Wedding Day Timeline Guide
After photographing 600+ St. Augustine weddings, we've learned that great timing makes everything flow. Here's exactly how to plan your day.
Last updated: January 2026
Timeline Planning Basics
After over a decade photographing weddings in St. Augustine, we've learned that a well-planned timeline is what separates smooth, enjoyable weddings from stressful ones. Your timeline isn't just about when things happen—it's about creating space for the moments that matter most.
Planning Start
3-4 months before
Final Timeline
2 weeks before
Buffer Time
15-30 minutes
Hair/Makeup Buffer
45-60 minutes
Our #1 Timeline Tip
Build your timeline backwards from your ceremony time. Once you know when you're saying "I do," everything else falls into place. We start with ceremony time, then work backwards through portraits, getting ready, and prep time.
The key elements every timeline needs:
- Buffer time between major events - Hair and makeup almost always runs 30-45 minutes late
- Realistic travel time - Factor in St. Augustine traffic, especially during tourist season
- Vendor coordination windows - When your florist delivers, when your band arrives to set up
- Guest experience flow - Cocktail hour timing, dinner service, reception flow
- Photography priorities - Golden hour timing, family photo windows, couple portraits
Coverage Length Options
We offer 4, 6, 8, and 10-hour wedding photography packages. Here's what each coverage length allows and when it works best:
4-Hour Coverage ($1,800)
Best for: Intimate ceremonies, courthouse weddings, small receptions
Typically covers: Getting ready final touches, ceremony, family photos, first hour of reception
Timing: Usually 2 hours before ceremony through dinner service
6-Hour Coverage ($2,400)
Best for: Traditional weddings without first look, smaller guest counts
Typically covers: Final getting ready, ceremony, portraits, cocktail hour, reception through first dance
Timing: 2-3 hours before ceremony through dancing start
8-Hour Coverage ($3,200)
Best for: Full weddings with first look, complete day documentation
Typically covers: Getting ready, first look, ceremony, all portraits, full reception
Timing: 4-5 hours before ceremony through dancing/exit
10-Hour Coverage ($4,000)
Best for: Destination weddings, extensive portrait sessions, large families
Typically covers: Full getting ready, multiple locations, extended family photos, complete reception
Timing: 6+ hours before ceremony through grand exit
First Look vs Traditional Timing
One of the biggest timeline decisions you'll make is whether to do a first look. After photographing both styles hundreds of times, here's the honest breakdown:
First Look Timeline
Pros:
- More time for couple portraits
- Less pressure after ceremony
- Guests don't wait as long
- Better golden hour timing
Cons:
- Less anticipation at ceremony
- Longer photo day
- More coordination required
Traditional Timeline
Pros:
- Maximum ceremony emotion
- Shorter getting ready time
- Classic wedding experience
- Less pre-ceremony stress
Cons:
- Guests wait during portraits
- Rush between ceremony and reception
- May miss golden hour
- Less portrait time
Making the Choice
We recommend first looks for couples who want extensive portraits and don't mind a longer photo day. Choose traditional timing if the surprise moment at the ceremony is your priority and you're okay with shorter portrait sessions.
Seasonal Timing Considerations
St. Augustine's seasons dramatically affect your timeline. Here's what we've learned photographing here year-round:
Spring/Fall (March-May, October-November)
Perfect weather, comfortable temperatures
Peak wedding season, book early
Ideal ceremony time: 4:30-6:30pm
Golden hour: 6:30-7:30pm (spring), 5:30-6:30pm (fall)
Summer (June-September)
Longer days, beach season
Heat, humidity, afternoon storms
Ideal ceremony time: 6:30-7:30pm
Golden hour: 7:30-8:30pm
Winter (December-February)
Cool temperatures, Nights of Lights
Early sunset, variable weather
Ideal ceremony time: 3:30-4:30pm
Golden hour: 5:00-6:00pm
Summer Storm Planning
June through September brings afternoon thunderstorms. Plan indoor backup locations and consider earlier ceremony times. We've seen beautiful storms clear just in time for golden hour portraits.
