Shooting Beforehand – Why Pre-Ceremony Photos Can Ease Your Wedding Day

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 One of the most grounding things you can do on your wedding day is front-load the parts that typically feel rushed. Enter: pre-ceremony portraits. When done well, these early moments give you breathing room later in the day—and allow you to be more fully present when the celebration kicks off.

If you’re doing a first look, we highly recommend using that opportunity to knock out some (or all) of your formal photos before the ceremony. But even without a first look, there’s a lot we can do ahead of time.

Here’s how (and why) it works.

What You Can Photograph Before the Ceremony

Depending on your timeline and preferences, here’s what we can typically shoot beforehand:

  • Individual portraits (each partner solo)
  • Getting ready moments
  • Wedding party (bridesmaids/groomsmen or mixed groups)
  • Immediate family photos (if both sides are okay seeing each other)
  • Couple portraits (if you’re doing a first look)

Even without seeing each other, we can often photograph one side of the family and one side of the wedding party in full before the ceremony. That way, you only have half the groupings left afterward.

Need help knowing who to include? Read our Formal Shot List Guide

Why It Helps

Doing photos early means:

  • You’re not rushing through portraits post-ceremony
  • Guests aren’t left waiting as long
  • You can actually enjoy cocktail hour
  • Hair, makeup, and flowers are still fresh
  • You create margin for weather or timeline changes

It’s less about checking boxes and more about creating room to exhale.

Common Pre-Ceremony Timeline with First Look

  • 9:00am – Hair & makeup begins
  • 12:00pm – Photographer arrives
  • 12:30pm – Getting ready photos
  • 1:30pm – First look + couple portraits
  • 2:30pm – Wedding party photos
  • 3:00pm – Immediate family photos
  • 3:45pm – Hide from guests / touch-ups
  • 4:00pm – Ceremony

This lets you roll into the ceremony already having spent time together—and with most of your photos done.

Read our Scheduling Your Day guide for full-day walkthroughs.

But I Don’t Want to See My Partner Beforehand…

Totally fine! If you’re skipping the first look, we’ll work separately.

Here’s what we can still do before the ceremony:

  • Getting ready coverage
  • Detail shots (dress, rings, vows, etc.)
  • Individual portraits
  • Wedding party photos (split by side)
  • One side of the family photos (if preferred)

It still shortens the post-ceremony photo time considerably.

Want help building a calm, focused morning? Read our Getting Ready Guide

Tips to Make Pre-Ceremony Photos Smoother

  • Start early – Getting hair/makeup done on time is essential
  • Build in buffer – At least 15 minutes between each major transition
  • Keep people close – Minimize travel between locations
  • Communicate with family – Let them know when they’re expected
  • Have your shot list ready – We’ll help with that too

The Final Checklist covers all this and more.

Lighting Matters

We always adapt to the available light—but soft, even light works best for portraits. We’ll help scout your venue to find the best spot (or move furniture around to make it work).

If the day is very sunny, we may look for shade or indoor spaces with good window light. Golden hour is still the dream, so if you’re up for sneaking out later for sunset portraits, we highly recommend it.

See what that can look like in our Let’s Get Intimate Portraits Guide

Do I Need a Coordinator to Pull This Off?

Not at all—but having one helps. If you don’t have a planner or day-of coordinator, assign someone (a sibling, friend, or vendor) to help manage the timeline and gather people.

We’ll be guiding the photo flow, but it helps to have an extra voice in the mix.

How Many Photos Can We Do Before the Ceremony?

Most of them. If you’re doing a first look, we can usually photograph:

  • Couple portraits
  • Wedding party
  • Immediate family

That means after the ceremony, you’re free to do:

  • A few extended family photos
  • Golden hour couple portraits
  • Reception and candid coverage

How It Feels

Pre-ceremony portraits give you a chance to ease into the day. You get to be present with each other, see your people, and not feel like you’re racing the clock.

We’re not just capturing images—we’re helping shape space where memories happen.

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