s the question I get asked most often: “How much time should we set aside for photos?” The real answer: just enough that you never have to rush, and not a minute more.
A well-planned timeline is the secret to natural-looking images and a day you get to savour instead of just getting through. Here’s a step-by-step look at the time I recommend to my couples across Greater Montreal.
Getting ready — 60 to 90 minutes
This is where the story begins: slipping into the dress, rereading the letter, the look on your mother’s face. An hour to an hour and a half lets me capture those moments without rushing, and photograph your details (rings, shoes, invitations) while you finish getting ready.
“The time you give me is the time you give yourselves.”
The first look — 10 to 15 minutes
Optional, but precious: a quiet moment away from everyone, just the two of you, before the ceremony. Many couples dread it, then describe it as their favourite memory. It also takes the pressure off the rest of the day.
The ceremony — depending on your celebration
It sets its own pace, and it’s the centrepiece of your day. I stay in the background to capture everything: your vows, the tears in the front row, the kiss. Leave a few minutes of buffer afterwards — spontaneous congratulations often make for the best images. I also recommend taking the group photo right after the ceremony.
Couple portraits — 30 to 45 minutes
No need for more. With beautiful light and a location scouted in advance, 30 to 45 minutes is enough for timeless images, without ever feeling like you’re “posing.”
“The time you give me is the time you give yourselves.”
A word about light
If you can, set aside 15 minutes at sunset (the “golden hour”). Stepping away from the reception for a few moments at that time gives some of the most beautiful photos of the evening.
In short
None of this is set in stone: we build your timeline together, tailored to your day and your venue. That’s exactly what our planning meeting is for — so that on the big day, everything flows naturally.
Wedding Photographer & Videographer in Greater Montreal I craft authentic visual stories of wedding days as they naturally unfold—raw, spontaneous, and deeply emotional.
