How to Build the Perfect Wedding Day Timeline (With Tips from an Austin Wedding Photographer)

When you imagine your wedding day, chances are you're picturing more than just the “I do.” You want the whole day to feel smooth, joyful, and beautifully documented. And that starts with a solid timeline.

As a wedding photographer in Austin, we’ve worked hundreds of weddings—and we can tell you with certainty that a thoughtful timeline makes a huge difference. It helps everyone know where to be, keeps things relaxed, and ensures you get those dreamy golden-hour portraits you’ve been pinning for months.

So, let’s walk through how to build a timeline that works—plus tips to maximize lighting, minimize stress, and make room for all the beautiful in-between moments.

Start With Your Ceremony Time

Most wedding timelines are built around the ceremony start time. Everything before and after flows from there.

Here’s what to consider when setting your ceremony time:

• If it’s outdoors, try to avoid harsh midday sun.
• In Austin, golden hour (about 1–2 hours before sunset) is ideal for photos.
• If you're doing a first look, you can schedule your ceremony a little later and still have time for portraits before it starts.

Need help figuring this out? We always help couples reverse-engineer their timeline to make sure the light is working forthem.

Add in Getting Ready Time (With Buffer!)

Don’t underestimate how long it takes to get ready. Hair, makeup, putting on attire, exchanging letters or gifts—it all takes time, especially with a full wedding party.

Pro Tip from an Austin wedding photographer:

Start earlier than you think you need to. This gives you time to breathe, grab a bite, and take those detailed “getting ready” photos that feel so nostalgic later.

Decide on a First Look (Or Not)

Doing a first look gives you more flexibility in your timeline—it allows for:

• Wedding party portraits before the ceremony
• A calm, private moment to ease nerves
• More time to enjoy cocktail hour with your guests

But if you’re more traditional and want the aisle moment to be your first look—that’s beautiful too. In that case, we’ll just shift portraits to after the ceremony and adjust sunset photo timing accordingly.

Don’t Forget Travel Time Between Locations

If you’re getting ready, having your ceremony, and hosting your reception in different places (common in Austin!), factor in traffic and drive time. On a Saturday, downtown Austin can get congested, and rural venues may be 30–45 minutes apart.

We always build buffer time into transitions to make sure photography doesn’t feel rushed.

Sample Timeline for an Austin Wedding (With First Look)

Here’s a sample 8-hour timeline for a 6:00 PM ceremony in Austin:

TimeEvent12:30 PMPhotographer arrives, detail shots begin1:00 PMGetting ready coverage2:30 PMFirst look + couple portraits3:15 PMWedding party portraits4:00 PMBreak + touch-ups5:15 PMGuests arrive6:00 PMCeremony6:30 PMFamily portraits7:00 PMCocktail hour + sunset couple photos7:30 PMReception begins8:00 PMFirst dance, toasts, dinner9:30 PMDance floor opens10:30 PMPhotographer departs (or later if add-on coverage needed)

A Few Golden Timeline Tips

• Golden hour in Austin is magical—try to sneak away during this time for 10–15 minutes of portraits.
• Assign a friend or coordinator to help gather family for portraits quickly post-ceremony.
• Build in buffer time. Something always runs late (and that’s okay!).
• Don’t forget time for quiet moments, prayer, or simply being present with each other.

Why Work With an Experienced Photographer for Timeline Planning?

A seasoned Austin wedding photographer doesn’t just show up and shoot. We guide you through the planning process, help you time everything for the best light, and ensure your photo coverage flows seamlessly throughout the day.

We’ve seen it all—tight timelines, unexpected weather, venue access changes—and we know how to adapt. Working with someone who’s prepared means you can relax, trust the process, and soak in the beauty of your day.

You only get one wedding day. The best way to make the most of it is to plan a timeline that works for you. Whether you’re having a backyard Hill Country wedding or a downtown Austin soirée, we’ll help you build a photography schedule that’s smooth, flexible, and perfectly timed for amazing light.

Let us help make your wedding feel like a celebration—not a checklist.

Need help building your dream timeline?

Let’s connect! We’ll guide you every step of the way so you can feel confident, calm, and fully present on your wedding day.

FAQs

Q: What is a typical photography coverage time for a wedding in Austin?

A: Most couples book 8–10 hours of coverage, depending on the size of the event and number of locations.

Q: How far in advance should we build our wedding timeline?

A: We usually recommend finalizing the timeline 4–6 weeks before the wedding, once vendor times are confirmed.

Q: Do you help build the timeline for us?

A: Yes! We walk through your day, help you time portraits, and work closely with your planner or coordinator.

Q: What’s golden hour and why is it important?

A: Golden hour is the soft, warm light right before sunset—ideal for dreamy portraits. We always try to include it in your timeline!

Q: How much time should we set aside for portraits?

A: About 20–30 minutes for couple portraits, 30–40 for wedding party, and 20–30 for family photos. This varies based on your shot list.

Q: What if we’re running late on the day?

A: No worries—we build buffer time into our schedule and adapt quickly. You won’t feel rushed.

Q: Can we include sunset portraits even without a first look?

A: Absolutely. We’ll work those into your post-ceremony timeline—just make sure there's a small window before it gets dark.

Q: Should we do getting-ready photos at the venue or elsewhere?

A: It depends! If the venue has beautiful getting-ready suites, we love staying on-site. Otherwise, we can make it work wherever you're most comfortable.

Q: What happens if the weather shifts the timeline?

A: We’re always watching light and weather and will pivot your timeline to keep everything running smoothly.

Q: Do you stay until the end of the night?

A: It depends on your coverage package! We often stay through key moments like the exit or open dancing—extra hours can always be added.