Planning your wedding in beautiful Savannah? One of the most important things you can do to ensure a smooth, stress-free day is to create a personalized wedding timeline — one that reflects what you care about most. As a Savannah wedding photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how a thoughtful timeline can make all the difference, not just in how the day flows, but in the photos you’ll treasure forever. Whether you're dreaming of romantic portraits under the Spanish moss, elegant reception detail shots, or candid cocktail hour moments, your timeline should reflect those priorities.
Start With This Question:
What part or parts of the day are most important to you?
It could be:
Couples portraits beneath the oak trees
Family group shots with everyone looking their best
Detailed images of your carefully curated décor
Candid moments during cocktail hour
Sentimental items like heirloom rings, vow books, or a welcome gift for guests
Once you know what means the most, communicate this to both your wedding planner and photographer. Together, we can craft a timeline that ensures your favorite parts of the day are given the attention they deserve.
Sample Wedding Timelines Based on What Matters Most
1. Timeline Prioritizing Couples Portraits
Perfect for: Romantic duos who want that dreamy golden-hour light.
1:00 PM – Photographer arrives (details + getting ready)
2:30 PM – First look
2:45 PM – Couples portraits (pre-ceremony)
3:30 PM – Wedding party photos
4:00 PM - Immediate Family Portraits
4:30 PM - Tuck everyone away before ceremony
5:00 PM – Ceremony
5:30 PM – Post ceremony extended family portraits + Cocktail hour begins
6:00 PM - Sunset Portraits
6:45 PM – Guests start to enter reception space
7:00 PM - Reception begins
11:00 PM - Reception ends
2. Timeline Prioritizing Wedding Party + Family Photos
Perfect for: Couples with large or multi-generational families.
1:00 PM – Photographer arrives (details + getting ready)
1:30 PM – First look
1:45 PM - Couples Portraits
2:00 PM – Wedding party photos
3:00 PM – Family portraits (extended time for multiple combinations)
4:30 PM - Tuck everyone aways as guests arrive
5:00 PM – Ceremony
5:30 PM – Finish up family portraits + cocktail hour
6:00 PM - Sunset Portraits
6:45 PM - Guests start to enter reception space
6:30 PM – Reception begins
11:00 PM – Reception ends
3. Timeline Prioritizing Guests
Perfect for: Couples who want to mingle and enjoy the party.
1:00 PM – Photographer arrives (details + getting ready)
2:00 PM – First look + couple’s portraits
3:00 PM – Wedding party portraits
3:45 PM - All Family portraits
4:30 PM - Tuck everyone away as guests arrive
5:00 PM – Ceremony
Post ceremony take a shot with all guests, wedding party + couple
5:30 PM – Cocktail hour (photographer focuses on candids + ambiance)
6:45 PM - Guests start to enter reception space
7:00 PM – Reception begins
11:00 PM - Reception ends
4. Timeline Prioritizing Reception Details
Perfect for: Design-forward couples who want every visual element captured.
1:00 PM – Photographer arrives (details + getting ready)
2:00 PM – First look + couples portraits
2:45 PM – Wedding party portraits
3:30 PM - All Family Portraits
4:00 PM - Tuck everyone away as guests arrive
4:15 PM - Photographer to capture ceremony + cocktail hour details
5:00 PM – Ceremony
5:30 PM – Cocktail hour
5:45 PM - Photographer to capture all reception details (candles all lit and florals in place)
6:45 PM – Guests start to enter reception space
7:00 PM - Reception begins
11:00 PM - Reception ends
5. Timeline Prioritizing Bridal + Groom Details
Perfect for: Those with thoughtful, personalized touches throughout the day.
1:00 PM – Photographer arrives (rings, vow books, shoes, welcome gifts, flatlays - make sure the florist leaves flowers for this)
2:30 PM – Getting ready portraits
3:00 PM – First look + couples photos
3:30 PM – Wedding party portraits
4:00 PM - Family portraits
4:30 PM - Tuck everyone away as guests arrive
5:00 PM – Ceremony
5:30 PM – Finish up family portraits + Cocktail hour
6:30 PM - Reception begins
11:00 PM – Reception ends
Final Thoughts
Your wedding day in deserves to be beautifully documented, in a way that feels true to you. By building your timeline around what you value most, you'll not only reduce stress, but ensure your photographer captures the memories you’ll hold onto forever.
Ready to create your perfect wedding day timeline? Let’s talk! I’m here to help guide you every step of the way — with expertise, creativity, and a love for all things Savannah.
