A destination wedding timeline needs room for travel between locations, ceremonies and the reception. Prepare the photography around those events, with agreed windows for portraits and family groups rather than a schedule filled with photo sessions.
Why a destination wedding timeline needs extra care
For a destination wedding, check arrival times and the actual journeys between accommodation, preparation and the ceremony. Travel and unfamiliar locations can require additional margin in the schedule.
Building the day backwards from your last dance
Begin with the fixed ceremony and reception times, then place preparation, travel, portraits and family photographs around them. Check the sequence with the venue and the people organising the day.
Jet lag, travel days and a realistic arrival schedule
Choose an arrival schedule that leaves time for travel disruption and any appointments or rehearsal you have planned. If a venue visit with your photographer is needed, agree it beforehand rather than assuming it is included.
A sample timeline for a French wedding day
- Morning: hair, makeup and getting-ready details, photographed candidly as they happen
- Early afternoon: ceremony (civil, religious, or both, depending on your plans)
- Late afternoon: cocktail hour and family portraits, with a short window reserved for the two of you alone
- Golden hour: couple portraits, timed to your venue's specific sunset, which we confirm in advance
- Evening: dinner, speeches and first dances, photographed through to as late in the night as your coverage allows
Read the Bordeaux planning guide, then let’s discuss your schedule.
