WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY TIMELINE TIPS FOR KEY WEST
I often get asked this question while my clients are planning their wedding, so I’ve created these notes to guide you, but everything can be adjusted to suit your unique preferences and plans.
Q: How many hours do you suggest we set aside for wedding day photos? (Ideal Timeline for Wedding Photos – One Key West Location)
If you're changing locations during the day, plan for an additional 20-30 minutes for transportation, parking, and photography setup.
1,5–3 Hours: Getting Ready
The getting-ready portion of your day captures you and your partner as you prepare, surrounded by your wedding party or family. This time includes:
30 Minutes: The First Look
The first look is an emotional and private moment when you and your partner see each other before the ceremony.
30-40 Minutes: Groom Getting Ready (if in the same location as the bride)
If the groom is preparing in a different location, allow an extra 20–30 minutes for travel time depending on location of the groom and 30 min photographing the groom and groom with groomsman.( If you have only one photographer booked, I don't suggest it , because we're loosing lots of time driving to another location while many moments are missed.)
15–20 Minutes: Pre-Ceremony Coverage This includes:
We'll capture your big moment, focusing on candid emotions, heartfelt vows, and the iconic first kiss!
30–45 Minutes: Formal Family Photos (for smaller weddings)
Family photos can take time, and can be very confusing for your guests, so plan for about 3 minutes per group photo.
30 Minutes – 1 Hour: Couple Portraits
Spend time capturing romantic shots with your partner in different backdrops.
20 Minutes: Detail Photos : Includes shots of your reception tables, decor, wedding cake, and other design elements.
Up to 3+ Hours: Wedding Reception Coverage
Covers all the celebratory moments, such as:
Q: How many wedding photographers do I need?
I work as a team with my assistant and a second photographer to ensure your wedding is captured from every angle.
For larger weddings or if you’re planning a multi-location event, I highly recommend having a second photographer. This ensures no moment is missed and offers you a comprehensive collection of memories.
Sunset Ceremony Tip: If you’re considering an outdoor sunset ceremony, plan for the ceremony to start at least 1.5 hours before sunset. This allows enough time for natural-light photos of the bride, groom, and family. After sunset, we can still take stunning photos with flash and additional lighting, but natural light creates a softer, more romantic look for your portraits.
Please let us know about any unexpected moments, surprises, traditions, heartfelt notes exchanged, or special items you’ll have on your wedding day that need our attention and should be photographed.
Q: How many hours do you suggest we set aside for wedding day photos? (Ideal Timeline for Wedding Photos – One Key West Location)
If you're changing locations during the day, plan for an additional 20-30 minutes for transportation, parking, and photography setup.
1,5–3 Hours: Getting Ready
The getting-ready portion of your day captures you and your partner as you prepare, surrounded by your wedding party or family. This time includes:
- Pre-wedding of candid moments as you get ready for your big day. Pictures of almost finished make up, girls having fun, pictures with moms, pictures in the robes, toasts, pictures of putting your wedding gown on, shoes, final touches, tears, laughs, love.
- Details photography: wedding dress, shoes, invitations, rings, bouquet, boutonnieres, heirloom jewelry, or other meaningful items.
- Formal pre-wedding portraits of the bride and groom individually, if desired. Or photographs of the bridesmaids and the bride together, groomsman with the groomsman together.
30 Minutes: The First Look
The first look is an emotional and private moment when you and your partner see each other before the ceremony.
- Highly recommended for sunset ceremonies when daylight is limited after the ceremony.
- Adds extra time for couple portraits and gives you a quiet, intimate moment before the festivities begin. I recommend this is you're really nervous before the ceremony.
30-40 Minutes: Groom Getting Ready (if in the same location as the bride)
If the groom is preparing in a different location, allow an extra 20–30 minutes for travel time depending on location of the groom and 30 min photographing the groom and groom with groomsman.( If you have only one photographer booked, I don't suggest it , because we're loosing lots of time driving to another location while many moments are missed.)
15–20 Minutes: Pre-Ceremony Coverage This includes:
- Photos of your ceremony setup.
- Guests arriving.
- Candid shots of the groom and bridal party preparing for the aisle moment.
We'll capture your big moment, focusing on candid emotions, heartfelt vows, and the iconic first kiss!
30–45 Minutes: Formal Family Photos (for smaller weddings)
Family photos can take time, and can be very confusing for your guests, so plan for about 3 minutes per group photo.
- Prepare a detailed family photo list in advance.
- Designate an organized family member (or someone assertive) to help gather people quickly.
- Start with larger groups and older generations, then work your way to smaller groups and bridal party photos.
30 Minutes – 1 Hour: Couple Portraits
Spend time capturing romantic shots with your partner in different backdrops.
- Add extra time if traveling to another location (about 20 minutes for transportation, setup, and gear adjustment).
20 Minutes: Detail Photos : Includes shots of your reception tables, decor, wedding cake, and other design elements.
Up to 3+ Hours: Wedding Reception Coverage
Covers all the celebratory moments, such as:
- DJ or MC introductions.
- First dance, cake cutting, and toasts.
- Candid moments of your guests dancing and celebrating.
End of Night/Departure ShotsGrand Exit or Send-Off:- What to include: Couple’s exit (sparklers, confetti, car departure, etc.).
- Typical time frame: 15 to 30 minutes.
- Why it's important: This shot gives closure to the day and is often full of joy and excitement.
Q: How many wedding photographers do I need?
I work as a team with my assistant and a second photographer to ensure your wedding is captured from every angle.
- Why Consider a Second Photographer?
A second photographer provides additional coverage, giving you multiple perspectives of your day.- Expanded Coverage: While I focus on the key moments and formal portraits, the second photographer can capture candid shots of your guests, bridal party, and behind-the-scenes moments.
- Diverse Angles: You’ll receive a dynamic mix of photos, such as reactions during the ceremony or alternate angles during the first dance.
- Efficiency: Having a second photographer means we can cover two locations simultaneously (e.g., the bride and groom getting ready).
For larger weddings or if you’re planning a multi-location event, I highly recommend having a second photographer. This ensures no moment is missed and offers you a comprehensive collection of memories.
Sunset Ceremony Tip: If you’re considering an outdoor sunset ceremony, plan for the ceremony to start at least 1.5 hours before sunset. This allows enough time for natural-light photos of the bride, groom, and family. After sunset, we can still take stunning photos with flash and additional lighting, but natural light creates a softer, more romantic look for your portraits.
Please let us know about any unexpected moments, surprises, traditions, heartfelt notes exchanged, or special items you’ll have on your wedding day that need our attention and should be photographed.
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