Six-Hour Wedding Timeline Sample Ideas For A 6-Hour Wedding
April 10, 2016
How To Create An Ideal 6 Hour Wedding Day Timeline
For a smooth and successful wedding day, I recommend using a schedule like my suggested six-hour wedding timeline. Although I don’t control every aspect of your day, this timeline acts as a helpful guide. It ensures everything runs as seamlessly as possible. It allows me to maximize the time I have to capture the wedding photos you deserve. By working efficiently and having sufficient time, I can unleash my creativity, as silly as that sounds. Being rushed through the day is not what you want and not what I want. This timeline is designed to help you make the most of your time with any Dayton wedding photographer. Many other couples have used this timeline. As always, I’m happy to suggest a custom 6-hour timeline, just for you! Just ask!
What Wedding Photography Packages Do I Offer
I am one of the most experienced Dayton, Cincinnati, and Columbus wedding photographers. I can offer creative wedding images that tell the story of your day. My 8-hour and 12-hour hybrid wedding photography and videography packages generally fulfill the needs of most wedding couples. They give ample time to capture amazing wedding images and video. Of course, I also offer a 6-hour package.
- Click here to see my 8-hour timeline
- Check out my 10-hour timeline
- Click here to see my 12-hour timeline
Sample Timeline For A 6-Hour Wedding With A Special First Look
The sample six-hour wedding timeline assumes a 5 pm ceremony start time. These are suggestions and can be fully customized to fit your wedding day. Please understand that giving your wedding photographer more time for wedding portraits, family photos, and wedding party photos will result in better images. I don’t want to rush through photos, but I will get them done well and efficiently.
- 2:00 pm – Getting Ready / Final Hair & Makeup / Getting Dressed / Detail Photos
- 2:50 pm – Wedding Couple Special Meaningful First Look
- 3:00 pm – Wedding Couple Portrait Session
- 3:45 pm – Family Portraits And Wedding Party Portraits
- 4:00 pm – Guests Begin To Arrive / Venue Photos / Detail Photos
- 4:30 pm – Wedding Couple & Wedding Party Freshen Up And Hide Away While Guests Arrive
- 5:00 pm – Wedding Ceremony
- 5:30 pm – Final Family Photos For Those People Who Didn’t Arrive Early
- 6:00 pm – Grand Entrance
- 6:10 pm – 8:00 pm – Dinner, Toasts, Special Dances
Sample Timeline For A 6-Hour Wedding With A Traditional Ceremony
- 2:00 pm – Getting Ready / Final Hair & Makeup / Getting Dressed / Detail Photos
- 3:00 pm – Family Photos With One Side Only
- 3:30 pm – Family Photos With The Other Side
- 4:00 pm – Guests Arrive / Venue Photos / Detail Photos
- 4:30 pm – Wedding Couple & Wedding Party Freshen Up And Hide Away While Guests Arrive
- 5:00 pm – Wedding Ceremony
- 5:30 pm – Wedding Party And Family Portraits
- 6:00 pm – Wedding Couple Portrait Session
- 6:20 pm – Grand Entrance
- 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm – Dinner, Toasts, Special Dances
I understand that every couple’s wedding day may not follow the same schedule or timeline. To accommodate potential delays, I build in buffer time for each part of the wedding day. Whether due to budget constraints or personal preferences, some couples opt for a shorter, more intimate wedding day experience. For those planning a 6-hour wedding day, I offer customized services to make sure every moment is captured and cherished.
Here Are The Wedding Day Activities I Can Cover In 6 Hours:
Getting Ready
I recommend setting aside 1-2 hours for getting ready. This time captures the anticipation and excitement as you and your loved ones prepare for the big day. These candid shots often become treasured memories for couples as they recall the moments leading up to saying “I do.”
First Look and Wedding Portraits
Next, I allocate time for a romantic first look and couple portraits. In this intimate moment, you two will see each other for the first time before the ceremony. I capture your raw emotions, love, and connection in a series of beautifully composed photographs.
Wedding Ceremony
For a 6-hour wedding day, I suggest dedicating 30-60 minutes to your ceremony. This includes the processional, vows, exchanging of rings, and your joyful exit as a married couple. I discreetly document every precious moment so that you can relive the ceremony through stunning imagery.
Family Formals And Wedding Party Portraits
Capturing group portraits is essential for any wedding. Gathering your family members and wedding party efficiently is important. I take a series of posed and candid shots. I make sure to include every important person. These timeless keepsakes will become treasured memories.
Reception Highlights
As the evening progresses, I capture the memorable highlights of your reception. From the grand entrance to toasts, cake cutting, and the first dance, I document the lively atmosphere, genuine emotions, and celebrations shared by your loved ones. These images create a visual story line, bringing your wedding day to life each time you revisit them. I only need to be at the reception for up to 1 hour after open dancing begins.
Final Moments & Exit
I finish the day with an hour of reception coverage, capturing the last dance, farewells, and any final activities. My priority is to ensure no moment is missed as you say goodbye to loved ones. I prefer an earlier exit with a staged send-off for the couple.
Conclusion
On a 6-hour wedding day, I prioritize our time to capture every special moment in your photographs. Your wedding may be shorter than a traditional all-day event. However, I am equipped to deliver the highest-quality images. These images will showcase the essence and beauty of your day. Feel free to customize my six-hour wedding timeline to ensure your wedding day is a success.
