Planning your Minnesota wedding photo timeline is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure a smooth, fun, and actually photogenic wedding experience. As a Minnesota wedding photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how the right schedule can turn a chaotic day into a calm, joy-filled celebration—and I want to help you nail it.
Why Your Minnesota Wedding Photo Timeline Matters (More Than You Think)
A well-thought-out timeline is the difference between running 45 minutes behind (and skipping sunset portraits) and sipping champagne with your friends while we grab candids that feel straight out of a magazine. It sets the tone, keeps your vendors in sync, and gives you room to breathe.
The Ideal Minnesota Wedding Photo Timeline
Minnesota wedding timelines are so important because we have so many different seasons with different golden hours, and do not even get me started on daylight savings, hehe! Here are my favorite Minnesota photography timeline examples with and without a first look. These are easily adjustable with one hour up or down depending on your preference. I’ve also added a “seasons section” at the bottom to keep in mind for different lighting and golden hours.
Summer wedding day photo timeline in Minnesota with a first look:
12:00pm — Getting Ready Details
Rings, invites, dress, shoes, flat-lay details—this is when I capture the small pieces that tell the full story.
1:00pm — Getting Ready + Candid Moments
You and your people laughing, helping each other into dresses or suits, maybe a few tears. Authentic gold.
2:00pm — First Look + Portraits
First looks with your spouse, real emotions, and time to breathe before the whirlwind starts. Other first looks can include your parents, grandparents or even a full reveal with your bridesmaids.
3:00pm — Wedding Party + Family Photos
Efficiently done, so you can enjoy your day without constant posing.
4:00pm — Ceremony
Plan your ceremony time around the season if you’re outdoors! In the summer time, a later ceremony start is better to avoid the peak heat time of the day.
5:00pm — Cocktail Hour / Candids
Enjoy time with your guests, have a snack and I’ll be capturing all those special, candid moments.
6:00pm — Reception Begins
Grand entrance, dinner and speeches.
8:00pm — Sunset Portraits (Season Depending)
Minnesota sunsets hit different. If the weather cooperates, I’ll grab a few final golden hour frames!
9:00pm- Dancing!!!
Now, you can end your night off with as much dancing as your feet allows! A few extra things to consider could be a sparkler “exit” or any other last photos you want before your photographer leaves.
Summer wedding day photo timeline in Minnesota without a first look:
12:00pm – Details + Getting Ready. Rings, invites, dress, shoes, flat-lay details—this is when I capture the small pieces that tell the full story.
1:00pm – Getting Ready + Candid Moments. You and your people laughing, helping each other into dresses or suits, maybe a few tears. Authentic gold.
2:00pm – Getting into dress. That classic moment of you getting zipped into your dress. Some solo Bridal shots etc.
3:00pm – Ceremony. I’ll be capturing the Groom’s reaction to seeing you for the first time and all the sweet candid moments in between!
3:30pm – Full Family + Wedding Party Photos. Efficiently done, so you can get back to cocktail hour and enjoy time with friends and family!
4:00pm – Couple Portraits. A few Bride & Groom portraits of just the two of you.
5:00pm – Cocktail Hour. Enjoy time with your guests, have a snack and I’ll be capturing all those special, candid moments.
6:00pm – Reception Begins. Grand entrance, cake cutting, dinner and speeches!
8:00pm- Sunset Portraits. We’ll sneak out for some golden hour shots right before first dances or right after, depending on your preference!
9:00pm – Dancing + Exit. Finally, partyyy time! I’ll capture some final dancing shots and possibly even a sparkler exit if you have one planned.
Photo Timeline Tweaks for Seasonal Weddings in Minnesota
Summer weddings in MN
Golden hour is late (8:00–8:30pm). You’ve got flexibility but need to plan for heat and light. The above timeline example is a perfect one for your typical June/July Minnesota weddings.
Fall weddings in MN
Earlier sunsets (6:30–07:00pm). Keep in mind that golden is an hour before sunset. This means that we may need to do sunset portraits right before the grand entrance at 6PM.
Winter weddings in MN
Winter sunsets are 4:00-4:30pm. Think about an early ceremony or plan for indoor lighting that feels warm and flattering. Golden hour would be at about 03:00pm. This means that if you want sunset portraits in the snow (which I HIGHLY recommend), then we need to take them either right before the ceremony starts at 03:00pm or possibly right after the ceremony if you plan on having an earlier ceremony.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Wedding Morning
You’ve got your dream dress, your timeline, your vendor team—now let’s make sure the morning of your wedding doesn’t feel like a whirlwind. Here are a few photographer-approved tips to start your day relaxed and ready.