Sample Wedding Day Timelines
Here are real-world timelines we've used for successful St. Augustine weddings. Adjust based on your specific venues and needs:
8-Hour Coverage with First Look (Most Popular)
11:00am
Photography coverage begins - getting ready details
12:00pm
Hair and makeup finishing touches, dress photos
1:30pm
Groom getting ready photos
2:30pm
First look at ceremony venue
3:00pm
Couple portraits (30-45 minutes)
3:45pm
Wedding party portraits
4:30pm
Family photos before ceremony
6:00pm
Cocktail hour, remaining family photos
7:00pm
Reception begins, dinner service
7:00pm
Photography coverage ends
6-Hour Coverage Traditional (No First Look)
2:00pm
Photography coverage begins - final getting ready
3:00pm
Detail shots, bride and groom separate prep
4:00pm
Pre-ceremony family photos (groom's side)
4:30pm
Guests begin arriving
5:30pm
Family photos immediately after ceremony
6:00pm
Couple portraits during cocktail hour
6:30pm
Cocktail hour continues
7:30pm
Reception begins, dinner service
8:00pm
Photography coverage ends
Golden Hour Planning
Golden hour—that magical time when the sun is low and light is warm—is every photographer's favorite time. In St. Augustine, we plan entire timelines around it.
St. Augustine Golden Hour by Season
- Summer (June-August): 7:30-8:30pm
- Spring/Fall: 6:30-7:30pm (spring), 5:30-6:30pm (fall)
- Winter: 5:00-6:00pm
Here's how we build timelines around golden hour:
Golden Hour Timeline Strategy
With First Look: Schedule couple portraits during golden hour, 1-2 hours after your first look and ceremony.
Without First Look: Plan ceremony to end 45 minutes before golden hour starts, allowing time for family photos before couple portraits.
Backup Plan: Always identify covered areas with good light in case of weather. The Lightner Museum courtyard and Villa Blanca's covered terrace are our go-to spots.
Coordinating with Vendors
Your timeline affects every vendor. Here's what each needs to know:
Vendor Timeline Coordination
Hair/Makeup: Share ceremony time and coverage start time. Build in extra buffer—we've never seen hair and makeup finish early.
Florist: Coordinate delivery times with venue access and ceremony setup needs.
DJ/Band: Ensure they know cocktail hour start time and any special timing for entrances or first dance.
Videographer: Share full timeline and coordinate on couple portrait timing to avoid conflicts.
Venue: Confirm setup and breakdown times, noise restrictions, and vendor load-in schedules.
Need Help Planning Your Timeline?
After 600+ weddings, we know exactly how to time your day for the best photos and smoothest experience. Let's create a custom timeline for your St. Augustine wedding.
View Wedding Photography
Weather and Backup Plans
St. Augustine weather can change quickly. Here's how we plan for different scenarios:
Common Weather Timeline Adjustments
Summer Storms: Move ceremony 30-60 minutes earlier. Have indoor portrait locations ready. Storms often clear by evening.
High Heat: Schedule all outdoor photos before 11am or after 6pm. Plan more indoor time during midday.
Winter Cold Fronts: Have jackets for portraits. Indoor backup locations are essential—Lightner Museum, Villa Blanca, and historic hotels work well.
The venues we work with most have excellent indoor backup options:
- Lightner Museum: Covered courtyards with beautiful natural light
- Villa Blanca: Multiple covered terraces and indoor spaces
- White Room: Floor-to-ceiling windows provide great indoor light
- Historic Hotels: Bayfront Marin House and Casa Monica offer elegant indoor alternatives
Day-of Execution Tips
The best timeline in the world doesn't help if it's not followed. Here's what we've learned about day-of execution:
Our Day-of Timeline Tips
- Designate a timekeeper - Usually your coordinator, but could be a responsible family member
- Share the timeline with everyone - Every vendor, family member, and wedding party member should have a copy
- Start getting ready 15 minutes early - This builds buffer time throughout the day
- Have vendor contact numbers ready - Your coordinator needs to be able to reach everyone
- Be flexible on small delays - 15-20 minutes behind is normal and manageable
Remember: your timeline is a guide, not a law. The goal is to reduce stress and create space for the moments that matter most. Some of our favorite wedding photos happen in the unplanned moments between scheduled events.
Final Timeline Check (2 Weeks Before)
- Confirm all vendor timing and contact information
- Share final timeline with entire wedding party
- Identify your timeline coordinator for the day
- Confirm backup plans for weather
- Double-check venue access times and restrictions
A great timeline allows you to be present in your wedding day instead of worried about what comes next. That's when the best photos happen—when you're relaxed, enjoying the moment, and trusting that everything is taken care of.
For more St. Augustine wedding planning resources, check out our complete venue guide and wedding photography services.
