Spoiler alert: it depends! But I’ve got you covered with a few real-world examples below.


Planning your wedding timeline can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re trying to figure out how many hours of photography coverage you’ll need. Should you book 4, 6, or 8 hours? What happens if you’re not doing a first look? Can you still get getting-ready shots if you only book partial coverage?


Take a deep breath — because this is where I come in.


One of the most common questions I get from couples is:

“How many hours of photography coverage do we actually need?”


And the honest answer is... it depends! Every wedding day is different. Your timeline should reflect you, your priorities, and what moments you want documented most. At Art G Photography, I work closely with all of my couples to build a timeline that makes sense for your day and keeps things flowing with as little stress as possible.

 

 

4-Hour Wedding Photography Timeline


Best For: Courthouse ceremonies, elopements, or intimate celebrations where everything takes place at one location.


4 Hours Without a First Look


3:30 PM – Photographer arrives, captures ceremony setup, venue, and guests arriving

4:00 PM – Ceremony begins

4:30 PM – Family formals at ceremony location

5:00 PM – Wedding party portraits + couple portraits nearby

5:45 PM – Reception coverage begins (toasts, first dance, cake)

7:30 PM – Photographer departs


✨This timeline allows for ceremony through early reception coverage. Ideal if getting ready and sunset portraits aren't priorities.



4 Hours With a First Look



2:30 PM – Photographer arrives, light getting ready coverage (finishing touches, detail shots)

3:00 PM – First look & couple portraits

3:45 PM – Wedding party photos

4:30 PM – Ceremony

5:00 PM – Family formals

5:30 PM – Reception events begin (entrance, dances, toasts)

6:30 PM – Photographer wraps up with candids & couple mingling


✨Including a first look makes this timeline more efficient, especially if you want to enjoy your reception without stepping away for portraits.



6-Hour Wedding Photography Timeline



Best For: Traditional weddings with moderate guest counts, light getting-ready coverage, and reception documentation.


📸 6 Hours Without a First Look

1:30 PM – Photographer arrives for final getting-ready photos (details, dressing, candids)

2:30 PM – Depart for ceremony site

3:00 PM – Ceremony begins

3:30 PM – Family formals at ceremony site

4:00 PM – Wedding party + couple portraits

5:00 PM – Reception begins (grand entrance, toasts, dinner)

6:30 PM – First dance + parent dances

7:30 PM – Photographer departs


✨This timeline includes a well-paced ceremony and full reception start. There may be limited time for golden hour portraits if the season allows.



6 Hours With a First Look



12:30 PM – Photographer arrives, flat lays + detail shots (rings, invites, attire)

1:00 PM – Getting ready photos (candids, dress/suit on, first looks with parents)

2:00 PM – First look with couple

2:15 PM – Couple portraits

2:45 PM – Full wedding party photos

3:30 PM – Ceremony

4:00 PM – Family portraits

4:45 PM – Cocktail hour candids + reception details

5:30 PM – Grand entrance, toasts

6:15 PM – First dance & parent dances

6:45 PM – Photographer wraps up with dancing + mingling candids


✨This gives you flexibility and breathing room, plus time to enjoy cocktail hour with guests.



8-Hour Wedding Photography Timeline



Best For: Full wedding day coverage — from getting ready to dance floor — and ideal for couples who want all the candid, emotional, and in-between moments documented.


📸 8 Hours Without a First Look

11:00 AM – Photographer arrives, full getting-ready coverage (details, prep, flat lays)

12:30 PM – Getting dressed, first looks with parents or wedding party

1:30 PM – Depart for ceremony

2:00 PM – Ceremony

2:45 PM – Family portraits at ceremony location

3:15 PM – Wedding party photos

3:45 PM – Couple portraits

4:30 PM – Cocktail hour coverage (candids, details)

5:30 PM – Grand entrance + dinner service begins

6:15 PM – Toasts + speeches

7:00 PM – First dance + parent dances

7:30 PM – Golden hour portraits (if lighting allows)

8:00 PM – Cake cutting, open dancing begins

9:00 PM – Photographer departs


✨This flow keeps everything relaxed and well-paced, with plenty of time for those in-between moments couples often forget to ask for.



8 Hours With a First Look




10:30 AM – Photographer arrives, full details & getting-ready coverage

12:00 PM – First look with couple

12:30 PM – Couple portraits

1:15 PM – Wedding party portraits

2:00 PM – Ceremony

2:45 PM – Family formals

3:30 PM – Cocktail hour coverage (candids, details)

4:30 PM – Reception starts (entrance, dinner, mingling)

5:30 PM – Speeches + toasts

6:15 PM – First dance, parent dances

7:00 PM – Cake cutting

7:30 PM – Golden hour portraits

8:00 PM – Dance floor opens

9:00 PM – Grand exit or night portraits (optional)

9:30 PM – Photographer departs


✨If you’re dreaming of soft morning light, slow moments getting ready, golden hour portraits, and party shots — this one checks all the boxes.

 

 

Final Thoughts: Your Timeline Should Fit Your Day



These examples are just that — examples. When we work together, I’ll send you a custom questionnaire, collaborate with your planner (if you have one), and build a timeline that makes sense for your unique day.


Whether you're booking 4 hours for your backyard “I do’s” or 8 hours for a full wedding weekend celebration, you deserve photos that feel true to you — not rushed or cookie-cutter.


✨ Let’s Build Your Perfect Wedding Timeline

If you’re planning your wedding and want a calm, connected, photo experience from someone who’s got your back through every hour of it — I’d love to chat. Reach out below, and let’s make your wedding day easy, beautiful, and completely you.


📩 Contact Me

📸 Northeast Ohio + destination weddings

❤️ Inclusive | Intentional | Real Moments Always