Your wedding ceremony time is one of the most important details in your timeline—yet it’s often overlooked until it’s too late. This is especially true for couples who don’t have a full-service or partial planner, since the responsibility of setting the timeline falls on you. Let’s talk about why timing matters and how it can affect your wedding photos.
A Real-Life Example
I recently had a consultation with a couple planning a 4 PM ceremony for their winter wedding. When I checked the sunset time for their date, I saw that it was before 4:45 PM. This meant that without careful planning, they could end up without any natural light for their portraits.
They had three options:
✔️ Do a first look and take all their couple, wedding party, and family photos before the ceremony while there’s still natural light.
✔️ Skip the first look—but this would mean all their portraits would have to be taken after dark with flash.
✔️ Adjust their ceremony time earlier to allow for natural light portraits post-ceremony. The couple originally wanted to skip a first look, but after discussing their options, they realized how much they valued outdoor portraits in natural light. Adjusting the timeline or opting for a first look became the best choices for them.
Why This Matters for Your Wedding
Without the right ceremony timing, you could end up with limited portrait options or a rushed post-ceremony timeline. This is why it’s so important to talk with your photographer or coordinator before finalizing your schedule. Every season and location has different lighting conditions, and a small timing shift can make all the difference in your final gallery.
If you’re in the middle of planning and have any timeline questions, I’d love to help! Let’s make sure your wedding timeline works in your favor. Reach out anytime!
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