Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons to get married in Ithaca, New York. The vibrant autumn colors, crisp air, and scenic natural backdrops create the perfect setting for wedding photos. If you’re planning a fall wedding in Ithaca, it’s essential to have a clear photography timeline to ensure you capture every special moment especially as the sun sets start to get a little earlier. Here’s a simple photography timeline to help guide you through your big day.

1. Getting Ready – 2 to 3 Hours Before the Ceremony

PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: Candid moments of you and your wedding party, detail photos of your attire, shoes, rings, and other meaningful items you want documented to tell a story of your day.

The day begins with the photographer capturing the details—your wedding attire hanging, the rings, shoes, and other meaningful accessories. During this time, the photographer will also take candid photos of you and your crew getting ready. These moments often set the tone for the day, so it’s important to allow enough time for these moments instead of rushing around.

TIP: Choose a location with plenty of natural light (if possible) to create beautiful, soft images and clear away any clutter.

2. First Look – 1-2 Hour Before the Ceremony (Optional)

PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: The emotional reveal, portraits of the couple.

A “first look” is a private moment where the couple sees each other before the ceremony, often resulting in beautiful, emotional photos. If you’re considering a first look, it’s a great opportunity for your photographer to capture intimate portraits of you both in the fall foliage before the ceremony.

Some people take the option of knocking out all the wedding party photos and couples portraits after the first look. This allows you to go to cocktail hour and be present during that time, instead of going off to do photos after the ceremony! (PRO TIP!)

TIP: Plan for this moment to take place in a location with a picturesque backdrop, like Buttermilk Falls or a local vineyard, to take advantage of the stunning autumn colors.

3. Ceremony – 30 to 45 Minutes

PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: Candids, ceremony details, vows, and first kiss.

Your photographer will focus on capturing the ceremony itself—the vows, the exchange of rings, and the first kiss. These are the moments you’ll want to remember forever, so make sure your photographer knows any special moments you want to highlight.

TIP: If you’re having an outdoor ceremony, consider the light, sun and shade for guests. In fall, the sun sets earlier, so schedule your ceremony earlier in the afternoon to ensure the lighting is perfect.

4. Family and Wedding Party Photos – 30 to 45 Minutes After the Ceremony

PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: Group photos of family and wedding party.

After the ceremony, it’s time to gather your family for some formal group photos. Be sure to create a shot list of exact photos you would like so nothing gets missed. You will also want to tell your family ahead of time NOT to go to the bar after the ceremony and to STAY PUT as they are needed for photos. This will save you SO MUCH time in wrangling them back. You can also have your officiant make an announcement for immediate family to stay for photos to remind them, and for everyone else to clear the ceremony space.

TIP: I always suggest my couples to NOT do a receiving line if they want to get to cocktail hour in a timely manner…

Wedding party photos usually follow after family photos depending.

5. Cocktail Hour – 1 Hour

PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: Candid photos of guests, venue details, and any reception set-up shots.

While your guests are enjoying cocktail hour, your photographer can capture candid shots of guests mingling, the venue décor, and any other unique details you’ve planned for your reception. This is also a good time for any last-minute couple portraits if needed.

6. Reception – 2 to 3 Hours

PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: First dance, speeches, toasts, cake cutting, and candid moments throughout the evening.

The reception is where the real fun begins! Your photographer will capture your first dance, speeches, cake cutting, and all the candid moments as you and your guests celebrate. Depending on the flow of your event, you’ll also get pictures of guests dancing, enjoying the food, and celebrating your love. I love showing couples how much FUN their guests had at their wedding, but remember YOUR the guest of HONOR, not the host!!!

TIP: AND don’t forget to get out on that dance floor and bust a move as a couple to your fav songs, it’s easy to get pulled apart throughout the night, but checking in with each other every few songs will ensure you have the cutest dancing party pics!

7. Sunset Shots – 30 Minutes Before the Sunset

PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: Romantic couple portraits during golden hour.

As the sun sets and the evening light softens, it’s the perfect time to step outside for a few romantic couple portraits. The warm, golden tones of a fall sunset will make for some stunning photos. Your photographer will know exactly when and where to take advantage of the golden hour for the most flattering light.

TIP: Since sunset times in the fall can vary, check the local time for sunset and make sure you leave a bit of time for these photos before the light fades.

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Final Thoughts

Having a clear photography timeline is key to ensuring your wedding day runs smoothly, and it helps your photographer capture all the important moments. In Ithaca, with its stunning fall foliage and beautiful venues, your wedding day will naturally provide a wealth of opportunities for gorgeous photos. Just remember to allow enough time for each segment, and don’t forget to enjoy the moment—you’ll be looking back on these memories for years to come!

If you’re planning your fall wedding in Ithaca, make sure to work closely with your photographer to customize your timeline and ensure you capture everything that makes your day uniquely yours.

If you’re ready to follow along, I’d love to connect over on IG – @michellegodfreyphoto. 

Ready to book? Head right to my contact form on my website to inquire about your wedding date, I can’t wait to hear from you!

INN AT TAUGHANNOCK FALLS WEDDING VENDOR TEAM

Photo: Michelle Godfrey Photo
Venue: Inn at Taughannock Falls
Florals: Business is Blooming, LLC
Makeup: Monti Makeup Artistry
Hair by Cassondra: Gems Salon
Rentals: She Rents Vintage