How much time do you actually need for photos?

Planning your wedding day timeline in MD, DC, or VA? (Or beyond—I travel.) Here’s how much buffer time you actually need for stress-free photos:

First Look & Couples Portraits — 45 to 60 minutes. The best light of your whole day, plus the only quiet minutes you’ll get before the celebration takes over.

Wedding Party Photos — 30 minutes. Enough time for every combination without eating your entire afternoon.

Family Formals — 30 minutes. Keep your list to 10 key groupings and this flies by.

Golden Hour Sunset Portraits — 15 to 20 minutes, tucked into your reception. The easiest 20 minutes of the day, and usually the favorites in the gallery.

Save this tip now—it will save your sanity on the big day. And if you want a timeline built around your people instead of a template, that’s my favorite part of the job.

I’m currently booking 2027 & 2028 weddings, elopements, and proposals. Send me a message and grab your date.