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Every wedding is as unique as the couple getting married. That means there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline that works for everyone. After photographing over 600 weddings across Australia, from intimate beach ceremonies to grand vineyard celebrations, we’ve learned what works — and what doesn’t — when it comes to planning a timeline that’s relaxed, realistic, and truly reflects your day.
We typically start with the groom (or the partner who needs to arrive at the ceremony first). Since they’ll often be greeting guests and chatting with the celebrant, this gives us time to capture some great moments.
During this hour, we focus on:
For same-sex couples, we start with whichever partner arrives at the ceremony location first, ensuring we capture all the important prep moments.
Once we arrive with the bride’s crew, we begin with the details—your dress, jewellery, rings, invitations, shoes, perfume, and flowers. Then we capture those special candid moments of you getting ready with your bridesmaids, family, and friends.
To make the most of this hour:
Australian traffic and weather can be unpredictable, so use Google Maps to check your travel time and add at least one-third extra to your schedule. This buffer helps avoid stress from last-minute delays.
We like to arrive at the ceremony venue at least 20 minutes early. This gives us time to set up our gear, photograph the venue and décor, and capture guests arriving — plus those beautifully nervous moments of your partner waiting excitedly for you.
Most ceremonies last about 30 minutes, but religious or more traditional services can run closer to an hour. We capture every heartfelt moment, from the walk down the aisle to the vows, ring exchange, and that first kiss as a married couple.
We usually do family formals immediately after the ceremony while everyone is still nearby. To keep this moving smoothly, we suggest:
This way, we don’t waste time tracking down relatives (who might have already disappeared for a celebratory drink!).
For more detailed tips on family formals, check out our separate blog guide!
We generally start with bridal party photos (about 15 minutes) before focusing on portraits of just the two of you.
If we’re travelling to a separate location for these shots, make sure to factor in travel time when planning your schedule.
To capture the highlights like cake cutting, speeches, and your first dance, chat with your MC or wedding coordinator beforehand. It’s best to schedule these key moments earlier in the evening, so you look fresh and radiant in the photos, then can relax and enjoy the party without watching the clock.
Sunset is often one of the most magical times during your reception. We highly recommend stepping outside for a few minutes to capture some golden-hour portraits.
Why do we love this moment?
These 10 minutes can produce some of the most timeless, romantic images of your entire wedding day. We always coordinate with your venue and planner to fit this seamlessly into your reception timeline.