Eat a Real Breakfast
You’ll be going non-stop for hours. Even if it’s just a protein bar and smoothie—fuel up. Bonus: this helps prevent fainting during the ceremony (yes, I’ve seen it).
Have All Your Flat-Lay Details Ready
Have all your special detail items ready in a shoebox or tote bag for your photographer to grab as soon as they arrive! You can even pack it the night before to avoid stressing about it the day of. Flat-lay details include: rings, shoes, invitations, veil, bouquet, garter, perfume, jewelry and any other special details you want!
Steam Everything the Night Before
Wrinkled dresses, veils, or suits can eat up precious time (and editing hours later). If you’re using a steamer, test it ahead of time!
Assign a “Point Person”
Have a sibling or friend on call to handle vendor questions, track down missing groomsmen, or grab Grandma for family photos. You shouldn’t be the one troubleshooting. Heck, you can even put them to work to cut off tags on dresses and do any extra steaming where needed.
Keep the “Getting Ready” Room Neat & Tidy
Keep a neat and tidy spot for your “getting ready” photos. You don’t want empty Starbucks cups in the background of that iconic moment where you zip up your dress. Ask your bridesmaids to put all their bags in one spot that is out of sight for your photos.
Bonus: Ceremony Tips from a Minnesota Wedding Photographer
Your ceremony is the heart of the day—a moment you’ll never forget! Here are a few tried-and-true tips to make it smooth, photogenic, and meaningful.
1. Walk Down the Aisle SLOW (Even slower than you think!)
Most Brides feel a little nervous with all eyes on them as they’re walking down the aisle. Remember to walk nice and slow. Take in this very special moment. Don’t rush. I promise it doesn’t look weird at all!
2. Unplugged Ceremonies = Cleaner Photos
Ask your officiant to make a quick announcement encouraging guests to keep their phones down. You’ll get better shots, fewer distractions, and guests will actually experience the moment.
3. Talk to Your Officiant About Staying Off to the Side
This one’s huge. When your officiant steps slightly left or right during the vows and first kiss, it gives me a clean line of sight—no awkward “photobombed by the pastor” shots.
4. Don’t Forget to Hold Hands in-front of the Aisle
Often times couples wonder what to do with their hands while they’re standing up front in front of everyone. It looks more natural if the two of you hold hands instead of having them dangle awkwardly by your sides.
5. Have a Backup Plan for Weather
If your ceremony is outdoors, make sure you’ve walked through Plan B (tent, indoor location, etc.) well in advance. Rainy ceremony = romantic and dramatic… if everyone knows what to do and where to go.
6. Remember to Grab Your Bouquet on the way Back Down the Aisle
After your magical first kiss moment, you two will walk back down the aisle together. Do not forget to grab your bouquet from your Maid of Honor before doing so! You wouldn’t want to miss that fun “dip kiss” moment at the end with your bouquet held up in the air for the perfect photo with all your guests cheering the background!
FAQ: Wedding Timeline Questions I Hear All the Time
Plan for 20–30 minutes for immediate family. If you’ve got extended family or want lots of combinations, let’s build in more time and make a list ahead of time.
It happens more often than you think. Pad your morning timeline by 15–30 minutes as a buffer—it can be a lifesaver later in the day.
First looks are a personal choice. It helps immensely with timeline flexibility and emotional breathing room. Plus, you get way more couple portraits and time with your guests later.
15–20 minutes is ideal. I keep it quick and relaxed—you’ll be back at your party before the dessert table gets raided.
Totally doable, but be prepared to miss some of cocktail hour. If you skip the first look, just make sure we allocate time for wedding party, family, and couple portraits post-ceremony.
I am happy to stay an extra hour to capture your special moments. My hourly rate will apply and can be paid via Venmo or cash.
Speeches can be anywhere from 2-5mins per speech depending on the person.
A good time for your Minnesota wedding ceremony is anywhere between 3PM to 5PM depending on the season and whether or not you include a first look or not.
Yes, I help all my clients with a personal wedding photography timeline.
About Heidi Straus Photography – Minnesota Wedding Photographer
I’m Heidi, the lead photographer behind Heidi Straus Photography. Based in Minnesota, I specialize in capturing timeless, candid, and joy-filled wedding photos for couples who want real moments and beautiful light. Whether you’re planning a classic wedding in Minneapolis, an outdoor celebration in Stillwater, or an intimate ceremony up north, I’d love to be part of your story. If you’re looking for a Minnesota wedding photographer who brings calm confidence and creative vision to your day, let’s chat!
View comments
+ Leave a comment