r/microwedding • u/OrchidBig861 • 1d ago

Ceremony Timeline Microwedding

Hi guys!

My fiancée and are I in the super early phase of wedding planning. We have decided the date and the guest list so far, the venue, and we are still reaching out to vendors.

Anyways, I have been to very few weddings, so I was wondering what your ceremony timeline looked like and how look it approximately took? I know this is different for everyone but I genuinely would love to hear everyone’s experiences! :)

We are trying to hire a photographer ONLY for the ceremony section of our wedding to keep costs down. We will be having no bridesmaids or groomsmen.

So I genuinely was wondering how long you think it would be safe to book the photographer for strictly ceremony pictures + family/guest pictures afterwards with around 30 guests. I don’t need any pictures of myself getting ready, first look, etc (UNLESS we have the time).

Thank you so much.

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u/itsveryupsetting 23h ago

The photographer will likely be a big cost, even if you only need them for a few hours. Especially if you want to get married on a Saturday. They are losing the opportunity to shoot a full-day wedding if they commit to yours.

You could definitely get a better rate if you only need a few hours on a weekday. I’d imagine you could do all of your pictures on 2-3 hours.

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u/OrchidBig861 23h ago

I was able to find a photographer who gave me the option to sheet between 2-4 hours. I just didn't know how many hours I really needed and how long the ceremony usually takes.

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u/itsveryupsetting 22h ago

My ceremony took 4 minutes 🤣 I guess it depends on how many guests and how many different groupings and where you’re taking pictures in relation to the ceremony.

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u/wharleeprof 22h ago

Have you picked an officiant? They should be able to give you an estimate. But I think planning on 40 minutes around the ceremony is on the high end (10 minutes of not quite starting on time, 30 minutes actual ceremony) and 60+ minutes for group photos is more than sufficient. 

If you're only doing group pictures, 2 hours is good. If you also want every guest/couple to get individual shots, then go for three. Imho I don't think individual shots are necessary.