Wedding Day Timelines

Frequently asked questions – arrival, ceremony time, exit & more.

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What Time Can We Come in the Day of the Wedding?

Your arrival time is based on your venue rental time, which is listed on the first page of your event contract. This rental time determines when you and your vendors can access the venue. If you would like to arrive earlier, it is available for $500 per hour and must be pre-approved by Oaks management.

What Time Can Our Vendors Come in the Day of the Wedding?

Your vendors also have access at the starting time listed on the first page of your contract. For example, if your rental is from 10am to 11pm, vendors can begin set-up as early as 10am.

What Time Should My Wedding Ceremony Start at The Oaks?

When selecting a ceremony time, consider factors such as average temperatures, sunset time, time needed for photos, and your contracted time at the venue.

With a standard rental of 10:00 am to 11:00 pm, your venue rental (site fee) includes a maximum of seven hours of active event time (starting with guest arrival), i.e., the earliest ceremony we can accommodate is 4:30 pm. The average ceremony time is 5:00 pm (5:30 pm in mid-summer, 4:30 pm in early spring or late fall).

If you are planning a winter wedding, we suggest a 9:00 am – 10:00 pm rental, which will maximize sunlight and allow for an earlier ceremony time (as early as 3:30 pm).

Any adjustments to your venue rental or ceremony time must be approved by Oaks management. Please review your timeline with your event coordinator and photographer before making a final decision. We want to ensure your wedding day flows as smoothly as possible.

What Time Do We Have to Exit?

Your event will conclude at its contracted end time, typically 11:00 p.m. We recommend scheduling your final activity (such as a last dance or send-off) no later than 15 minutes prior to the end time—usually around 10:45 p.m. Vendor breakdown will follow.

The Oaks team will assist with packing up your decor and loading it into a designated vehicle. Please note that items may not be left onsite overnight for next-day pickup. We kindly ask that you pre-designate a contact person for your coordinator to connect with at the end of the event to ensure all decor items are taken home safely.

Things to Consider When Planning Your Timeline

First Look
We highly recommend considering a first look, as it offers several benefits on your wedding day. It can help calm pre-ceremony nerves, allow you to share an intimate moment together, and give your photographer the chance to capture genuine, emotional reactions. A first look can also reduce the amount of time needed for photos during cocktail hour, giving you more time to mingle with guests.

Pre-Ceremony Photos
You may want to schedule bridal party photos before the ceremony. This ensures all desired photos are captured and allows you to relax afterward. Some immediate family photos can also be taken before the ceremony, though we suggest saving extended family photos for afterward so everyone is present.

Sunset Photos
Check sunset timing if you would like to schedule photos during this time—sunset photos can create stunning, memorable images.

If You Choose Not to Do a First Look
If you want to keep the aisle reveal a surprise, consider extending your cocktail hour to allow sufficient time for photos after the ceremony. Another option is a “first touch,” where you share a private moment without seeing each other fully.

Other Details to Consider

Have you confirmed the photo start time with your hair and makeup artists?
As you transition into dinner, would you like to be announced for the first time as a couple, or have the entire bridal party announced?
Are you planning a welcome or blessing before dinner service begins?
Where would you like your cake-cutting to take place?
How would you like to conclude the evening— with a private last dance, a group last dance, or a fun send-off?

Sample Timeline for Full-Day Buyouts (April - October)

10:00am – Access to The Oaks begins

12:00pm – Lunch for wedding parties

3:00pm – Maybe first look / first touch / couple & bridal party photos

4:30pm – Guests begin to arrive

5:00pm – Ceremony

5:30pm – Cocktail hour

6:00pm – Family photos / remaining couple photos

6:30pm – Invite guests into the ballroom for dinner

6:45pm – Grand entrance: couple / wedding party

7:00pm – Maybe welcome toast / blessing

7:05pm – Dinner service begins

7:25pm – Sunset photos (sample sunset time)

8:00pm – Toast, cake cutting, transition into bar for dances

8:15pm – Formal dances, open dancing

10:30pm – Bar closes

10:45pm – Last dance, send off

11:00pm – Event ends

Sample Timeline for Full-Day Buyouts (November - March)

9:00am – Access to The Oaks begins

11:00am – Lunch for wedding parties

2:00pm – Maybe first look / first touch / couple & bridal party photos

3:30pm – Guests begin to arrive

4:00pm – Ceremony

4:30pm – Cocktail hour

5:00pm – Family photos / remaining couple photos

5:30pm – Invite guests into the ballroom for dinner

5:45pm – Grand entrance: couple / wedding party

6:00pm – Maybe welcome toast / blessing

6:05pm – Dinner service begins

6:25pm – Sunset photos (sample sunset time)

7:00pm – Toast, cake cutting, transition into bar for dances

7:15pm – Formal dances, open dancing

9:30pm – Bar closes

9:45pm – Last dance, send off

10:00pm – Event ends

Sample Timeline for 3pm Access

3:00pm – Access to The Oaks begins

3:30pm – Maybe first look / first touch