The Perfect Wedding Day Timeline for a Ranch Wedding
A ranch wedding offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rustic charm, and wide-open spaces, making it the perfect setting for a relaxed yet elegant celebration. To ensure your day runs smoothly, having a well-structured timeline is key. At Long Hollow Ranch, we’ve hosted plenty of weddings and know how to create a seamless flow from morning preparations to the last dance under the stars.
Below is a sample ranch wedding timeline that incorporates first looks, cocktail hour, golden hour photos, and a stress-free experience.
Your Ideal Ranch Wedding Timeline
9:00 AM – Venue Access & Setup Begins
Your vendors and wedding party arrive.
Décor setup begins, including tables, chairs, and ceremony details.
Pro Tip: If you’re DIY-ing your wedding, assign setup tasks to friends or hire a coordinator to keep things on track.
10:00 AM – Hair & Makeup Begins
The bride and bridesmaids start hair and makeup in the rustic ready room.
The groom and groomsmen relax, get dressed, or explore the ranch.
1:00 PM – Lunch & Getting Ready Photos
A light lunch is served to keep energy levels up.
The photographer captures detail shots of rings, invitations, and the bride’s dress.
Pro Tip: Plan to eat—no one wants a hungry, lightheaded bride!
2:00 PM – Bride & Groom Final Touches
The bride gets into her dress while the bridesmaids help.
The groom and groomsmen finish getting ready.
The photographer captures candid moments with the wedding party.
2:30 PM – First Look (Optional)
The bride and groom share an intimate first look, away from guests.
This is a great time for private vows if you want a personal moment before the ceremony.
Pro Tip: A first look also allows for more photos before the ceremony, freeing up time later!
3:00 PM – Wedding Party & Family Photos
Group photos of the wedding party and close family.
If skipping the first look, the couple takes separate portraits with their bridal party.
4:00 PM – Ceremony on the Lawn
Guests arrive and take their seats.
The ceremony begins with breathtaking ranch views.
Pro Tip: Keep the ceremony to 30 minutes or less so guests stay comfortable, especially in warm or chilly weather.
4:30 PM – Cocktail Hour at the Saloon Bar
Guests enjoy drinks and appetizers.
The bride and groom take post-ceremony golden hour photos while guests mingle.
5:30 PM – Dinner & Toasts Under the 100-Year-Old Trees
Guests find their seats at farm tables.
The couple makes their grand entrance.
Dinner is served, followed by toasts from the wedding party.
Pro Tip: Ranch weddings feel best with a relaxed, family-style meal where guests can enjoy the open air and stunning scenery.
7:00 PM – First Dance & Open Dancing
The couple shares their first dance.
Parent dances follow, then the dance floor opens up.
8:00 PM – Golden Hour Couples Photos
The couple sneaks away for stunning sunset portraits in the fields.
Meanwhile, guests enjoy drinks, lawn games, or a late-night snack.
9:30 PM – Last Call at the Bar
The bartenders serve the final round of drinks.
A sparkler send-off or private last dance is a great way to close the night.
10:00 PM – Music Ends & Breakdown Begins
Guests start heading out.
The cleanup crew and vendors begin packing up.
11:00 PM – All Guests, Vendors, & Décor Off the Property
A successful, beautiful ranch wedding is in the books!
A ranch wedding at Long Hollow Ranch allows for a relaxed, immersive experience, where you and your guests can soak in the beauty of the land while celebrating in style. Whether you opt for a first look, a golden hour escape, or a barn dance under the stars, your timeline should reflect your vision and priorities.
