There are so many decisions to make when it comes to your wedding day. You may think that setting the ceremony time would be an easy decision. If you are getting married in a church, the times may be set and scheduled based on the availability of the church. However, if you are getting married at a venue that has both indoor and outdoor spaces, you will want to consider a few factors when thinking about your ceremony time.
Do you want a daytime wedding or an evening wedding?
Do you want most of your photos taken before the ceremony or after?
Will you have a first look with each other prior to the ceremony?
What time will the sunset happen on your wedding day?
If you will be hosting a daytime wedding, consider the direction your ceremony will be facing. Will it face the West into the setting sun? If so, the sun may be in your guest's eyes, making it uncomfortable for them to see. It could also be very hot if outside, to have the sun shining directly on your guests.
This photo taken by Katelyn Virginia Photography was taken prior to sunset. Working together with your photographer and planner makes all the difference in the world for your photos.
If you are having a first look, you will need to consider how early you may have to get ready in order to take photos of this moment and other bridal party photos and couple photos that could be taken prior to the ceremony. Remember that these will need to be completed in time to have the bridal party placed in a location so as to not be seen as guests start arriving.
Depending on the time of year you are getting married, the sun could be setting earlier in the day. Therefore, you will need to consider that your ceremony ends at least one hour prior to the sun setting so that your photographer can have enough light to get the best photos. Below we have listed a few sample timelines to ensure you get the most out of your day and create the perfect ceremony time.
First Look | 1:30 |
Bridal Party Photos/Couple Photos | 1:45 - 3:00 |
Get everyone tucked away | 3:00 |
Earliest Guest Arrival | 3:30 |
Ceremony | 4:00 |
Ceremony Ends | 4:30 |
Family Photos | 4:35 - 4:50 |
Couple Photos | 4:50 - 5:20 |
Sunset | 5:30 |
Bridal Party Photos Separately - No first look | 2:30 |
Get Everyone tucked away | 4:00 |
Earliest Guest Arrival | 4:30 |
Ceremony Time | 5:00 |
Ceremony Ends | 5:30 |
Family Photos | 5:35 - 5:50 |
Couple Photos | 5:50 - 6:20 |
Sneak Couple out for sunset photos | 7:45 |
Sunset | 8:00 |
The sunsetting would be one of the greatest factors in considering your ceremony time, that is if you are not on a set schedule already placed by a church or place of worship. If you are unsure what time your ceremony should be, consult with your photographer or wedding planner to ensure you have ample time to get the photos that you want. They will have the experience needed to help you make an educated choice for that time.
Still have questions and want to talk. Blessed Magnolia is a full-service wedding planner, located in Ocala, Florida. Let's talk today.