Planning your San Diego wedding timeline can feel a little daunting, so I’m here to help! As a wedding and elopement photographer, I love to help with every step leading up to your big day – and planning your timeline is a huge part of that. Together, we can plan your San Diego wedding timeline that will seamlessly flow and help you be fully present for your wedding! If you’re looking for venues that also help with the planning, Wedgewood Weddings is such a great option.

I offer this timeline support with all of my wedding packages, including my biggest one—the 10-hour wedding day. Most couples wonder, Is 10 hours really necessary? Which I totally get; I felt the same way when planning my own wedding. It goes by so much faster than you think! Having the full day captured often helps couples feel less crunched to fit most of the highlights into a short timeframe. But regardless of your package, I will help you plan your day and document the moments most important to you!

What a Full San Diego Wedding Timeline Looks Like: Example Timeline

To give you an idea of what goes into a full day for your San Diego wedding timeline, here’s a real 10 hour timeline I’ve used for a couple on their wedding day at. You’ll notice that every moment is captured, from getting ready in the afternoon to the grand exit at night. This is just an example—each wedding is unique, and I tailor the timeline to best fit your day.

2:00 PM: Photographers Arrive
Beth and the second photographer arrive on-site, ready to start documenting your day. We’ll begin capturing some shots around the venue and your details on-site.

2:15 – 3:15 PM: Getting Ready & Close Friends/Fam Photos
Beth: Capturing candid moments of one partner with their wedding party/chosen people, makeup and hair finishing touches, individual photos with wedding party/fam/friends, as well as detail shots of attire, rings, and invitations.
Second photographer: Same thing as Beth, but with other partner.

3:15 – 3:45 PM: Individual Portraits
Beth: Individual portraits around the venue or getting-ready location. If you don’t want to see your partner before, my second shooter and I will coordinate to ensure no one bumps into each other!
Second photographer: Same thing as Beth, but with the other partner.

3:45 – 4:15 PM: First Look (Optional) or Detail Shots
If you choose to do a first look, we’ll capture the moment when you and your partner see each other for the first time. If not, we’ll use this time for more detail shots (like wedding invitation flat lays), the details of the venue all setup, or anything else that’s important to you (to be discussed prior to your wedding, of course).

4:15 – 4:30 PM: Buffer Time
This is a built-in cushion for everyone to take a little breather, freshen up, or complete any last-minute preparations before the ceremony. Almost time!

4:30 – 5:00 PM: Ceremony Preparation
We’ll capture final moments as everyone prepares for the ceremony. This is also a great time for candid shots of family members and guests arriving, which is typically where the second photographer will be.

5:00 – 5:30 PM: Ceremony
It’s heeeeeere!! We’ll capture every part of your ceremony from two angles, allowing each photographer to really focus on one partner.

5:30 – 6:30 PM: Family Photos & Couple Portraits
Beth: Right after the ceremony, we’ll take family portraits with the couple together. Then, you and your partner will have some time for portraits just the two of you, documenting that just-married time! I also like to add in at least a 10 minute buffer for you to have a moment alone with your now spouse and a little snack and beverage.

Second photographer: assist Beth for first half, cocktail hour guest photos for the second half.

6:30 – 7:00 PM: Cocktail Hour
While you’re enjoying the last part of cocktail hour with your guests, we’ll take candid photos of you spending time with everyone celebrating you both.

7:00 – 7:10 PM: Reception begins!
If you want, you and your partner can make a grand entrance into the reception. You absolutely don’t have to do a grand entrance if it doesn’t feel right!

7:10 – 8:00 PM: Dinner
During dinner, we typically take a brief break and grab dinner. Most people don’t totally love candids of them eating, which is fair! We will be sure to still grab the highlights of dinner and the details of the table settings and sweetheart table (if there is one).

8:00 – 8:20 PM: Speeches & Toasts
We’ll document the speeches and toasts, being sure to get both reaction photos and candids of the speakers!

8:20 – 8:40 PM: First Dance & Parent Dances
It’s then time for the first dance, followed by any parent dance(s) you might want to include. If you wish to do a bouquet toss(es), that’s usually right after this!

8:40 – 8:50 PM: Cake Cutting & Dessert
Whether you choose a public or private cake cutting, we’ll capture the moment. Afterward, we can grab some shots of your dessert table or special treats.

8:50 – 9:50 PM: Dancing & Celebration
Whew, it’s now time to dance and hang out! We’ll capture all the moments as you and your guests celebrate. We love some good dance floor flash photos!

9:50 – 10:00 PM: Grand Exit (or minimal exit – you decide!)
To close out the night, we’ll capture your grand exit – whether it’s a sparkler send-off, bubbles, or something else. No shame in just walking out of there either, you do you.

Why 10 Hours is a Perfect Fit for your San Diego Wedding Timeline

One of the biggest reasons I recommend 10-hour coverage is because the day goes by so fast. The extra time allows for:

• Relaxation: There’s no rush to squeeze everything into a smaller time frame. You get time to breathe, enjoy moments with your guests, and be fully present for the day.
• Buffer Time: Weddings rarely run exactly on time, and that’s okay! Having a full day of coverage ensures we can accommodate any delays without missing important moments.
• Complete Coverage: From the details of your outfits and rings to the final goodbyes at the end of the night, every moment is documented. When you look back on your photos, you’ll relive the entire day, not just the highlights.

Timeline Support is Always Included

I want to emphasize that you don’t need to stress over timeline planning—I’ve got it handled. I’ll work closely with you and your vendors to keep the day flowing smoothly. The timeline is flexible, allowing events to unfold naturally. Think of it as a guide, not a strict schedule. We’ll create it together, and I’ll ensure everything stays on track so you can focus on enjoying your wedding day.

Happy Wedding Planning!

Your wedding is such an exciting day, and having full coverage allows you to experience it all without feeling rushed. I’m here to make sure the timeline isn’t something you worry about—it’s something I take care of, so you can just enjoy your day! If you want to chat about your day, contact me here! I love to help with every step of visioning and planning.