When you are putting together your wedding day timeline, there are a few important factors to keep in mind. You’ll need to budget the right amount of time for each activity while still leaving flexibility for moments that naturally unfold. Working closely with your vendors and photographer will ensure that your day runs smoothly from start to finish.

As two of the top Hudson Valley wedding photographers, we’ve created timelines for couples at venues like The Roundhouse, The Garrison, and City Winery Hudson Valley. We always make sure your schedule includes breathing room and time for candid moments that make your day unforgettable.

Should You Do a First Look on Your Wedding Day?

One of the biggest factors in your wedding day timeline is whether you choose to do a first look. Some couples prefer to wait until the ceremony to see each other for the first time, while others opt for a private first look before walking down the aisle. There’s no right or wrong answer here—it all depends on your personalities and priorities.

Why a First Look Can Help Your Timeline

Having a first look can streamline your day and give you extra time to enjoy cocktail hour with your guests. When formal photos are taken earlier, you free up time after the ceremony to relax and mingle. For example, at Boscobel House & Gardens or Audrey’s Farmhouse, couples often enjoy a relaxed cocktail hour because portraits are already finished.

Enjoying Alone Time on a Busy Day

A first look can also be one of the few private moments you share all day. Weddings move quickly, and once guests arrive, you’ll spend most of the time surrounded by loved ones. A first look gives you a quiet pause to connect before the celebrations begin.

Making a Moment Out of It

Some couples use this time to read letters, exchange small gifts, or simply talk. These personal touches make your first look feel meaningful and relaxed. The photos from these moments are always some of the most emotional of the entire day.

When to Skip the First Look

If you prefer the traditional experience of seeing your partner for the first time at the ceremony, that’s perfectly okay. This classic approach creates an unforgettable emotional moment in front of family and friends. Just keep in mind that formal photos will likely take place during cocktail hour, so plan extra time accordingly.

Balancing Emotions and Efficiency

Couples who skip the first look often love the anticipation and surprise of the ceremony reveal. However, it’s important to communicate this with your photographer early on so they can build in enough time for portraits afterward.

When Should Your Photographer Arrive?

We usually arrive 30 to 45 minutes before the end of your getting ready process. This ensures that we capture those final touches—makeup being finished, getting into attire, or laughing with your wedding party. It also helps you feel comfortable in front of the camera before the ceremony.

Getting Ready Locations in the Hudson Valley

If you’re getting ready in Beacon, The Roundhouse Penthouse Suite and Dutchess Inn & Spa are perfect for elegant preparation photos. For more rustic or cozy vibes, an Airbnb near Cold Spring or the Hudson House River Inn provides a relaxed atmosphere with beautiful natural light.

What It’s Like Having a Photographer at Your Ceremony

For traditional church ceremonies, we’ll reach out to the church ahead of time to understand any photography restrictions. Every location is different, and respecting those guidelines helps everything go smoothly. We make sure to stay as unobtrusive as possible, capturing authentic moments while allowing you to focus entirely on your vows.

For Non Church Ceremonies

If your ceremony is taking place outdoors or at a venue like The Garrison or The Barn at Villa Venezia, we’ll move quietly and capture the full story from multiple angles. These moments are often the most emotional, and our goal is to document them authentically without distraction.

What Happens After the Ceremony

After the ceremony, many couples celebrate with a fun recessional exit. Guests might toss biodegradable confetti, wave ribbon wands, or simply cheer as you walk down the aisle. It’s a beautiful way to mark the start of your reception and makes for lively, colorful photos.

If You Didn’t Have a First Look

This is typically when we gather your family and wedding party for formal portraits. Assign a friend or coordinator who knows your family to help with organizing groups quickly. This will save time and help everyone enjoy cocktail hour sooner.

How Much Time to Buffer for Family Photos

The time needed for family photos depends on the number of combinations you’d like. Couples with large families may need up to an hour, while smaller groups can be photographed in half that time. If you prefer a more relaxed cocktail hour, consider doing some portraits earlier in the day or keeping the list simple.

Creating a Shot List Beforehand

Prepare a short list of must have photos and share it with your photographer. This ensures that no one important is missed. Give a copy to a friend or family member who can help coordinate during portraits.

