THE IDEAL WEDDING DAY TIMELINE
Chicago wedding photography clients often ask us for help with their wedding day timeline. We always do our best to guide our couples and assist them in creating an ideal timeline that fits their plans, traditions, and photography goals. We encourage you to follow our recommendations and take a moment to read through the guidance we provide, so you can create a timeline that feels perfect for you and your day.
geating ready 1-1.5 hours
Wedding Details
Set aside at least half an hour for photographing meaningful elements like the dress, shoes, jewelry, invitations, and anything else that reflects your style and story. These images set the tone of your day and add depth to your gallery.
Natural Interactions
Plan for about 30 minutes for relaxed, documentary-style photos with family, friends, and your wedding party. These unscripted moments often become some of the most cherished memories.
Getting Ready & Final Touches
Reserve a solid 30 minutes for slipping into your gown and putting on finishing touches. This moment is more time-consuming than many expect, and it also gives us a chance to create beautiful bridal portraits before the day unfolds.
first look 30 min.
This is the perfect time to capture emotional moments between the bride and groom. These are always incredibly heartfelt and meaningful. Together with the couple, it’s important to select a great spot for the First Look that suits their style and the vision for the day.
couple portraits & wedding party 1 -2 hours
If the wedding is in Chicago, there are countless location options. You can explore some of them here. Ideally, plan for about two hours and visit at least two different spots. If there is a large bridal party, it’s important to choose a location that can comfortably accommodate bigger groups.
ceremony 30 min. -1 hour
The ceremony usually lasts around 30 minutes. It’s always best to arrive a little early so the couple can prepare and take a short break after photos at the locations. It’s also important for the photo and video team to arrive early so they can capture the ceremony setup.
family photos 20min. -30 min.
The time needed for family photos depends on how many groups are included. Each group usually takes about 3–4 minutes, and the entire process typically doesn’t last more than 30 minutes.
cocktail 1 hour
The cocktail hour usually takes place right after the ceremony while the reception space is being finalized and prepared for guests. It’s a perfect window for capturing relaxed, candid photos with family, friends, and members of the bridal party. People are more at ease during this time, sharing smiles, hugs, and conversations — creating natural and heartfelt moments worth preserving.
This break also gives the photo and video team the opportunity to document the reception setup before anyone enters. From the décor and floral arrangements to the lighting, signage, and table details — everything looks pristine at this moment. These images add depth to your wedding gallery and beautifully highlight the effort and design that went into creating the atmosphere for the evening celebration.
reception 3-4 hours
The reception is often guided by your venue team, catering schedule, and DJ program, while your photographer focuses on capturing everything as it happens. Still, this part of the day deserves thoughtful attention when it comes to photography. From the couple’s entrance and emotional toasts, to the first dance and lively crowd on the dance floor — the reception is filled with meaningful highlights that should be beautifully documented. Keeping photography in mind during this portion of the timeline ensures that every important moment, big or small, becomes part of your lasting wedding story.
