How far in advance should getting-ready photos start?

Sixty to ninety minutes before the couple needs to leave for the venue. Rushing this block is the most common timeline mistake.

When should couple portraits be scheduled?

During golden hour — roughly the hour before sunset — if the schedule allows. The light is much better than midday, so it is worth building the timeline around it.

Is the wedding timeline builder free?

Yes. Block out the day, adjust the times, and export a printable plan to share with every vendor. No account required.

Free Tool for Photographers

Event Timeline Builder

Build a complete event day timeline in minutes. Start from a template or build from scratch, then export a clean PDF for your clients.

Event Details

Event Type

Event Date

Client / Couple Name

Photographer Name

Venue Name

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The guide

How to plan a wedding day timeline

A wedding day timeline is the minute-by-minute schedule everyone works from — the couple, the planner, the photographer, the caterer, the band. This builder lets you block out the day and export a clean printable plan.

Start from a standard structure and adjust the times to your ceremony and reception.

The blocks that matter

Work backwards from the ceremony time. Getting-ready photos need 60 to 90 minutes before the couple has to leave for the venue.

Build in a buffer after the ceremony for family photos — 20 to 30 minutes if the list is organised, more if it is not.

Golden hour is roughly the hour before sunset. Put the couple's portraits there if the schedule allows; the light is worth protecting.

Sharing it

Send the same timeline to every vendor a week out. Most day-of problems are two vendors working from different versions.

Give the photographer a version with the family-photo list attached.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should getting-ready photos start?: Sixty to ninety minutes before the couple needs to leave for the venue. Rushing this block is the most common timeline mistake.
When should couple portraits be scheduled?: During golden hour — roughly the hour before sunset — if the schedule allows. The light is much better than midday, so it is worth building the timeline around it.
Is the wedding timeline builder free?: Yes. Block out the day, adjust the times, and export a printable plan to share with every vendor. No account required.

Last reviewed 2026-09-02