Wedding Party Photos

Wedding party photos usually take place right after family photos. This gives your wedding party a chance to have fun before heading back to the reception. We love capturing both formal group shots and candid, fun moments—whether that’s laughing together, walking through Beacon Main Street, or popping champagne at Long Dock Park.

Individual Photos and Fun Poses

If time allows, take an individual photo with each member of your wedding party. These always end up being favorites, especially when shared after the wedding. Add some playful moments to the mix—it helps everyone loosen up and adds joy to your gallery.

Wedding Portraits

Once family and wedding party photos are done, it’s time for portraits of just the two of you. This is one of our favorite parts of the day because you get to slow down and breathe together. If your ceremony and reception are at the same venue, you’ll have even more flexibility to wander and take in the setting.

Favorite Portrait Spots

Some of our favorite portrait spots in the Hudson Valley include the gardens at Boscobel House & Gardens, the waterfall view at The Roundhouse, and the vineyards at City Winery Hudson Valley. Each space offers unique lighting and backdrops for timeless images.

Cocktail Hour and Reception

Once portraits are done, it’s time to enjoy cocktail hour with your guests. During this time, we capture candid laughter, clinking glasses, and all the natural moments that make your reception special. Remember to plan travel time between your ceremony and reception if they are in different locations.

Dinner and Speeches

When dinner begins, speeches usually follow. Talk with your speakers ahead of time about keeping things short and heartfelt. If you’re using slideshows or video projections, make sure setup time is included in the schedule. Venues like Audrey’s Farmhouse and The Garrison often have built-in AV setups to simplify this process.

Cake Cutting and Dessert

After speeches, the cake cutting usually takes place. Whether you want to playfully feed each other or keep it simple, plan this ahead so there are no surprises. Many couples also thank their guests at this point with a short toast, expressing gratitude for everyone who came to celebrate.

Transition to Dancing

After dessert, the lights dim and it’s time to dance. Your first dance, parent dances, and the start of the open floor are always filled with emotion. We typically stay for the first 30 to 45 minutes of dancing to capture the energy and joy before the evening winds down.

Personal Touches for Your Timeline

Every couple’s wedding is unique, and your timeline should reflect that. Maybe you’ll add a food truck late at night, a sparkler exit, or an after-party nearby. Whatever you choose, the most important thing is that your wedding timeline feels like you.

Sample Wedding Day Timelines

Wedding Timeline with a First Look

10:00 AM – Start getting ready, hair and makeup

1:45 PM – Photographer arrives for getting ready photos

2:15 PM – Get into wedding dress or suits

2:45 PM – First look and portraits

3:30 PM – Family photos

4:15 PM – Wedding party photos

4:45 PM – Prepare for ceremony

5:00 PM – Ceremony begins

5:30 PM – Ceremony ends

5:45 PM – Cocktail hour begins

6:45 PM – Dinner and toasts

8:15 PM – Cake cutting

8:30 PM – First dances

8:45 PM – Open dancing

9:45 PM – Late night food, sparkler exit, or sendoff

Wedding Timeline without a First Look

10:00 AM – Start getting ready, hair and makeup

1:45 PM – Photographer arrives for getting ready photos

2:15 PM – Get into wedding dress or suits

2:45 PM – Travel to ceremony location

3:30 PM – Ceremony begins

4:00 PM – Ceremony ends

4:30 PM – Cocktail hour begins, family photos

5:15 PM – Wedding party photos

5:45 PM – Couples portraits

6:15 PM – Dinner and toasts

8:00 PM – Cake cutting

8:15 PM – First dances

8:30 PM – Open dancing

9:30 PM – Late night food, sparkler exit, or sendoff

Don’t Forget: Your Wedding Timeline, Your Rules

At the end of the day, this is your wedding. Your timeline should reflect your priorities, your personalities, and the kind of experience you want to have. Work with your planner and photographer to customize it for your venue and your pace.

As experienced Hudson Valley wedding photographers, we’ve seen every type of timeline and celebration—from intimate elopements at The Hitching Post at Tetz Family Clydesdale Farm to large parties at The Barn at Villa Venezia. Whether you’re planning your day at a classic venue or a brand new space, the key is to create a timeline that lets you feel calm, joyful, and present.