As an Asheville wedding photographer, I have captured many beautiful weddings over the years, but I have also witnessed many where the photography suffered due to poor planning and timeline management. That’s why I always recommend that couples discuss their day’s timeline with their wedding photographer before locking anything in. As photographers, we know how light works and when the best times for photos are, so we can guide you on how to build your day around the photography, rather than the other way around.
Building your day around the photography means ensuring that there is enough time for all the photos you want, and making sure that everything is adequately lit and looks its best in the shots. For example, if the ceremony is taking place in a dark church in Asheville, then we need to make sure that there is extra time allocated for family and bridal party portraits somewhere with more lighting.
Furthermore, it’s essential to ensure that there is enough time for the couple to take photos during the golden hour, which is usually about an hour before sunset. Asheville has several beautiful locations where couples can take photos during this time, such as the Blue Ridge Parkway, or Craggy Gardens. However, if the timeline doesn’t allow for this, then the couple may have to settle for photos in harsher light conditions that may not turn out as beautiful as they envisioned.
Additionally, discussing your timeline with a photographer can help you be more realistic about how long things take on your wedding day. Many couples underestimate how much time they need for photos, and this can result in the day running behind, which can affect everything from the ceremony to the reception. By discussing your timeline with a photographer, you’ll be able to create a realistic schedule that includes enough time for everything you want to achieve, without sacrificing the quality of your photos.
Building your day around photography and discussing your timeline with a wedding photographer is critical to achieving stunning wedding photos. As an experienced Asheville wedding photographer, I am always happy to guide my clients on how to plan their day to achieve the best possible photos. By working together, we can ensure that everything runs smoothly, every moment is captured beautifully, and most importantly, you have a stress-free and unforgettable wedding day.
Having started my journey as a destination wedding photographer, I have gained immense experience and knowledge about light and its impact on photography. Due to this, I can guarantee that I will capture the most beautiful moments during your special day.
One thing that sets me apart from others is my ability to work with all seasons. No matter what season your wedding is in, I can help with your day’s timeline, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. From fall to winter to spring to summer, each season has its magic that I can capture perfectly.
Honestly, there’s a huge difference in timelines, depending on the wedding season, and I have assisted every couple I have worked with in planning this. Whether it’s a winter wedding in Miami or a spring cherry blossom wedding in Washington DC, I know the best times for photos depending on the location, lighting, and style of photography.
I believe in building a relationship with my clients, which is why I take the time to listen to your needs and help you manage your expectations. From an intimate rustic wedding in Asheville to a grandiose wedding in New York, I want to capture the essence of the day for you to cherish forever.
What time is the sunset on your wedding day?
Do you want a first look?
Does your venue have flexibility in your ceremony start time?
The last question is if you’re getting married and having the reception at the same venue – in fact, the timelines below are specifically for that type of venue, as most of my couples weddings that I photograph take place at the same venue as their reception.
Before going over each season, I like to establish general guidelines for how long things take on the wedding day. Depending on if you’re having a first look and if there’s travel involved, I sometimes start up to 5 hours before the ceremony. Every wedding is different, so thats why we spend the time discussing you as a couple first, so that I know what we need for wedding day!
1-4 hours for details and getting ready: When I arrive on-site, I am usually shooting a full day and just an hour after the hair and makeup is setup. For many photographers its the final getting ready stages of hair and makeup. We spend that time photographing the invitations, shoes, jewelry, and anything else important to the couple! For me, I am testing shots for the creative deliveries all morning, and then capturing the moments as they happen. I always ask the bride to place those details somewhere clean and non cluttered. If we move the dress we get one of your girls to help us. I dont touch the dress, I dont move it, because I am not part of the storyline.
30 minutes for getting dressed: We all know that every dress is different. Some take no time to put on, others take some time. This also allows you to use the restroom before the events kick off.
