How Much Time Do I Need for My Wedding?

Here, we are going to break down a timeline with all of the potential options along with the approximate amount of time needed for each. I know this isn’t the most exciting aspect of the wedding, day but this is the one thing that can make things go extra smoothly! You can add up the amount of time for each of the options you are choosing to partake in to get an approximate idea of how much time you need for your big day. These are in the general order that most of our weddings follow, but they can be switched up if you’d like to do things a little differently. Remember that all wedding days are different and your timeline may differ due to travel times and unique situations

Details/Bridal Prep : 15 minutes

Every bride loves having those beautiful shots of her bridal details.It’s an important part of the story, and when I’m photographing, I love having some time to shoot the dress, shoes, jewelry, invitations, etc. These shots allow me to get warmed up for the rest of the big day. We allow you on property up to 15 minutes prior to your booked time. If you book our photography, this is when we grab quick pictures of your details while you are setting up decor and putting the final touches on your look. After the dress has been photographed, it’s time to get into it! This is a big moment! We request that everyone except the bride come already dressed.This ensures that everyone will look nice in those images. We will get just the last few moments of you getting zipped up so you don’t have to worry about flashing the camera. Once you’re dressed, you can add your final details. If you have a particularly complicated dress, or lots of decor to set up, you might consider adding some time into your booked time to make sure you have enough. 

 

First Look : 5-10 minutes (optional)

This is one of the best parts of the wedding day! We usually suggest in front of the mossy tree behind the chapel for your first look because it’s private but easily accessible. The first look allows the couple a few minutes alone during what is typically a stressful, family-filled day.

 

 

 

 

 

Ceremony : 8-15 minutes (depending on ceremony extras)

Your ceremony will pass by so quickly! Our standard ceremony is 8 minutes long. If you are bringing your own officiant and think that the ceremony will be longer, let us know, and we’ll make adjustments to the timeline. Cherish these moments! Your ceremony will pass by so quickly!

 

 

 

 

 

Family Formals : 1-4 guests 5 minutes, 5-10 guests 10 minutes, 11-20 guests 15 minutes, 21-35 guests 30 minutes

Family formals normally take place immediately following the ceremony. It’s best to save all of the family formals until after the ceremony because ALL family members will be present at that time.This way, you don’t have to worry about someone running late and delaying the timeline. We will need about 15-30 minutes for family formals depending on the number of guests you have. We shoot these on the steps of the chapel since everyone is gathered there, and it makes it quick to cycle through them. Prepare everyone to be ready to move quickly so we can maximize your time.

 

 

 

 

Wedding Party : 5 minutes-30 minutes

Now it’s time for Wedding Party shots!We can go as in depth with these as you prefer. Quick and dirty on the steps or at alternate locations for something a little more custom. For photos off the steps, be sure to add in a little extra time. 😉 For example, if you each have one person standing up with you and we are doing photos on the chapel steps, it’s a quick 5 minutes. If you have 4 each and we are using one of the nearby spots, it will take around 15 minutes. If you have 4 each, we are using one of the nearby spots, and you want individuals with everyone, it would take roughly 20 minutes. If you have 6 or more each, I would recommend at least 30 minutes.  This all assumes everyone listens and cooperates. If you have a jokey crowd or want more options, then be sure to add in more time.

 

Reception Details :

Most of our couples choose tohave their reception at an alternatelocation. That doesn’t mean that youcan’t enjoy some of it here! You canbring a cake just for pictures or tocut. We have a cute table you can use.If you’d like to have a first toast withyour guests, there are a couple of spotsto set up your champagne flutes. Wehave a bluetooth speaker that you canuse to play a song if you’d like to haveyour first dance with the chapel inthe background. If you’ve got a moreunique celebration moment you’d liketo incorporate, we’d love to help