Introduction
Your wedding day goes by in the blink of an eye, but the photos will last forever. One of the most overlooked parts of planning your wedding is creating a timeline that ensures your photographer has the time — and the light — to capture your day beautifully.
As a Toronto wedding photographer with over 20 years of experience, I’ve learned that timing is everything. From capturing the morning prep to the last dance, building a thoughtful schedule helps reduce stress and makes sure no important moment is missed.
Here’s my ideal wedding day timeline to guarantee stunning photos, especially for couples in Toronto, Thornhill, Scarborough, and Brampton.
Getting Ready
Recommended time: 2–3 hours before the ceremony
This part of the day sets the tone. Photos of you getting ready — the dress, the details, the laughter with friends — add context and emotion to your wedding album.
Bride and groom prep should ideally happen in rooms with plenty of natural light.
Have your dress, shoes, rings, and bouquet ready for detail shots.
Allow time for candid moments (tears, hugs, jokes).
First Look or Couple Session
Recommended time: 45–60 minutes
If you choose to do a first look, schedule it about an hour before the ceremony. This gives you private time together and allows us to capture raw, emotional reactions.
Choose a location with shade or even light (parks, courtyards, or gardens).
Scarborough’s Guildwood Park and Thornhill’s Uplands Golf Club are perfect spots.
After the first look, we can capture some couple portraits while makeup and hair are fresh.
Scarborough wedding photographer captures first look at Guildwood Park stone arch.
The Ceremony
Recommended time: 30–60 minutes
The ceremony is the heart of the day. Whether it’s a church in Brampton, a banquet hall in Thornhill, or a waterfront setup in Toronto, timing is essential.
Plan for a mid-afternoon ceremony if possible — this sets you up for golden-hour portraits later.
Ensure your officiant knows if you’d like time for post-ceremony portraits before guests leave.
Brampton wedding photographer captures emotional Hindu wedding ceremony.
Family & Group Photos
Recommended time: 30–45 minutes
Group photos can become chaotic if not well-planned. I recommend:
Creating a list of family combinations in advance.
Assigning a family member or friend to help organize people.
Choosing one well-lit spot so we can move quickly.
In Toronto Botanical Gardens or Richmond Green (Richmond Hill), we often use shaded areas or stone steps for family groupings.
Family photographer Thornhill captures group wedding photo
Golden Hour Portraits
Recommended time: 30–45 minutes (ideally just before sunset)
This is the sweet spot for wedding photography. Golden hour — the time just before sunset — creates warm, glowing light that flatters every skin tone and makes backgrounds magical.
Schedule portraits for golden hour whenever possible.
Great spots in the GTA include Humber Bay Park (Toronto skyline views) and Gage Park in Brampton.
Toronto wedding photography couple kissing during golden hour at Humber Bay Park skyline view.
Reception & Evening Photos
Recommended time: 3–4 hours
The reception is where the energy peaks: laughter, dancing, speeches, and joy.
Include time for detail shots of your décor before guests enter.
Make space for a short couple session outdoors if the venue has scenic lighting.
Capture the first dance, cake cutting, and candid guest reactions.
Toronto wedding photographer captures bride and groom’s first dance at reception hall.
Sample Timeline for Toronto Weddings
Here’s how a wedding day might look in Toronto:
11:00 am – 1:30 pm: Getting Ready
1:30 – 2:15 pm: First Look & Couple Portraits (optional)
2:30 – 3:30 pm: Ceremony
3:30 – 4:15 pm: Family & Group Photos
4:30 – 5:30 pm: Cocktail Hour / Reception Starts
6:30 – 7:15 pm: Golden Hour Couple Portraits
7:30 pm – late: Reception Coverage
Want to see more examples of weddings we’ve photographed?
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FAQs
Q: What is the best time of day for wedding photos?
A: The best time is during golden hour — the hour before sunset. In Toronto and the GTA, this creates soft, glowing light that looks stunning in photos.
Q: Should we do a first look or wait until the ceremony?
A: Both are beautiful. A first look gives you private time together and more flexibility with the timeline. Waiting until the ceremony creates a dramatic reveal.
Q: How long should we set aside for family photos?
A: About 30–45 minutes, depending on family size. A pre-made list of groups makes this efficient and stress-free.
Conclusion
A thoughtfully planned wedding timeline doesn’t just reduce stress — it ensures your memories are captured in the best light possible. From Scarborough’s Guildwood Park to Brampton’s Gage Park, and everywhere in between, Toronto and the GTA are filled with incredible backdrops.
As your photographer, I’ll guide you every step of the way so you can relax, enjoy the day, and trust that every moment is preserved beautifully.
Ready to talk about your timeline? Contact me today.