How early do you arrive at the church?

wedmom2

We are not getting ready at the church. Hair and Make-up done before going to the church (Maybe just the bride putting on her dress there) How early before the ceremony do we need to arrive? Some pictures before, but that will be minimal.

egm900

Ask the contact person at the church what is allowed, and then check with the photographer to see what they think time-wise.  The church may have something scheduled for before the wedding, or need to send someone to open the church.  If your photographer has shot many weddings, they're going to know how long it will take to take the pictures you want to get before the ceremony.  We're getting to the church 3 hours early, but we will all be getting dressed there and taking almost all, if not all photos beforehand.

toothpastechica

We are getting the church about 2 minutes before the ceremony is supposed to start (the groomsmen and groom will be there 30 minutes before), but its walking distance from where we are getting ready. It really depends on how long/where you are getting ready and if you are doing first look photos or not.

travistanya

About 20 minutes before the ceremony starts. I want a couple minutes to regroup before walking down the aisle. I also want to take a few pics with my bio-dad since he won't be there when I get ready. They have a room we can hang out in though so no one can see me.

MyNameIsNot

Talk to your church coordinator and photograher.  If you are doing photos there, you'll need to make sure you have the space and time.  

We got to our church about an hour ahead and did most of the photos.  

Lisa50

You should discuss the timing of your arrival with your photographer.  He or she will now best.  For my first wedding, I arrived at the Church about 15 minutes early and sat in the car with my dad, best man and bridesmaid. 

ingramnusz

Because I'm having an early wedding (11AM), just long enough to hop into my dress and walk down the aisle.  I have a hair/makeup appointment at 9 (which is when the salon opens), hopefully out of there by 10:30 (short hair), at the church by 10:45.  I seriously may be late to my own wedding.  ;-)  Luckily, they can't start without me.