Planning a wedding in Vermont comes with so many beautiful choices—rolling hills, cozy inns, moody forests, and the softest golden hour light. But no matter the vibe, one thing every couple needs is a solid Vermont wedding timeline. A well-planned day keeps things flowing smoothly, reduces stress, and ensures you (and your photographer) prioritize the moments that are most important to you.

Let’s chat about how long each part of a wedding day typically takes, how much Vermont wedding photography coverage you actually need, common wedding timeline mistakes, and ensure you have a few example timelines to work from as you plan your day.

Why Your Vermont Wedding Timeline Matters

The best timelines aren’t packed to the brim—they breathe. They allow space for hugs with grandma, quiet moments with your partner, a second slice of cake, and spontaneous barefoot dancing under the stars. They give you room to feel your day instead of racing through it.

And from a photography perspective? A well-paced timeline ensures we have time to capture those emotional in-between moments that often end up being your favorites.

How Long Each Part of the Wedding Day Takes

Here’s a breakdown of the average time I recommend for each part of the day, whether you’re having a traditional wedding or an intimate Vermont elopement. 

Getting Ready: 1.5-2.5 hours

This includes detail photos (rings, dress, invites, heirlooms etc), candid moments with your friends and family, and getting dressed. This time can also include some wedding party portraits if you want more time at cocktail hour with your friends. 

Total time needed depends on the factors above and how close you and your partner are getting ready, and if your Vermont wedding photographer needs to drive from one location to the other.

First Look: 15-30 minutes

Private, emotional, and one of the best ways to calm nerves. Bonus: it gives us time for portraits before guests arrive! Wondering if you should do a first look at how it impacts your timeline? Here ya go!

Couple Portraits: 30-45 minutes

We’ll sneak away for these right after your first look, or after the ceremony if you’re waiting until the aisle to see each other.

Wedding Party Photos: 20-30 minutes

If we’ve already done the first look, we’ll knock these out before the ceremony. Otherwise, we’ll tackle them afterward.

Family Photos: 20-30 minutes

The more organized this part is (with a pre-planned list), the smoother it goes!

Ceremony: 20-60 minutes

Short and sweet or more traditional—this varies depending on your ceremony style and officiant.

Cocktail Hour: 1-2 Hours

If we haven’t done all the portraits yet, we’ll use this window to finish. Otherwise, you get to enjoy it fully (yes, please!).

Reception + Sunset Portraits: 2.5- 4 hours

From toasts to dances to sneaking out for 10 golden minutes of sunset portraits, this part of the evening is where your day flows into celebration.

How Much Vermont Wedding Photography Coverage Do You Actually Need?

If you’re planning a first look and want full wedding day coverage (from getting ready through dancing), I recommend at least 8 hours of coverage. Here’s why:

• 7 hours often feels rushed, especially if your ceremony and reception are at different locations. 
• 8 hours allows us to document the whole story—prep, portraits, ceremony, family, reception, and golden hour magic.
• If you’re planning something more intimate, like an elopement or micro-wedding, we can build a custom timeline that fits your day.

Common Vermont Wedding Timeline Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Lucky for you, timeline creation is part of every single Vermont Wedding Photography Package I provide. I build a first draft timeline based on a ton of info I ask you to share with me before your wedding day, then we work together (and meet at least a few times) to make adjustments as it gets closer. Read: you’re never left to build your own timeline. 

That said, here are a few common “mistakes” I see couples make when they consider their timeline without guidance from a photographer:

1. Not padding time between big moments. Give yourself buffer time. A little cushion makes space for the unexpected.
2. Forgetting travel time between locations. Even 10 minutes adds up once you factor in parking, getting everyone out of cars, and last-minute needs.
3. Skipping the first look and packing all portraits into cocktail hour. Okay, skipping a first look definitely isn’t a mistake. If you and your partner decide you want to keep seeing each other for the aise, that is BEYOND fine. But, it does mean that—unless you extend cocktail hour—you’ll likely spend most of that time taking phtos (aka: less time for you and your partner to spend with the people you love and, likely, fewer couples photos). Learn how a first look impacts your wedding day timeline here and decide what feels right for you!
4. Over-scheduling the reception with back-to-back events. Leave room for spontaneity (and actual dancing!).
5. Not accounting for lighting. Want dreamy portraits in golden light? We’ll need to time your ceremony or portraits accordingly. Lighting shifts fast—especially in Vermont’s mountains or deep woods.
6. Letting the day get too front-loaded. If everything meaningful happens before dinner, the evening can feel like it fizzles. Think about how you want the day to build emotionally.
7. Leaving hair and makeup to run long. This is the most common reason timelines run behind early on. Always pad 15–30 extra minutes just in case—and aim to be ready before your scheduled time.
8. Not planning transition time for guests. If your ceremony and reception are in different places, or you want guests to move from one area to another (like cocktail hour to dinner), be sure to allow time for that shift.
9. Trying to please everyone else. It’s your day. Build a timeline that reflects what matters to you, not what you think you’re “supposed” to do. Make sure you work with a photographer who really gets to know you, your priorities, and your vision for your day and final gallery.

Sample Wedding Timelines For Your Day

These free example wedding timelines to give you some peace of mind as you start planning your day. (As a type A girly myself, I know how helpful it is to have a general idea of what timing could look like, even if it isn’t “official” yet!).

This download includes the biggest questions to ask yourself to determine which timeline will work best to help you achieve your vision—how you want to feel over the course of your day and when you open your final gallery.

And remember, your photographer will (read: should!) be in communication with you quite a bit as you design your timeline together.

Building Your Own Vermont Wedding Timeline

Whether you’re planning a big celebration at a lakeside inn or an intimate mountaintop elopement, your timeline sets the tone for the entire day. And you don’t have to figure it out alone. When you work with me, timeline planning is always included in your Vermont Wedding Photography Package—we’ll collaborate to build a flow that supports your vision, honors the people you love, and leaves plenty of space to be present.

If you’re looking for a photographer who does more than show up with a camera—someone who helps you feel calm, prepared, and totally supported—I’d love to connect.

Learn more about my Vermont Wedding Photography Packages here.

Together, we’ll create a Vermont wedding timeline that feels natural and unique to your relationship and vision.

More Vermont Wedding & Elopement Resources

Want a little (or a lot) more help planning your special day? That’s what I’m here for—check out some of my latest blog posts below!

Top 12 Best Vermont Wedding Venues
Should You Do a First Look? How Your Choice Impacts Your Day
How Long Does it Really Take to Get Your Engagement Photos Back?
Tips to Personalize Your Intimate Vermont Elopement