Planning your wedding timeline can feel overwhelming, but getting it right ensures a relaxed, stress-free day—and stunning photos to match! As a UK wedding photographer, I’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t), so here’s a guide to structuring your day with photography in mind.
1. Start with Your Ceremony Time
The best place to begin is your ceremony time. Everything else—getting ready, portraits, and the reception—fits around this.
💡 TIP: If you want golden hour portraits, check the sunset time and consider an earlier ceremony so there’s enough light later.
UK Ceremony Timing Guide:
- Church weddings: Usually around 1:00–3:00 PM (often longer due to hymns and readings).
- Civil ceremonies & registry office weddings: Typically 12:00–3:00 PM, lasting 20–45 minutes.
- Outdoor weddings: Earlier times work best for light; check sunset time for evening options.
2. Getting Ready: How Much Time Do You Need?
💄 Bridal Prep: 2–3 hours before leaving for the ceremony
🤵♂️ Groom Prep: 1–1.5 hours before leaving
Bridal prep usually takes longer, especially with hair, makeup, dress details, and emotional moments with family and bridesmaids. Plan for buffer time so you’re not rushing.
💡 Photography tip: I usually arrive 2 hours before the ceremony to capture details, final touches, and candid moments.
3. Post-Ceremony Photos: Factor in Mingling Time
Right after the ceremony, you’ll want to hug your guests, soak in the moment, and enjoy the confetti toss! It’s tempting to rush straight into group photos, but giving yourselves 10–15 minutes to just be present makes the experience more enjoyable.
💡 Photography tip: Plan for 30 minutes for group photos and another 15–20 minutes for couple portraits while guests enjoy a drinks reception.
- Confetti exit (if allowed at the venue)
- Group photos: Start with large groups, then immediate family & wedding party
- Couple portraits: A relaxed walk around your venue or a scenic spot nearby
4. The Wedding Breakfast & Speeches
Most UK venues serve the wedding breakfast around 4:00–6:00 PM, followed by speeches.
💡 Photography tip: Natural moments during speeches make for emotional and joyful photos! Try to avoid doing speeches between courses as these can often disrupt the flow of the meals being served, but is also when guests will pop in and out of the room
5. Golden Hour & Evening Portraits
The soft golden light before sunset is pure magic for romantic wedding portraits. If possible, schedule 10–15 minutes away from guests to capture these.
💡 Best time for golden hour in the UK:
- Spring/Summer: 7:30–9:00 PM
- Autumn/Winter: 3:30–5:00 PM
6. First Dance & Evening Reception
Evening celebrations usually kick off around 7:30–8:00 PM, with your first dance soon after. If you’re having a sparkler exit or fireworks, let your photographer know so they can work this into your timeline at the perfect time (I usually plan sparkler shots for just after sunset before it gets too dark)
💡 Photography tip: I usually stay until around 9:00 PM, capturing the fun on the dance floor before wrapping up coverage.
Example Wedding Timeline (UK)
🕘 9:00 AM – Bridal prep starts
🕦 11:00 AM – Bride/Groom prep photos begin
🕛 12:00 PM – Final bridal touches & dress photos
🕐 1:00 PM – Ceremony
🕜 1:30 PM – Confetti & mingling, drinks and canapés
🕞 2:00 PM – Group photos & couple portraits
🕓 3:30 PM – Wedding breakfast & speeches
🕖 7:00 PM – Golden hour portraits
🕢 7:30 PM – Evening guests arrive
🕗 8:00 PM – First dance & party begins
🕘 9:00 PM – Photographer finishes coverage
Final Tips for a Relaxed Wedding Day
✔️ Leave buffer time – Avoid feeling rushed by adding 10–15 minute gaps between key events.
✔️ Trust your photographer – A good wedding photographer knows how to adapt to changes on the day.
✔️ Enjoy the moment! – The best photos come from real, joyful moments, so don’t stress over small details.
💍 Planning your wedding and need a photographer? Get in touch to chat about your wedding plans—I’d love to capture your special day! 📩✨
