June Wedding Timeline
June is one of the most popular wedding months, but as a Temecula wedding photographer, there’s one reason why I love them – the late sunset time!
A late sunset is a time buffer on your wedding day! When things run behind (for instance, if your first look is late or family photos take longer than planned), you have additional time during the reception to capture newlywed sunset portraits!
I always work the timeline around the sunset because it’s the most magical light to capture the glow of your first moments as a married couple, as well as the beauty of your venue!
There are a few questions you should ask yourself before creating your timeline, and that will help to guide the events of your day.
What time is the June sunset?
For a June wedding timeline, we’ll plan on a sunset time of 8:00 PM.
Will we be having a first look?
A first look is where you and your soon-to-be-spouse see each other before their ceremony.
Depending on the time this starts, sometimes you can also get family photos and wedding party photos done before the ceremony as well.
It’s a great option if you’d prefer to spend more time during cocktail hour with your guests.
Below is an article on choosing a first look for your wedding day! The primary reason you’ll want a first look is to get more portraits on your wedding day – it typically means twice as much time for newlywed and wedding party photos.
For summer weddings, I find a first look is not as critical because of the sunset time! This means you get some “bonus” time during your reception where I can take you out on the grounds of your venue to get beautiful sunset portraits!
Pros and Cons to a Wedding Day First Look
Is there travel required on our wedding day?
Don’t forget to account for any wedding day travel when creating a timeline! You’ll want to make sure you account for travel between a hotel, ceremony venue and wedding venue. Always calculate more time than is needed to account for traffic!
How many hours of wedding day photography coverage do we need?
I don’t stay through your entire wedding day! Why is that? Well, you’ll definitely want more time dedicated to taking getting-ready photos and wedding party portraits at the beginning of your day. It makes more sense for you to “front-load” your reception timeline with the key events instead of having me stay through hours of guest dancing.
For what I’d consider a typical wedding with around 100 guests, and all events happening in one location, an 8-hour collection works great! If you have travel during your wedding day, or perhaps a very large wedding party, 9+ hours may work better for you.
Important Parts of Your Wedding Day Timeline
Getting Ready: 1 1/2 Hours
First Look: 30 Minutes
Separate Wedding Party Photos: 30 Minutes
Ceremony: 30 Minutes
Family Photos: 30 Minutes
Combined Wedding Party Photos: 30 Minutes
Married Couple Portraits: 30 Minutes
Grand Entrance: 5 Minutes
First Dance: 5 Minutes
Family Dances:10 Minutes
Toasts: 10 Minutes
Bouquet or Garter Toss: 10 Minutes
Cake Cutting: 5 Minutes
Exit: 5 Minutes
June Timeline with First Look – 5:00 PM Ceremony
1:30: Photography starts / getting ready images and details
3:00: First look
3:30: Family photos
4:00: Wedding party photos (wrap up portrait photography about 4:30 to give everyone a chance to relax before the ceremony!)
5:00: Ceremony
5:30: Cocktail hour starts / any remaining family photos
5:50: Wedding party photos
6:15: Married couple portraits
6:45: Grand entrance
6:55: First dance
7:05: Toasts
7:15: Dinner service
7:45: Sunset portraits with newlyweds
8:30: Family dances
8:45: Cake cutting
8:55: Bouquet toss/garter toss
9:00: Open dancing
9:30: Photography concludes
June Timeline – No First Look – 5:00 PM Ceremony
2:00: Photography starts / getting ready images and details
3:30: Separate wedding party photos
4:00: Separate family photos
5:00: Ceremony
5:30: Cocktail hour starts / family photos
6:00: Wedding party photos
6:20: Married couple photos
6:45: Grand entrance
6:55: First dance
7:05: Toasts
7:15: Dinner service
7:45: Sunset portraits with newlyweds
8:30: Family dances
8:45: Cake cutting
8:55: Bouquet toss/garter toss
9:00: Open dancing
10:00: Photography concludes
The Major Difference Between the First Look and No First Look Timelines
Approximate combined portrait time dedicated for first look timeline:
Newlywed portraits: 1 hour 30 minutes
Family portraits: 50 minutes
Wedding party portraits: 45 minutes
Approximate portrait time dedicated for no first look timeline:
Newlywed portraits: 55 minutes
Family portraits: 30 minutes
Wedding party portraits: 20 minutes
For the no first look timeline, remember there is time set aside to get separate family portraits (for instance, the bride with her parents and siblings) as well as separate wedding party photos (bride and bridesmaids).
Additional Wedding Planning Resources & Articles
Longshadow Ranch Winery Wedding
Temecula Estate Wedding
16 Amazing Temecula Wedding Venues
What You Must Know Before Booking a Temecula Wedding Venue
