One part of wedding planning that surprises couples is how much time photos actually take. Between getting ready, portraits, and family photos, photography touches many parts of the day.
Planning enough time helps everything feel relaxed instead of rushed.
Getting Ready Photos
Many photographers start during the getting ready portion of the day. This is when detail photos, candid moments, and final preparations happen.
Most couples allow about 45 to 75 minutes for this part of the timeline.
- Dress, shoes, jewelry, and invitation details
- Hair and makeup finishing touches
- Getting dressed
- Moments with friends or family
If you enjoy detail photos or want relaxed candid moments, giving this section extra time helps the day start smoothly.
First Look and Couple Portraits
A first look is when the couple sees each other before the ceremony. Many couples choose to do this because it allows more photos earlier in the day.
Couple portraits usually take about 30 to 45 minutes.
- First look photos
- Romantic portraits of the couple
- Walking or candid shots
- Ring and bouquet photos
If you skip the first look, these photos typically happen after the ceremony instead.
Wedding Party Photos
Photos with the wedding party usually take 20 to 40 minutes depending on the group size.
Larger wedding parties need more time to organize and move between locations.
- Full group photos
- Individual portraits
- Fun or candid shots
- Different group combinations
Planning a little extra time keeps things relaxed and gives the photographer room to try creative ideas.
Family Portraits
Family portraits are usually taken either right before the ceremony or immediately after.
Most couples spend about 20 to 30 minutes on this part of the timeline.
- Couple with both families
- Parents and grandparents
- Siblings
- Immediate family combinations
Creating a list of the exact family photos you want ahead of time can make this part much faster.
Sunset or Golden Hour Photos
Many photographers suggest stepping away from the reception briefly for sunset photos. The lighting is softer and often creates some of the most beautiful images of the day.
These photos usually take about 10 to 20 minutes.
It can also be a nice moment for the couple to slow down and spend a few minutes together.
Total Photo Time on a Wedding Day
When everything is added together, most weddings include between two and four hours of photography throughout the day.
This time is spread across several parts of the schedule rather than happening all at once.
- Getting ready: 45–75 minutes
- Couple portraits: 30–45 minutes
- Wedding party photos: 20–40 minutes
- Family portraits: 20–30 minutes
- Sunset photos: 10–20 minutes
Your photographer will usually help you build a timeline that fits your ceremony time, travel between locations, and reception schedule.
If you're planning out your full day, see our wedding timeline guide to understand how everything fits together from getting ready through the reception.
Plan for a Little Extra Time
Wedding days rarely run exactly on schedule. Adding small buffers into your timeline helps reduce stress if something takes longer than expected.
- Allow extra travel time between locations
- Build a short break before the ceremony
- Finish photos at least 20 to 30 minutes before guests arrive
A relaxed schedule usually leads to better photos and a more enjoyable day.
Next Steps
Now that you know how much time photos take, you can build the rest of your wedding day around it.
Helpful Planning Tools
AW Bridal Future Mrs Wedding Planner
A structured planning notebook that helps organize timelines, vendors, budgets, and ceremony details.
View on Amazon →🕒 See a full sample schedule in our wedding day timeline guide.
💰 Estimate your full budget with our wedding budget calculator.