30 minutes for first look: if this is taking place on a site other than the getting-ready location, we add extra time for travel! We dont want to rush
15 minutes for family photos: this is for family photos on each side of the family. For instance, the bride with just her parents, the groom with just his parents, etc.
30 minutes for combined family portraits: these can take place before or after the ceremony depending on if the couple has had a first look.
10 minutes for bridal party portraits: these sometimes also take place before the ceremony with a first look.
25-30 minutes for sunset portraits: a must on your wedding day! I like to do these about 10 mins prior to sunset, and stay for the after glow and blue hour which is about 15 mins after. Depending on the season, sometimes this is during cocktail hour, and for summer weddings, during the dance portion of the reception!
Travel time: if everything is in one location, this makes things the easiet! If you’re going to 2-3 locations on your wedding day, it’s critical you note this time on your info forms I send, but also in our meetings. We also need to have transportation lined up, so people will get where they’re going! I do not transport guests or the couple due to insurance restrictions and guidelines.
Many times when things run behind on a wedding day, it’s because people weren’t sure where they needed to be or how they were supposed to get to their destination. Its also because they never discussed this with their photographer and planner. If every moment is important, then make sure to discuss this in our meetings.
Ah, the first look! You’ve likely heard of the first look by now, where the couple see each other before the ceremony. This is a highly personal decision, and I will say that I am not a fan of them. Regardless there are a few situations where they help with the timeline.
You want a lot of couples photos,and a variety of locations on your wedding day.
If you look at my guidelines for portraits, you will see many times that seem like a lot of time. Without a first look, all those portraits need to be squeezed into cocktail hour and after the ceremony. If you want multiple locations that are off-site for your portraits then a first look is a must.
The Sun Sets at Different Times of the Year.
When a couple gets married in the summer, the sun can set at 8:00 PM or later. This means you get “bonus” extra time where I can take them you out during dinner for another 20 minutes and get some gorgeous sunset portraits. Having extra time in the evening helps to not only get beautiful sunset images, but it’s there in case portraits during cocktail hour took longer than anticipated. This off course depends on your group. Attentive groups take no time, but when we start looking for people who wandered off things get short, QUICK!
Consider a summer wedding date! In the spring and summer, most cerem ony times are set between 5-6pm. This means you’ll have 2-3 hours of post-ceremony sunlight, which translates to more time for gorgeous images at your wedding venue. Its also when the light is at its BEST!!!! 99% of the time first looks are when the light is the harshest, so you dont have the opportunity to get those intimate portraits. Instead you sweat your ass off!
Ceremony sunsets are absolutely gorgeous! The light is soft and typically “wraps” around the couple in an extremely flattering and romantic way! I have photographed many at sunset, and although tough timeline wise, they are magical!
If you want sunset ceremony images, then I definitely recommend a first look so you can get important portraits completed prior to the ceremony. Otherwise every image after the ceremony is going to involve flash, and no sunlight. There’s always residual light after the sun goes past the horizon, but it doesn’t last long! Its also not ideal for photos.
Feel free to take a look at the timelines below! However, I do have a few quick shortcuts to creating your own timeline. The estimates below are based on weddings where everything is taking place at one location.
For me, the ideal ceremony time is an hour and a half to two hours before sunset. As I mentioned previously, a lot of spring and summer weddings have a ceremony time of 5:00, regardless of sunset time. Sometimes its dependant on the venues guidelines, so this tip may be more applicable to fall and winter weddings. This is why its important to include your photographer in all of these discussions
If you’re having a first look, your pre-ceremony photography coverage should start 4 hours before your ceremony.
Without a first look, your pre-ceremony photography coverage should start 3 hours before your ceremony.
Each couple has a different approach to their celebration of events! One important note when planning reception events is what time your photography coverage concludes, especially if you have hired me for hourly only. I offer hourly, 8 hours, and full day. If you have me for the full day, you can skip this section, because I stay through the very end of the reception.
