How Long Does a Wedding Photography Session Last?
At Yours Truly Media, our wedding photographers strive to make our Forever Couples relaxed and ready for their wedding day photo sessions. Yes, even when one of the happiest days of their lives meets unprecedented stress levels.
We accomplish this through professionalism, experience and a fluid approach to keeping your wedding photography — and everyone you want to be captured therein — running beautifully and on time.
Understand What You Have Asked From Your Wedding Photographer
Before our wedding photographers can capture one of the most exciting days of your life, we will need to know what and who we are coordinating for photos.
That isn’t to say that something won’t come up that will require a few extra snaps, with a few extra people. No problem. We are incredibly nimble.
No matter how many things weddings have in common — from the dresses and tuxes to the venues and guests — every wedding ceremony is unique, and the photography session timelines will reflect those specifically.
Wedding Photography Session Timeline
We will capture your unique wedding day in its complete brilliance, no matter how long it takes. However, that timeline will differ for everyone based on the size of the wedding and the order in which the following shot selections occur, including any addendums you provide.
- The Ceremony Site
One of our wedding photographers will take pictures of the ceremony site, completely set up with no guests or vendors in the area.
Timeline: 30 minutes
- The Details
Rings, flowers, wedding attire and important features you want to be captured separately before the ceremony.
Timeline: 30 minutes
- The Getting Ready
Each side of the wedding party will have their time to shine before and after they are dressed for the ceremony.
Timeline: 30-45 minutes
- The Final Touches
Once the couple is ready to make their wedding day debut, we will feature their solo shots in detail.
Timeline: 30 minutes
- The First Look
This is one of the items that may or may not appear on your shot list. Some couples want to have a quick look at each other before the ceremony. Others do not. It is a personal choice and one we are happy to make available or skip completely.
Timeline: Ten minutes
- The Wedding Party
It is time to put both parties together and typically when the brides/grooms start getting nervous about their wedding photography because it is impossible to know what we are capturing. And even harder to maintain a pose without checking on the entire party’s smiles, stances and demeanors.
We promise, our experience will ensure the shots reflect your personality and wedding photography goals.
Timeline: 45 minutes to one hour
- The Family Portraits
Most couples want to include their parents, grandparents, or other close family members in their important wedding photography shots.
Timeline: The size of your families will dictate the timeline, but you should plan for three minutes per group on average.
- The Ceremony
When our Forever Couples are awaiting their turn down the aisle, while they are exchanging vows and rings, and before turning to depart — newly married — we will be there capturing each fantastic stride, sway, smile and emotion.
Timeline: 30 minutes
- The Married Couple
This is your time to shine.
You and your person have tied the knot and are ready to gush for the camera.
Timeline: 30 to 45 minutes
- The Cocktail Hour
If you are planning to join guests for a cocktail hour, we will capture the quick hello, which is great for candid shots.
Timeline: Ten to 15 minutes.
- The Reception Site
With or without the cocktail hour, entering the reception space and being introduced as a married couple for the first time is an exhilarating experience and one that captures genuine reactions and overwhelming happiness.
Timeline: We will be there for every hug, high five, dance floor moment, smile and tear.
How Can I Help My Wedding Photographer Capture Everything We Want to See Later?
At Yours Truly Media, we work closely with our Forever Couples to understand their wedding photography goals.
This means coordinating times, places and subjects with the bride, groom, wedding party and our other wedding photographer or wedding videographer, too.
The only thing you can do to help is spread the word about when and where the images are going to be taken. If you prefer wedding party photos before the ceremony, make sure everyone knows what time they are expected to be there. If they will happen after, share that too, so no one takes off to talk to their family members, friends, or somewhere even harder to find.
We are not controlling, but we are professionals. We will keep the wedding photographer session moving along with charm and grace, so you can enjoy the experience.
After all, this is your big day and the images we capture will prove not just how happy you two are together, but how happy everyone else is to share the incredible occasion.
If you would like to speak with one of our wedding photographers about your personal and unique wedding day session, contact us today to outline your customized timeline.