A church wedding gives your day a natural centre: the ceremony. Build your timeline outward from that moment and everything else falls into place, with room to breathe and time for the photographs you'll treasure.
Start with the service
Confirm the ceremony time and length with your minister first. A traditional service with hymns, readings and Holy Communion can run to an hour; a shorter service might take thirty minutes. Allow a little extra for signing the register and for guests to leave the church.
Getting ready
We usually arrive about two and a half hours before the ceremony. That gives us time for the details, the dress, quiet moments with family and a final look before you leave. Aim to be dressed forty-five minutes before you travel, so nothing feels rushed.
“Give yourself more time than you think. The calm shows in every photograph.”
After the ceremony
Plan for twenty minutes outside the church for confetti, greetings and a few family groups while everyone is together. Keep the family list short and share it with us in advance; we'll work through it quickly so you can get back to your guests.
Portraits and golden hour
We like twenty to thirty minutes for couple portraits after the ceremony, and another ten at golden hour during the evening. That low, soft light in the hour before sunset is the most flattering of the day, and it photographs beautifully in black and white.
The reception
Speeches, the first dance and the cake each have their own rhythm. Share the order of the evening with us and we'll be in the right place for every moment without interrupting the celebration.
Would you like help shaping your timeline? We're happy to look through a draft with you before the day.
