Sample Wedding Day Timelines
(That Actually Feel Doable)
Planning the timeline is one of those things that can quietly stress people out. You want enough time for the photos and film that matter, but you also don’t want the day to feel like a schedule you’re racing against.
To help guide your planning, we’ve put together a few simple sample timelines that match the coverage lengths we most commonly shoot (6, 8 and 10 hours). They’re written with a documentary approach in mind — calm pacing, room to breathe, and space for the real moments to happen.
Think of these as starting points, not rigid rules. Every wedding is different, and the best timeline is the one that feels right for you.
How to Use These Templates
Shift the times to match your actual ceremony time
Always add a bit of buffer (things almost always run a little late)
Share the final version with your photographer, videographer, celebrant and wedding party
Sunset times change a lot in Tasmania, so it’s worth checking the exact time for your date
6-Hour Coverage Timeline
Best for: Intimate weddings, elopements, or shorter celebrations
Example – Ceremony at 3:00 pm
1:30 – 2:15 Final getting ready + detail photos (Bride & groom in separate locations if needed)
2:15 – 2:40 Travel to ceremony + last-minute prep
2:40 – 3:00 Guests arrive / pre-ceremony moments
3:00 – 3:30 Ceremony
3:30 – 4:00 Immediate family + wedding party photos (Keep this focused)
4:00 – 4:45 Couple portraits (Best light window)
4:45 – 5:30 Reception arrival, speeches, key moments
5:30 Coverage ends
8-Hour Coverage Timeline
Most popular option for the majority of weddings
Option A – With a First Look
Example – Ceremony at 3:30 pm
11:30 – 12:45 Getting ready (both sides) (Details + candid moments)
12:45 – 1:15 First Look + couple portraits (Private and relaxed)
1:15 – 1:45 Wedding party photos
1:45 – 2:15 Travel / buffer
2:15 – 2:45 Immediate family photos
2:45 – 3:30 Guests arrive
3:30 – 4:00 Ceremony
4:00 – 4:20 Post-ceremony moments
4:20 – 5:00 Cocktail hour (We stay present for candids)
5:00 – 7:30 Reception (speeches, first dance, cake, dancing)
7:30 Coverage ends
Option B – Traditional - (No First Look)
Example – Ceremony at 2:30 pm
11:00 – 12:30 Getting ready
12:30 – 1:00 Travel to ceremony
1:00 – 1:30 Guests arrive
1:30 – 2:00 Pre-ceremony moments
2:00 – 2:30 Ceremony
2:30 – 3:15 Family + wedding party photos
3:15 – 4:15 Couple portraits
4:15 – 4:45 Reception arrival
4:45 – 7:00 Reception coverage
7:00 Coverage ends
If you choose not to do a first look, we can still find a natural window for portraits later in the day — sometimes during cocktail hour, sometimes a little later to catch nicer light. It’s flexible either way.
10-Hour Coverage Timeline
Best for: Full-day storytelling or longer celebrations
Example – Ceremony at 3:00 pm (with First Look)
10:00 – 11:45 Getting ready (Full coverage of preparation)
11:45 – 12:30 First Look + extended couple portraits
12:30 – 1:15 Wedding party + immediate family photos
1:15 – 2:00 Buffer / quiet time for the couple
2:00 – 2:45 Guests arrive
2:45 – 3:15 Ceremony
3:15 – 3:45 Post-ceremony + group photos
3:45 – 4:30 Cocktail hour
4:30 – 8:00 Full reception coverage (Through to later dancing / send-off)
8:00 Coverage ends
A Few Gentle Notes
These are just examples. The real goal is a day that feels like you — not a perfect schedule.
If something runs a bit late (it almost always does), we simply adjust. We’ve been doing this long enough to know how to keep things flowing without anyone feeling rushed.
You’re welcome to use these templates exactly as they are, tweak them, or send us a rough version of your own day and we’ll help shape it into something realistic and relaxed.
No pressure either way. We’re just here if you’d like a second set of eyes on it.
With love,
Adam & Tyla xo