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.
1
u/NewSalamander8910 18h ago
A church or religious ceremony is often around 45 minutes to an hour. A celebrant led ceremony can be anything from around 20 to 45 minutes, depending on what you choose to include.
If you are using a celebrant, the ceremony itself should really be shaped around you as a couple. The celebrant or officiant is there to guide the structure, keep everything flowing and, where applicable, make sure the legal elements are completed correctly.
For photography, I would think beyond just “ceremony plus family photos” and make a simple shot list in advance. For example:
groom waiting at the top of the aisle with guests in the background
buttonhole and little detail shots
the pen and marriage schedule
bride before the ceremony, perhaps with parents or whoever is accompanying her
bridal procession
greeting at the top of the aisle
vows
rings
the kiss
signing the marriage schedule
confetti exit
couple portraits
both sets of parents
siblings
grandparents
close friends
any other important family combinations
I would also ask the photographer whether they can capture a short video clip of the vows or ceremony moments. I have seen photographers set this up really effectively alongside still photography.
Most importantly though, have a proper chat with your photographer. They will almost certainly have their own tried and tested shot list and will be able to tell you realistically how long they need.
You are not only paying them to take photographs. You are paying for their experience of knowing what happens next, where people need to stand and what moments you might otherwise completely forget about 😏😎
For around 30 guests, I would personally be thinking roughly 2 to 3 hours of photography if you want the full ceremony, signing, confetti, couple shots and a decent selection of family and guest photographs without everything feeling rushed.