Sample Wedding Day Timeline for Bowing Oaks Weddings

September 11, 2025

Planning Tips

We get a lot of questions from couples about wedding timing, especially during the booking phase. "What time should my ceremony start?"

There are lots of factors that play into answering that question. Here at Bowing Oaks, most of our on-site ceremonies begin about two hours before sunset. That gives you plenty of time after the ceremony to take photos before it is too dark!

Most receptions last about five hours - one hour for a cocktail reception, and four hours for dinner and dancing. Every wedding is unique, though!

Your wedding coordinator will create a detailed timeline for your wedding day, but we wanted to share this sample so that you can begin envisioning how your day will flow.

Heather Canada Randall, MWP

After working in the hospitality industry, Heather Canada Randall founded First Coast Weddings in 2002. Heather is nationally recognized by the Association of Bridal Consultants as a top wedding planner. In addition to overseeing First Coast Weddings, she is the Sales & Marketing Director for Bowing Oaks, a Jacksonville wedding venue. A graduate of Flagler College, Heather is a sought-after wedding industry speaker and advisor to other planners across the country.