Wedding Day Timelines for Virginia Couples
Wedding Day Timelines for Virginia Couples
Planning the timeline for your wedding day is one of the most important parts of making the day run smoothly—and making sure you have enough time to capture every special moment. Whether you're getting married in Charlottesville, Roanoke, Lynchburg, or anywhere in between, having a wedding day timeline tailored to your venue, your vendors, and your photo/video team can make all the difference.
At Shoreline Weddings, we’ve filmed hundreds of weddings and know exactly how timing impacts the final product. In this guide, we’ll share real sample timelines used by Virginia couples, tips for creating your own, and answers to the most common questions couples ask.
Why Your Wedding Timeline Matters (Especially in Virginia)
Virginia’s natural beauty and four-season climate make for some stunning weddings—but they also come with considerations like sunset timing, travel distances, and weather shifts. Having a thoughtful timeline:
Helps vendors coordinate smoothly
Ensures you have time for video and photo coverage
Prevents rushed or skipped moments
Allows you to fully enjoy your day
Real Wedding Day Timeline Examples
📅 Sample Timeline #1: No First Look – 5:00 PM Ceremony
Assumes two photographers and one videographer
2:00 PM – Coverage begins (details, dress, getting ready)
2:45 PM – Hair and makeup completed
3:00 PM – Bride gets dressed
3:30 PM – Wedding party portraits (separately)
4:00 PM – Immediate family portraits (separately)
4:30 PM – Hide bride as guests arrive
5:00 PM – Ceremony begins
5:30 PM – Ceremony ends / Cocktail hour starts
5:40 PM – Family portraits together
6:15 PM – Couple’s portraits (10–15 mins)
6:30 PM – Cocktail hour ends / guests seated
6:40 PM – Grand entrance
6:45 PM – First dance
6:50 PM – Toasts
7:00 PM – Dinner service
7:45 PM – Speeches
8:10 PM – Parent dances
8:20 PM – Bouquet toss / garter toss
8:30 PM – Dance floor opens
9:00 PM – Coverage ends
📅 Sample Timeline #2: With a First Look – 5:00 PM Ceremony
Assumes two photographers and one videographer
1:00 PM – Coverage begins (details, getting ready)
2:00 PM – Hair and makeup completed
2:05 PM – Bride gets dressed
2:30 PM – First look with dad or bridesmaids
2:45 PM – First look with groom
3:00 PM – Couple’s portraits
3:30 PM – Full wedding party photos
4:00 PM – Optional family photos
4:30 PM – Hide bride as guests arrive
5:00 PM – Ceremony begins
5:30 PM – Ceremony ends / Cocktail hour starts
5:40 PM – Family portraits
5:50 PM – Sunset portraits of couple
6:30 PM – Guests seated
6:40 PM – Grand entrance
6:45 PM – First dance
6:50 PM – Toasts
7:00 PM – Dinner service
7:45 PM – Speeches
8:10 PM – Parent dances
8:20 PM – Bouquet toss / garter toss
8:30 PM – Dance floor opens
9:00 PM – Coverage ends
Virginia-Specific Timing Tips
Fall weddings? Check the sunset time and schedule couple’s portraits before the ceremony if needed.
Coastal weddings may have bright, harsh light midday—opt for later ceremonies.
Mountain venues in Roanoke or Shenandoah may lose light earlier due to terrain.
Rural venues may require buffer time for vendor travel and guest arrivals.
Recommended Videography Coverage
Shoreline Weddings typically recommends at least 6 hours of coverage for full ceremony, grand entrance, first dance, and highlight video footage. Add-on options for full ceremony and speeches are available for couples who want to preserve key moments in full.
🎥 Learn more about packages here: Virginia Videography Pricing
📍 See sample videos here: Virginia Wedding Videographer
Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Timelines
Q: Do I need a first look?
A: Not at all! But it can reduce stress, allow for more portraits, and give you more time together on your wedding day.
Q: How long do portraits usually take?
A: Couple’s portraits take 15–30 minutes. Add 20–30 minutes each for family and wedding party photos if done separately.
Q: What’s the best time of day for a ceremony?
A: Two hours before sunset is ideal for golden hour lighting, especially if you’re planning outdoor photos afterward.
Q: Should I include buffer time in my schedule?
A: Yes—build in at least 10 minutes between major transitions (getting dressed, travel, ceremony start, etc.). It keeps things calm.
Q: When should video coverage begin?
A: Usually 90 minutes to 2 hours before the ceremony to include final prep, detail shots, and venue coverage.
Final Thoughts
Wedding day timelines don’t have to be complicated. With the right guidance, you can build a schedule that keeps things flowing and gives you space to truly enjoy the moment.
Need help building the right coverage plan for your Virginia wedding?