When to arrive at Church?

We're going to be there the entire day, so my photographer is coming in to catch the last "get ready" shots. Are you all doing a first look or are you wanting to get a lot pictures done beforehand? I think that is really going to matter.

That sounds similar to my situation, my ceremony starts at 1 and I want to be at the church the latest at 11:30. I am not set in that yet, but that was my thoughts. I just want to be there before any guests arrive and to hide out

@FWR...no first look and we aren't worried about photos since we have a gap (*GASP*) of a couple hours between the ceremony and reception where we are going to do those

Double post ;-/

When i shadowed a wedding photographer the bridesmaids and bride got ready at her parents house which was 3 mins away and the photographer was with them. they drove over and the bride and BM collected themselves and lined up outside and just walked right in.

but maybe 10 mins before hand if you want to wait?

I think it took them 5 to line up and stuff

Well, guests generally begin arriving about 30 minutes beforehand. All the weddings I've been in, the bridal party was in their designated spot about an hour before the ceremony. It gives you some cushion time for things to go wrong and still be on time.

We are planning on being dropped off basically right at the start time. Maybe 5 mins before

Guys are arriving at the church at 2:30

Girls are arriving at the church at 3:00

Ceremony starts at 4:00

FH & the guys will be standing at the alter as guests arrive. Myself & the girls will be downstairs so I want to be there before guests start to arrive.

No more than 30mins before your ceremony start time. I don't think you need more time than that

I'd say at least an hour before the start time, because I assume guest will start showing up around 30 minutes before. This is also good, maybe your could do a final walk through before people start showing up. Not like a rehearsal but you looking around making sure all the stuff you paid for is out lol. You hear too much on WW... oh I forgot this at home or this didn't get used because X.

@Faran...I don't have to worry about that...since the ceremony is in a church, FH and I both felt it was disrespectful to the church to bring decor items. All we have are the flowers that the florist is going to set up and the unity candle, which she has as well.

Well even better. I would say 45-1 hour before then just so people don't see you.