If you have a scheduled photography end time due to your collection, you should plan to have your last major reception event 30 minutes before your photographer leaves. This leaves a bit of a buffer just in case things run a bit behind. This is very important for sparkler exits, fireworks, classic car exits, etc.
When I tell couples I shoot full day, then that is 10-14 hours of wedding photography. Many times you here 8 hours, so I tried to keep this along the lines of how I used to shoot, to help out ALL couples.
Destination couples generally are always full day, and smaller weddings under 50 guests are about 8 hours; below is a typical 8 hour wedding day timeline during the summer.
8:00 PM sunset
Likely ceremony time – 6:00 PM
2:00: Details and getting ready
3:00: Get dressed
3:30: First look
4:15: Individual family photos, followed by combined family photos
5:00: Bridal party photos
5:30: Pre-ceremony portraits conclude / photograph ceremony site and guests entering
6:00: Ceremony (30 minutes)
6:30 – 7:00: Any additional family portraits / bridal party portraits the couple wants
7:35: Grand entrance into reception
7:40: Couples’ first dance
7:50 – 8:10: Married couple portraits
8:00: Dinner + toasts
8:45:: Father/daughter and mother/son dance, dancefloor opens
10:00: Photography concludes
Fall weddings in Asheville NC are undeniably beautiful, and it’s no wonder why. With the breathtaking fall foliage and crisp cool air, it’s an ideal time to get married and celebrate your big day. Not to mention, it’s a fantastic time for photography with the golden hues of leaves turning yellow, orange, and red.
If you’re planning a fall wedding in Asheville NC, it’s important to note that the sunset time may affect your plans. However, this should not worry you as long as you embrace the beauty of an early evening wedding and update your timeline to reflect that. It’s important to remember that it’s your big day, and the timing should suit your preferences.
Asheville NC is known for its picturesque mountain views and is often referred to as the “Paris of the South.” The temperature in October settles between the mid-50s to low 70s, and with a cool breeze, it makes for comfortable and enjoyable weather all day long.
When it comes to venues, Asheville has a range of options for all vibes, budgets, and size of parties. From luxurious resorts to intimate retreats, from historical mansions to verdant wineries, Asheville has everything and more. In addition to this, Asheville has a flourishing local food culture, so you don’t have to look far to find a restaurant or bakery that specializes in wedding cakes, or for catering services that offer farm-to-table menus utilizing locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.
Asheville NC is an excellent choice for a fall wedding. The location, the weather, and the scenery provide a unique and beautiful experience. With the right planning, you can ensure that your wedding in Asheville is memorable, magical, and a true reflection of your love story.
6:51 PM sunset
Ideal ceremony time – 5:00 PM
2:00: Details and getting ready
3:00: Get dressed
3:30: Individual family photos
4:00: Bridal party photos
4:30: Pre-ceremony portraits conclude / photograph ceremony site and guests entering
5:00: Ceremony (30 minutes)
5:30 – 5:50: Family portraits
5:50 – 6:10: Bridal party portraits
6:10 – 6:30: Married couple portraits
6:35: Grand entrance into reception
6:45-7:10: Sunset Portraits
6:51 PM sunset
Ideal ceremony time – 5:00 PM
1:00: Details and getting ready
2:00: Get dressed
2:30: First look
3:15: Individual family photos, followed by combined family photos
3:45: Bridal party photos
4:15: Pre-ceremony portraits conclude / photograph ceremony site and guests entering
5:00: Ceremony (30 minutes)
5:30 – 6:00: Any additional family portraits / bridal party portraits the couple wants
6:00 – 6:20: Married couple portraits
6:25: Grand entrance into reception
6:45-7:10: Sunset Portraits
For a winter wedding, we’ll be using a date of January 15th and the time the sun sets in Asheville on this day, 5:41 PM.
