Planning a destination wedding is exciting—but it can also feel a little overwhelming when you’re trying to map out the day from miles away. That’s why having a simple, flexible timeline can be a total game-changer. It’s less about cramming everything in—and more about giving you the space to soak it all in, without stress.
Here are a few destination micro wedding timeline examples to help you start dreaming up your perfect day — whether you’re planning a cozy ceremony, a full-day adventure, or something in between.
THE FULL DAY MICRO WEDDING TIMELINE
If you’re dreaming of a full-day adventure experience, you might like something like this.
Getting ready
8AM-10AM : Breakfast and quality time with loved ones. This time is intentional and sets the day up to be relaxing.
10AM-1PM : Getting ready portraits. This is when you’ll get all spiffied up for the day. When I arrive towards the end of getting ready (probably around 11am), I will capture your details (think flat lay, the dress hanging up, little warm gestures like holding hands, etc) as well as candids of you and loved ones.
First look
1PM-2PM : First look with parents & one another. If you want the first look to be at the ceremony, that works too! First looks between you and your partner are more so if you’re wanting complete privacy.
Ceremony
2PM : Ceremony – A small, intimate celebration with your nearest & dearest.
2:30PM-2:45PM: Signing the marriage license
Group portraits-2:45pm
2:45PM-3:15PM: Group portraits
3:15PM-4:15PM: Couples portraits. This can vary in length. It can shorter if you are not wanting or needing a million photos/don’t want the day to feel like some big photoshoot. It can also be shorter if everything is taking place at the same location. It can be longer, if we go to a different location for couples portraits (which I am always up for the adventure!) It can also be longer, if you’re wanting a lot of photos of the two of you. Although I am very speedy when it comes to getting a lot of variation in a short amount of time.
Cocktail hour
4:15PM-5:30PM: Enjoy that intentional in-between time with your guests – known as cocktail hour.
Dinner is served
5:30PM-6:30PM: Enjoy dinner prepared by your private chef! Take your time, savoring every bite. There’s no rush.
6:30PM-7:00PM: A couple loved ones share a speech, celebrating your love
Cake cutting & special dances
7-7:15PM: Cake cutting
7:15PM-7:30PM: Special dances with parents and one another to songs that make your heart burst.
Sunset portraits
7:30PM: Sneak away for a few sunset portraits with your other half. Get that romantic golden hour glow. This timeframe can vary depending on the year & location. A quick google search will get you your answers quickly!
Party the night away & dance-8pm
8-10PM: Dance the night away! One of my favorite times to capture photos on film. I am a sucker for black and white. There is also time to sneak away for some direct flash portraits, as well.
10PM: I head out, with all the warm and fuzzies, obsessing over your gorgeous images.
THE HALF DAY MICRO WEDDING TIMELINE
This is usually for couples who want their whole wedding covered, but aren’t wanting their wedding to be a whole day event. Maybe you’re envisioning a more low key wedding day, but still wanting some traditional parts to the timeline with 10-25 of your loved ones.
This is the most popular micro-wedding coverage.
Getting ready
9AM-11AM: Breakfast and quality time with loved ones. This time is intentional and sets the day up to be relaxing.
11AM-1PM: Getting ready portraits. This is when you’ll get all spiffied up for the day. When I arrive (around 11:30am), I will capture your details (think flat lay, the dress hanging up, little warm gestures like holding hands, etc) as well as candids of you and your loved ones.
First look
1PM-1:30PM : First look with parents & one another. If you want the first look to be at the ceremony, that works too! First looks between you and your partner are more so if you’re wanting complete privacy.
Ceremony
1:30PM-2PM: Ceremony – A small, intimate celebration with your nearest & dearest.
2PM-2:15PM: Signing the marriage license
Group & couples portraits
2:15PM-2:30PM: Group portraits
2:30PM-3PM: Couples portraits. This can vary in length. It can shorter if you are not wanting or needing a million photos/don’t want the day to feel like some big photoshoot. It can also be shorter if everything is taking place at the same location. It can be longer, if we go to a different location for couples portraits (which I am always up for the adventure!) It can also be longer, if you’re wanting a lot of photos of the two of you. Although I am very speedy when it comes to getting a lot of variation in a short amount of time.
Cocktail hour
3PM-4PM: Enjoy that intentional in-between time with your guests – known as cocktail hour.
Dinner & specialties
4:30PM-5PM: Enjoy dinner prepared by your private chef!
5PM-5:30PM: Any specialities you’re wanting to include (examples: parent dances, couples dance, cake cutting, speeches)
Sunset portraits
6PM-6:30PM: Sneak away for a few sunset portraits with your other half. Get that romantic golden hour glow. This timeframe can vary depending on the year & location. A quick google search will get you your answers quickly!
Dance the night away!
6:30PM-7:30PM: Dance the night away! One of my favorite times to capture photos on film. I am a sucker for black and white. There is also time to sneak away for some direct flash portraits, as well.
7:30PM: I head out, with all the warm and fuzzies, obsessing over your gorgeous images…and you party the rest of the night away!
