The Christian Royer House: The Ideal Outdoor Maryland Wedding Timeline
Planning your wedding day timeline is one of the most important steps in creating a smooth, stress-free celebration. At The Christian Royer House, we’ve hosted countless weddings and have seen firsthand what makes a timeline flow beautifully—from relaxed mornings to unforgettable last dances.
Whether you’re planning a first look or a traditional aisle reveal, this sample timeline will help you make the most of your wedding day at our Westminster Maryland wedding venue.
Sample Wedding Day Timeline at The Christian Royer House
7:00 AM – Getting Ready Begins
Bridal party arrives and settles into their getting-ready space.
Why this works at The Christian Royer House:
On-site getting-ready areas reduce travel stress
Great natural light for hair, makeup, and photos
Plenty of time to relax and enjoy the morning
Pro Tip: Have detail items (dress, rings, invitation suite) ready for your photographer early.
11:00 AM – Decorating Begins
The groom and his men arrive, and the venue is open for decorating.
Why you should decorate early:
Ample time to set-up ceremony and reception tent
You can grab any last minute items that may have been forgotten
Less stressing about how fast it needs to be done
1:30 PM – First Look (Optional)
Couples choosing a first look enjoy a private moment together before the ceremony.
Best first look locations at our venue:
Tree-lined driveway
Side entrance of manor house
Front porch
Why couples love this:
It allows for more photos earlier in the day and often leads to a calmer ceremony experience.
2:00 PM – Wedding Party & Family Photos
With a first look complete, wedding party and immediate family photos begin.
Benefits of doing photos early:
More time with guests during cocktail hour
Less rushed portraits
Better lighting options depending on season
3:30 PM – Guests Arrive
Guests begin arriving and are welcomed into our ceremony space.
Venue notes:
Clear signage and staff support
Accessible restrooms and seating
Beautiful pre-ceremony ambiance
4:00 PM – Ceremony Begins
Your ceremony takes place on the lower lawn by the pond, one of our most loved spaces.
Why this time works well:
Comfortable lighting for photos
Ideal temperatures for most seasons
Smooth transition into cocktail hour
4:30 PM – Ceremony Ends & Cocktail Hour Begins
Guests move into cocktail hour while the couple finishes portraits.
Cocktail hour at The Christian Royer House includes:
Stunning backdrop for mingling
Space for passed appetizers and bar service
Live music or DJ setup
Lawn games for your guests
6:00 PM – Reception Begins
Guests are invited into the reception space for introductions and dinner.
Reception highlights:
Flexible floor plan
Seamless transition from cocktail hour into tent
Space for dinner, dancing, and speeches and bar
6:15 PM – Dinner Service
Dinner is served, allowing guests time to relax and enjoy the evening.
7:15 PM – Toasts & Special Dances
Speeches, first dances, and parent dances take place.
Tip: Grouping these moments together keeps the energy flowing and guests engaged.
8:00 PM – Open Dancing
The dance floor opens, and the celebration truly begins!
Why our couples love this part of the night:
Spacious dance floor
Room for late-night surprises
Centralized in tent
9:45 PM – Last Dance & Grand Exit
A final dance or sparkler exit wraps up the night on a high note.
10:00-11:00 - Vendor cleanup and Goodbyes
Plenty of time for your vendors to cleanup, get things packed, and everyone to say their goodbyes
Why this is important
Our couples and their guests don’t feel rushed
Vendors have time to help cleanup
Photography Credits: Untamed Hearts Photography