Positives for a Winter Wedding
Negatives for a Winter Wedding
5:41 PM sunset
Ideal ceremony time – 3:30 PM
12:30: Details and getting ready
1:30: Get dressed
2:00: Individual family photos
2:30: Bridal party photos
3:00: Pre-ceremony portraits conclude / photograph ceremony site and guests entering
3:30: Ceremony (30 minutes)
4:00 – 4:20: Family portraits
4:20 – 4:40: Bridal party portraits
4:40 – 5:00: Married couple portraits
5:15: Grand entrance into reception
5:41 PM sunset
Ideal ceremony time – 3:30 PM
11:30: Details and getting ready
12:30: Get dressed
1:00: First look
1:45: Individual family photos, followed by combined family photos
2:30: Bridal party photos
3:00: Pre-ceremony portraits conclude / photograph ceremony site and guests entering
3:30: Ceremony (30 minutes)
4:00 – 4:30: Any additional family portraits / bridal party portraits the couple wants
4:30 – 5:00: Married couple portraits
5:15: Grand entrance into reception
For a spring wedding, we’ll be using a date of April 10th (my birthday) and the time the sun sets in Asheville on this day, 7:59 PM.
Positives for a Spring Wedding
Negatives for a Spring Wedding
7:59 PM sunset
Ideal ceremony time – 5:30 PM
2:00: Details and getting ready
3:00: Get dressed
3:30: Individual family photos
4:00: Bridal party photos
4:30: Pre-ceremony portraits conclude / photograph ceremony site and guests entering
5:30: Ceremony (30 minutes)
6:00 – 6:45: Family portraits, Bridal party portraits
7:05: Grand entrance into reception
7:45 – 8:15: Married couple portraits
7:59 PM sunset
Ideal ceremony time – 5:00 PM
1:00: Details and getting ready
2:00: Get dressed
3:15: First look
3:45: Individual family photos, followed by combined family photos
4:00: Bridal party photos
4:15: Pre-ceremony portraits conclude / photograph ceremony site and guests entering
5:00: Ceremony (30 minutes)
5:30 – 6:00: Any additional family portraits / bridal party portraits the couple wants
6:00 – 6:45: Married couple portraits
7:00: Grand entrance into reception
For a summer wedding, we’ll be using a date of July 4th (Merica!) and the time the sun sets in Asheville on this day, 8:49 PM.
Positives for a Summer Wedding
Negatives for a Summer Wedding
8:49 PM sunset
Likely ceremony time – 5:00 PM
2:00: Details and getting ready
3:00: Get dressed
3:30: Individual family photos
4:00: Bridal party photos
4:30: Pre-ceremony portraits conclude / photograph ceremony site and guests entering
5:00: Ceremony (30 minutes)
5:30 – 5:50: Family portraits
5:50 – 6:10: Bridal party portraits
6:10 – 6:45: Married couple portraits
7:00: Grand entrance into reception
8:30-9:05: Sunset portraits with married couple
8:49 PM sunset
Likely ceremony time – 5:00 PM
1:00: Details and getting ready
2:00: Get dressed
2:30: First look
3:15: Individual family photos, followed by combined family photos
4:00: Bridal party photos
4:30: Pre-ceremony portraits conclude / photograph ceremony site and guests entering
5:00: Ceremony (30 minutes)
5:30 – 6:00: Any additional family portraits / bridal party portraits the couple wants
6:00 – 6:45: Married couple portraits
7:00: Grand entrance into reception
8:30-9:05: Sunset portraits with married couple
I like to be helpful with my couples while you plan your wedding! Always speak with your photographer before making suggestions or planning with your wedding planner. Each couple has an individual approach to their day, and so does every wedding photographer.
Looking For More Wedding Planning Resources?
See the links below for more helpful tools as you plan your wedding day!
North Carolina Mountain Wedding Venues
Wedding Planners to work with in Asheville, NC
Are you looking for a photographer to document your epic wedding day? I’d love to talk to you more about my documentary style and approach to wedding photography. Whether you are getting married in Western North Caroloina or somewhere like Key West, let’s talk! I’d love to talk to you more about my documentary style and approach to wedding photography.