THE MINI MICRO WEDDING TIMELINE
If you’re keeping things super simple with just a ceremony and photos, here’s a timeline that might fit perfectly.
Ceremony
1PM-1:30PM: Ceremony – A small, intimate celebration with your nearest & dearest.
1:30PM-2PM: Signing the marriage license
Group & couples portraits
2-2:30PM: Group portraits
2:30-4:30PM: Couples portraits
Dinner
4:30-5PM: Head to dinner location
5-6PM: Enjoy a lowkey dinner at your favorite restaurant, with your loved ones.
6PM: I head out, with all the warm and fuzzies, obsessing over your gorgeous images.
The adventure micro wedding timeline
You’re looking for a short & sweet ceremony, but with an adventure afterward to some gorgeous locations to get couples portraits.
A hike & picnic together
10AM-11AM: A quiet hike & picnic together. This starts your morning off with some quality time, and allows you to really relax. Not only is this intentional, but it’s unique and memorable, as well. This doesn’t have to a hike & picnic either; it can be anything that you two enjoy doing together, that would be special to do the morning your wedding day.
Getting ready together
12PM: Time to get ready at the airbnb. You can either get ready together, or separate to spend some time with loved ones who may be visiting from out of town.
1:00PM: I arrive to capture details & candids. This includes your flat lay & dress hanging, and some documentary candids & those special in-between moments.
2:30PM: At this time, we will head to the ceremony.
Ceremony
3PM-3:30PM: Ceremony – A small, intimate celebration with 5-25 of your closest friends.
3:30PM: Yay! You married your best friend. Now, it’s time to sign the marriage license (maybe your dog steps in as a witness-some states allow this! How cool is that?!)
Group & couples portraits
3:45PM: We will grab some group portraits with your loved ones, and also make sure to snag a few couples portraits, as well.
Adventure couples portraits
4:30PM: This is when we will head to the next location for more incredible couples portraits. It will be a whole adventure.
Epic sunset portraits
5-7PM: We will begin hiking up the mountain for some epic sunset portraits.
Dinner with loved ones
8-10PM: Enjoy dinner at a local venue, specializing in micro wedding events for a quiet and intentional evening with your loved ones.
Destination Micro Wedding Timeline: Your FAQs Answered
Got questions about mapping out your destination day?
You’re not alone. Here are a few common ones couples ask me when we’re building their dream timeline:
How long should a micro wedding last?
There’s no strict rule — that’s part of the beauty of it!
Some couples spend just 2–3 hours soaking in a simple ceremony and portraits, while others turn their micro wedding into a full-day adventure. It really depends on the vibe you’re dreaming of and the experience you want to have. My all inclusive package includes as much coverage as you need.
Do I need a full timeline for a destination micro wedding?
You don’t need a minute-by-minute breakdown, but having a general timeline (even if it’s loose and flexible) will make your day so much smoother.It helps your vendors stay on the same page, gives you time to relax, and lets you focus on soaking it all in — instead of stressing about what’s next.
What time of day is best for a destination wedding ceremony?
Golden hour (about 1–2 hours before sunset) is usually chef’s kiss for dreamy, soft light — especially if you’re getting married outdoors.
BUT depending on your destination, early morning can also be stunning if you want fewer crowds and cooler temps. (We can definitely chat about the best timing based on your exact spot!)
How much buffer time should we build into our wedding day?
Always plan a little extra breathing room!
I usually recommend adding at least 15–30 minutes between big parts of the day (like getting ready, traveling to the ceremony, portraits, etc.).
It keeps things relaxed and gives you flexibility if things run a tiny bit behind — because trust me, nobody wants to feel rushed on their wedding day.
Should we plan for a first look at our destination wedding?
Totally optional — but it can be an amazing way to get some extra portraits in a beautiful location without rushing after the ceremony.
Plus, it gives you a sweet, private moment together before the celebrations kick off.
If you’re traveling somewhere epic, it’s a great chance to explore a second location for portraits too!
Can we explore multiple locations on our wedding day?
Absolutely!
That’s one of the best parts of micro weddings — you have the flexibility to build in time for exploring. Whether it’s hiking to a lookout point, wandering through a cute downtown, or sneaking away to a secret beach, we can totally plan a day that feels adventurous and true to you. And again, my packages include as much time as you need, so we can hit up any and all locations you’re dreaming of, as long as we can fit it into 24 hours 😉
Still not sure exactly what your destination day should look like?
That’s what I’m here for. ✨
Every couple is different — and honestly, that’s the best part. When we work together, I’ll help you customize your timeline around your vision, your priorities, and what actually feels right for your day (not just what a planner or Instagram says you “should” do).
If you’re dreaming of a destination micro wedding that feels like you, I’d love to help you plan it out and capture every second. (Or if you just want someone to tell you whether 4pm or 6pm is better for golden hour where you’re getting married? I’ve got you.) Reach out here 🙂
Check out my wedding investment page here
©Cheleana Rowan, with Cheleanamarie Photography, 2015-2025. Unauthorized use and or duplication of this material without express and written consent from Cheleana Rowan is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full clear credit is given to Cheleana Rowan with Cheleanamarie Photography with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
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