Sample timeline from a videographer's perspective


As with anything wedding related, this is ultimately up to you and you should prioritise what's important to you. For example, if photos and videos aren't really your thing and you'd rather be drinking at cocktail hour, that's completely fine. This is a guideline to give you an idea of how long things roughly take. Couples often underestimate this which can lead to a rushed and stressful day which we want to avoid by always allowing extra time.

*This is a guide I give to my couples. Every vendor works differently so it's best to consult with your photographer/videographer*



Groom's Prep (45 minutes)

I typically start filming once the groom has his dress shirt and pants on unless you want casual footage beforehand. This can sometimes be tricky to schedule in the day as it doesn’t always line up with when the groom actually needs to get ready so sometimes we shoot “pretend prep” where the guys get dressed up in the morning and then change back into casual clothes if there’s a big gap until the ceremony.

Bride's Prep (45-60 minutes)

I usually arrive towards the end of the bride getting hair and make up done. More often than not, hair and make up tends to run a little late (no hate HMUAs, good things take time) so just plan accordingly. Have all the details like jewellery, shoes, perfume, etc. ready to film. I typically stay until just after the bride is dressed unless you want footage with the wedding car before you leave. However, this isn’t always possible to do as I need to leave ahead of the bride to set up for the ceremony.

Optional First Look ( 30 minutes)

You might opt to do a first look before the ceremony (I recommend doing this at least 1 hour before). This can help to calm the nerves and provides a more intimate setting for this moment. It’s also a great way to get some nice shots of the two of you when your hair and make up is fresh.

Ceremony (~60 minutes)

I like to allow 30 minutes to set up at the ceremony location. I'll set up tripods, put microphones on the celebrant and groom, shoot some establishing footage of the ceremony location. Ceremonies can be anywhere from 10-60 minutes depending on if you're having a civil or religious ceremony so ensure you speak with your celebrant and leave enough time.

Post ceremony (30-60 minutes)

This is typically when you'll get all your group photos done. Have a list prepared ahead of time so you don't forget anyone. It's best to do larger groupings here and leave the individual photos for later. For example, have the bride's whole extended family photo after the ceremony, then do separate photos with cousins, aunties and uncles at the reception. If you’d like a big group shot, immediately after the ceremony is the best time to do this. Don't underestimate how long it takes for people to move in and out of photos.

Bridal Party and Couple Photos (45-90 minutes)

Depending on how big your bridal party is and how much you and your future spouse enjoy being in front of the camera, this could be shorter or longer. The ideal time for golden hour and blue hour tends to be about 45-60 minutes before and 20 minutes after sunset time but can also be effected by your location. For example if you're in a valley you'll want to aim a bit earlier or if you're on top of a mountain you'll want to aim later. You can always break it up too and do a sunset session and night session. If you’re having a morning ceremony or lunch reception we’ll find a way to make it work.

Reception (4-6 hours)

Allow around 15 minutes before you enter, for me to get some venue shots. It’s important to have a schedule for your reception formalities including speeches, first dance, cake cutting, etc. so every moment can be captured.


Please remember a meal for your reception vendors as this is often the only time we get a break during the day. If you can, request that your vendors are served dinner when you are served because no formalities will start while you're eating and we won't miss anything.


It’s not essential to have video coverage until the very end of the reception unless you’re having a send off (e.g. sparkler exit, tunnel, wedding cars driving off) so this is an area where you could save on a bit of coverage to have more earlier in the day. Just be sure to leave at least an extra 30 minutes after your reception formalities finish, to capture some dancing, candid mingling and in case things run late.