What time should our ceremony start for the best photos?

Build the ceremony so it ends about 60–90 minutes before sunset. On Banderas Bay the sun sets over the water, so this puts your portraits in golden light. In winter (sunset ~6pm) that means a 4–4:30pm ceremony; in summer, later.

How much time do you need for couple's portraits?

About 30–45 minutes total is ideal, ideally split between just-after-ceremony and a short golden-hour window. It's enough for variety without pulling you from your guests.

Should we do a first look?

A first look is optional but it relaxes nerves, creates an intimate private moment, and frees up the timeline so you can enjoy more of cocktail hour. It's especially useful for winter weddings with early sunsets.

How many hours of coverage do we need?

Most weddings need 8–10 hours to cover getting-ready through open dancing. A first look and large bridal party push toward 10.

Wedding Day Timeline Guide — Puerto Vallarta

The single biggest thing that improves wedding photos isn't the camera or the venue — it's the timeline. Get the ceremony time right and golden hour does half my job for me.

The Key Rule

On Banderas Bay the sun sets over the water, so plan your ceremony to end about 60–90 minutes before sunset. In winter that means starting around 4–4:30pm; in summer, later. Everything else builds around that.

A sample 8-hour timeline

Time	Moment
1:30pm	Coverage begins — getting ready, details (dress, rings, invites)
3:00pm	First look & private vows (optional)
4:00pm	Ceremony
4:30pm	Family formals & bridal party
5:00pm	Cocktail hour — candids
6:00pm	Golden-hour couple's portraits (15–20 min)
6:30pm	Reception entrance, dinner, speeches
8:30pm	First dance & open dancing

First look: yes or no?

Reasons to do one

Calms the nerves early
A private, intimate moment
More cocktail hour with guests
Essential for early-sunset winter dates

Reasons to skip

You want the aisle to be the first look
Summer date with later sunset
Very relaxed, all-evening timeline

Read the golden hour guide next, and see how I shoot.

Wedding Day Timeline Guide

A sample 8-hour timeline

First look: yes or no?

Reasons to do one

Reasons to skip

Frequently Asked

Let's build your timeline