Couple relaxing during their downtown Minneapolis wedding

When it comes to your wedding timeline and working opportunities for beautiful photos into your special day, having a plan will help to ensure that everything goes smoothly!

With so many different ideas out there, it’s always smart to do some research and see which type of timeline feels best for you. Remember that there are many ways that a wedding timeline can look, and that you don’t have to stick with a traditional timeline if it doesn’t suit you.

I actually find that a less traditional timeline, which I outline below, works terrifically for many of my couples. For me, it’s all about finding a flow that feels natural but also limits stress and creates the best opportunities for photos.

Here are a few of my top timeline tips for stunning photos on your wedding day:

Getting Ready:

I recommend having your photographer show up approximately one hour before you finish getting ready. This leaves just enough time to capture details, and a few photos that will add to the overall story of your day.

A groom sits in a picturesque tent, tying up his shoes during getting ready photos at his wedding.

Inviting your photographer to arrive sooner has its benefits as well. It can help build trust between your wedding party/family and the photographer (which helps in making more natural photos), as well as leave additional time for them to be creative.

First Look:

While not all couples do a first look, I’ve always enjoyed them. They are exciting, emotion-filled, and a great way to set the tone of the day.

A beautiful bride has tear in her eyes while looking at her husband and exchanging vows at their wedding in Duluth, Minnesota.

Josh Olson wedding photographer captures a bride and groom wearing masks exchange vows during a first look as part of their wedding timeline.

Consider doing a first look as a way to set positive intentions for the day, leaning into the excitement and anticipation. Right afterwards, reserve some time for quick pictures of just you and your partner. I typically recommend dedicating around 30 minutes to 1 hour for this part.

Wedding Party & Family:

My number one tip for both wedding party and family photos is to tell them to arrive 10-15 minutes before their actual picture time. Wedding photos can be quick, efficient, and painless... so long as everyone shows up on time!

A bride smiles with the groomsmen on the steps of the Minneapolis Institute of Art during wedding party photos with j.olson weddings photography.

A family stands together with the bride during the family photos portion of the wedding day timeline.

Personally, I find that doing family photos before the ceremony can help to preserve momentum post-ceremony. It gives you the opportunity to run straight into your reception, greet your guests, and kick-off your party with a heightened excitement.

Break Before the Ceremony:

I always suggest to couples that they take a short break from photos before the ceremony—roughly 15 minutes. This not only builds some buffer time into the schedule, but allows you to have a moment of calm before your ceremony.

A bride standing on the porch holds up a compact mirror while touching up before her wedding ceremony, her groom visible through the doorway.

An emotional bride sits, taking a moment with her wedding party before her ceremony, as they each place a hand on her in a moment of reflection.

Couples have always told me that they loved having some down time to relax, and I believe it helps set calming intentions for the ceremony itself. After the ceremony, emotions and excitement will be running high, which is great! Greet your guests and get ready to dive right into celebrating, because you took care of all the formal photos before the ceremony.

Two happy grooms stand together on stage under a disco ball while the master of ceremonies, a drag queen, introduces them to the crowd at a Harriet Island Regional Park wedding.

Your Wedding Timeline

In the end, it’s important to choose the wedding timeline that feels right to you.

To summarize, here are my top wedding timeline tips to consider when planning the schedule for your big day:

Invite your photographer to arrive early to capture getting ready photos and build a connection with your wedding party and family.
Consider doing a first look and couple photos right after getting ready. This can help get out any nerves, gives you some alone time together, sets the tone for the day, and creates an opportunity for beautiful photos together when you’re feeling and looking your best.

A bride and groom exchange vows at a beautiful outdoor ceremony in Minneapolis, Minnesota, while Josh Olson wedding photographer captures the moment.

Consider dedicating some time for your formal family and wedding party photos before the ceremony. This way you don’t have to worry about it after the ceremony, and you can dive right into celebrating!
Be sure to set some time before the wedding ceremony to take a short break. Use this time to relax, breathe, and set an intention for your ceremony.
Celebrate the night away and soak up every moment! This is your celebration - make it unique, and enjoy!

Are you looking for someone to help you plan your wedding timeline and capture your special day? If you’re searching for a wedding photographer in Minnesota or the surrounding areas, please view my portfolio and connect with me if my work resonates with you!