Planning Your Wedding Photography Coverage: Typical Timeline and Checklist
What does a wedding photography day actually look like, package by package? The typical 3-to-12-hour timeline and the checklist to cover everything before the big day.
What gets planned beforehand
Great coverage is planned before the big day. After booking, a conversation locks in the package (duration, second photographer, drone, album), the day's provisional schedule, and the venues. The clearer this plan is in advance, the smoother the coverage on the day itself — no dead time, no missed moment.
- •Coverage duration — from 3h (the essentials) to 12h (a full day), it shapes the entire timeline.
- •The day's schedule — time and venue for getting ready, the ceremony, the cocktail, the dinner.
- •The moments not to miss — first look, vow exchange, first dance: listed together beforehand.
Send your schedule (or your wedding planner's) as soon as it's ready: it helps adjust arrival time and anticipate the key moments.
The typical timeline for a 3-hour package
The Essentiel package (€850) covers the essentials of a short or civil wedding: ideal for a town hall ceremony or an intimate wedding. The timeline focuses on the key moments, with no dead time.
- •Arrival before the ceremony for a few getting-ready photos.
- •The full ceremony (town hall, secular or short religious ceremony).
- •A dedicated slot for couple and family photos right after.
Ideal for: civil weddings, intimate weddings, a controlled budget.
The typical timeline for a 6-hour package
The Prestige package (€1,500), the most popular, covers a classic day: the ceremony and a good part of the reception, with the wedding film (2-3 min) included.
- •End of getting ready and arrival at the ceremony venue.
- •Ceremony, exit, and couple and family photos.
- •Cocktail hour and start of the reception (meal, first speeches).
- •First dance and start of the evening party.
6 hours are enough to cover the essentials of a classic wedding — beyond that, the Luxe package (12h) becomes relevant to catch everything until the end of the night.
The typical timeline for a full-day package
The Luxe package (€2,800) covers the entire day, from getting ready to the end of the night, with a second photographer and drone included.
- •Both partners' preparations, covered in parallel thanks to the second photographer.
- •Ceremony, couple and group photos, drone footage.
- •Cocktail hour, dinner, speeches, first dance.
- •Dance party until the end of coverage.
Ideal for: weddings with many guests, two venues, a day packed with moments.
5 things to check before the big day
A simple checklist to arrive stress-free on the big day.
- •Schedule shared — times and venues for getting ready, the ceremony and the reception.
- •Key moments listed — what you absolutely don't want to miss.
- •Options confirmed — second photographer, drone, album: to be confirmed before the day.
- •Contacts shared — wedding planner, venue, witnesses if coordination is needed.
- •Balance payment — settled on the day the gallery goes live, per the agreed terms.
Whether your coverage lasts 3 or 12 hours, the secret to a well-covered day lies in preparation: a shared schedule, key moments identified together, and a package suited to your programme. Discover the packages on the Services page or build your personalised quote.
Your questions, my answers
How long does wedding photo coverage last?
From 3 hours (Essentiel package, ideal for a civil wedding) to 12 hours for a full day (Luxe package), with 6 hours for a classic wedding (Prestige package). The right duration depends on your programme — compare the packages.
What time does the photographer arrive on the wedding day?
Generally from the preparations (hair and makeup, getting dressed), depending on the chosen package, then until the end of the night or the end of the agreed duration. The exact time is set together based on your schedule.
Should I send a precise schedule before the wedding?
It's not mandatory, but strongly recommended: the clearer the schedule (times, venues, key moments) is in advance, the smoother the coverage on the day, missing nothing.
How long until I receive the photos after the wedding?
A sneak peek of 15 to 20 photos within 5 to 8 days, then the full edited gallery within 2 to 4 weeks.
Can a second photographer be added to a shorter package?
Yes: a second photographer is included in the Luxe and Destination packages, and available as an add-on for Essentiel and Prestige — especially useful to cover both partners' preparations in parallel. When is it worth it?
Have a project in mind?
Contact me to discuss your wedding and create unforgettable memories together.
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