or you’re looking for more creative, candid shots, it’s a good idea to allocate the full 45 minutes. This gives us time to get individual shots with the couple and the whole party, and time for more playful, relaxed group moments. Doing these photos before the ceremony can be a great way to ensure the schedule remains on track.
1. Group Shots with Entire Wedding Party (10-15 minutes)
– Full wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, and couple)
– Fun, candid shots with everyone cheering or laughing
– Formal shot of the entire group looking at the camera
– Couple surrounded by the wedding party
2. Groom with Groomsmen (10 minutes)
– Formal shot of groom with his groomsmen
– Individual shots with each groomsman
– Fun, candid shots (laughing, adjusting ties, toasting)
3. Bride with Bridesmaids (10 minutes)
– Formal shot of bride with her bridesmaids
– Individual shots with each bridesmaid
– Candid shots (bridesmaids fluffing the dress, laughing)
4. Couple with Best Man & Maid of Honor (5 minutes)
– Formal shot of the couple with their two closest attendants
– Candid, fun shots showcasing their personalities
Post-Ceremony Couple and Group Photos: 45-60 Minutes
After the ceremony, it’s ideal to leave 45-60 minutes for couple portraits and any additional group shots. If your ceremony and reception are at different locations, this time is also used for travel. I like to take advantage of the golden hour (the last hour before sunset) for these couple portraits, as the lighting during this time can add a dreamy, romantic feel to your photos. This is where we capture those intimate moments between the two of you that will feel timeless in your wedding album.
Formal Couple Portraits: 30-45 Minutes
Formal couple portraits should have 30-45 minutes set aside. If you’re not planning a “first look” before the ceremony, this will happen after the ceremony. However, many couples prefer to do a first look as it allows them to see each other privately before the big event and gives them time to enjoy cocktail hour with their guests afterward. Whether before or after the ceremony, these photos are all about capturing the emotion, love, and connection between you as a couple.
Why a Photography Timeline is Key
Flexibility is essential when it comes to your wedding day timeline. No two weddings are alike, and the dynamics of your day will be unique to you. Working closely with both your wedding planner and your photographer helps ensure that your day runs smoothly. By understanding the time you need to capture family moments, wedding party fun, and those cherished couple portraits, you’ll set yourself up for a day filled with love and joy, without the stress of feeling rushed.
Need help crafting the perfect timeline, inquire today? I’m Hernan, an elopement photographer and Tampa Florida wedding photographer.