At a civil ceremony the registry office sets the pace: there is a fixed appointment, the ceremony itself is short and the next couple is often already waiting. Everything else — getting ready, travel, photos and the celebration afterwards — has to be planned around that one slot.
This template shows a complete day with the civil ceremony at 11 a.m., lunch with family, a break and an evening celebration. Every item has a realistic duration and a short tip. Open it in the free timeline tool and move the times to your appointment.
Opens as a preview in the free tool. Click “Edit” there to make it your own copy — a plan already saved in your browser is only replaced after you confirm.
The times are a suggestion. In the tool you can shift all times at once and change, add or remove any item.
07:30
– 09:30
120 min
Plan backwards from the appointment and keep 30 minutes spare — the registry office will not wait.
09:30
– 10:00
30 min
If the photographer is only booked for the ceremony, a friend can take a few photos of this moment.
10:00
– 10:15
15 min
IDs, any paperwork the registry office asked for and the rings go into one bag — ideally carried by a witness.
10:15
– 10:45
30 min
Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early: registry offices often hold several weddings back to back.
10:45
– 11:00
15 min
Ask beforehand how many people fit into the ceremony room; everyone else waits outside for your exit.
11:00
– 11:30
30 min
Ask in advance whether photos and your own music are allowed during the ceremony.
11:30
– 12:00
30 min
Ask what guests may throw — many registry offices allow petals or bubbles, but not rice.
12:00
– 12:30
30 min
The next wedding party is usually waiting: one big group photo plus a few family groups is enough here.
12:30
– 13:00
30 min
Share the address and parking tips with guests in advance, for example in your wedding group chat.
13:00
– 15:00
120 min
A set menu keeps a small party on schedule; one short speech fits nicely between courses.
15:00
– 16:00
60 min
Choose a location within 15 minutes of the restaurant so the shoot doesn’t turn into a road trip.
16:00
– 18:00
120 min
Time to rest, change outfits or welcome guests who only join for the evening.
18:00
– 18:30
30 min
Show a few photos from the registry office on a screen or photo wall — evening guests love it.
18:30
– 20:30
120 min
Group the speeches between courses and give each speaker a time slot in advance.
20:30
– 20:45
15 min
Directly after dinner works well: everyone is still seated and the photographer is still there.
20:45
– 20:55
10 min
Ask the DJ to invite everyone onto the dance floor straight after your song.
20:55
– 00:00
185 min
Plan games and surprises from guests before 10 p.m., while everyone is still there.
00:00
– 00:15
15 min
Agree on a fixed last song and book taxis or shuttles for the end of the party.
Change times and items, add your own and share the finished plan with your photographer, DJ or witnesses — free and without sign-up.
Open in the toolOpens as a preview in the free tool. Click “Edit” there to make it your own copy — a plan already saved in your browser is only replaced after you confirm.
Registry offices work with fixed time slots and rarely wait. Work out every step backwards from the ceremony time and add 30 minutes of buffer in the morning.
Ask how many guests fit into the room, whether you may take photos during the ceremony and what guests may throw outside — rice, petals or bubbles.
IDs, the paperwork the registry office requested and the rings belong in one bag with one responsible person — ideally a witness, not the two of you.
There is usually another wedding right after yours. Take one big group photo in front of the building and do the other groups later at the restaurant or venue.
If the ceremony and the evening party are hours apart, plan the couple shoot and a real break for that time — and tell guests exactly when the evening starts.
The free tool
Create your perfect wedding, party, or event day schedule with customizable templates. Choose a template in Easy mode or fully customize every block in Advanced mode.
Try it now >Wedding timeline · 19 items
From getting ready to the last dance, with the ceremony at 2 p.m. — including buffers, golden hour and a rain plan.
View template >Photo shot list · 30 shots
Every important photo at the registry office: arrival, the "yes", rings, signatures, exit and group photos.
View template >Photo shot list · 45 shots
The complete list from details and getting ready to ceremony, family photos, couple portraits and party.
View template >Turn your event into an unforgettable experience with interactive photo sharing, live photo walls, and more.