Wedding Rehearsal Guide (45–60 Minutes)

This rehearsal guide is designed for couples planning a Denver wedding rehearsal or a Colorado mountain ceremony who want a smooth, photo-ready processional, clean blocking, and confident readers—coordinated by an experienced Denver wedding officiant and planner team.

Rehearsal Timeline at a Glance

Arrive on time so we can respect everyone’s schedule and keep the rehearsal to 45–60 minutes. Your wedding planner will coordinate key details with you beforehand and finalize cues during the first 15 minutes so the ceremony flows effortlessly.

5:00 — Marriage certificate
Hand the officiant your marriage certificate and the pre-addressed envelope. (It’s not official until the ceremony concludes.)

5:05 — Couple walk-through
Planner sets placements for the wedding party, family, readers, and any special elements (unity ritual, cultural traditions, etc.).

5:15 — Block the wedding party + first processional run
We lock in positions and spacing, then practice the processional. The wedding officiant will preview the ceremony sections immediately after.

5:45 — Second processional + full ceremony walk-through
One more pass with everyone to confirm timing, cues, and transitions.

6:00 — Wrap
Questions, final notes, and dismissal.

Finalize These Big Questions Before the Wedding Rehearsal

Pre-ceremony announcements

• Would you like the wedding officiant to say: “Please silence your phones,” and/or “Please refrain from taking photos during the ceremony”? Any custom message?

Ceremony table placement

• If you’re using a table (such as a unity item, a glass, a wine box, or a ketubah), will it sit behind the wedding officiant or to one side?

Sound & music

• Will a lapel microphone be available for the officiant and a second wireless microphone for the readers and the exchange of vows? (Confirm batteries/charging.)

• Who is cueing music (DJ, live musicians, venue)? How will they receive start/stop signals?

• Confirm the exact processional songs and order they’ll play.

Vows & rings

• Are vows read, repeated, or personal? Who holds vow cards?

• Who holds the rings (best man/person, ring bearer, or wedding officiant)? Have a ring box handy.

Unity or cultural rituals

• What props are needed? Who brings/sets them? Where are they placed?

• Who participates and when?

Photography & videography

• Preferred positions for first look at the aisle, kiss, and recessional.

• Any no-go angles or must-capture moments?

Weather & accessibility (key in Colorado venues)

• Shade plan, wind plan (veil/arch stability), and backup for rain/snow.

• Accessibility for grandparents and guests with mobility needs.

Ushers (Friends or Family)

• Hand out programs from the aisle ends of the last row and assist guests with seating.

• After the ceremony, ushers can guide guests toward the cocktail hour or to designated photo locations.

• Tip: Share a simple seating script so ushers feel confident and consistent.

Seating Plan

• Parents, grandparents, and close relatives usually sit in the first two rows (traditionally groom’s side right, bride’s side left; open seating elsewhere to avoid gaps).

• Seat readers at the aisle ends of the first or second rows for quick access.

Order of Procession

• Will the groom walk down the aisle or begin at the “altar” with the officiant?

• Confirm the exact order: grandparents → parents → wedding party → ring bearer/flower children → partner(s) → bride.

• Who escorts each parent/grandparent? (If a wedding-party member escorts, plan how they rejoin the lineup.)

• After processing, where do family members sit? (Typically, first row on each side.)

• Pairings: Decide who walks together (friendship, height for photos, or a mix).

• Children/pets: Assign a “wrangler” to walk with or meet them mid-aisle and guide them to seats if they get distracted. Kids under five often do best sitting after their moment—plan a friendly handoff.

Pace of the Walk (Photography-Friendly)

• Everyone lined up 5 minutes before the “silence your phones” announcement.

• Men traditionally walk on the right, with their arms linked to the bridesmaids.

• Pause ~5 seconds after each processional song begins to create natural spacing.

• Each person/couple begins only when the previous is halfway down the aisle.

• Walk at a calm, natural pace—linger for the camera at the aisle entry and near the center.

Blocking the Wedding Party (Clean Lines & Clear Sightlines)

• Mirror both sides: straight, diagonal, or gentle curve that fits the space. Avoid blocking row one; move that row back if needed for large parties.

• Hands at sides or gently folded; feet about 1.5 feet apart.

• Angle slightly (about 45°) toward the couple and guests; maintain ~1.5 feet between attendants.

• Kids/babies: Consider comfort, heat/cold, and attention span; plan seating after their entrance if standing isn’t realistic.

Readers

• Seat at aisle ends in the first or second rows for easy access.

• Read from the center, near the wedding officiant, or, if space allows, use a microphone stand to the side.

• Bring printed readings in a large, readable font (no phone glare, please).

When the Wedding Ceremony Ends (Recessional & Transition)

• Confirm where the couple and wedding party will exit to immediately (for a private moment, family photos, or straight to cocktail hour).

• Wedding officiant announcement: Would you like a reminder for cocktail hour, family photo locations, unplugged details, or transportation information?

Bonus Pro Tips for a Flawless Rehearsal (and Denver/Colorado Venues)

• Wear your ceremony shoes (or similar height) to practice pace and comfort.

• Veil, train, and bouquet cues: Who fluffs/adjusts at the aisle and during the wedding ceremony? Who takes the bouquet during vows?

• Kiss placement: Decide on the exact spot and duration (the photographer will appreciate your consideration).

• Mics 101: Practice mic distance (6–8 inches), handoff for readers, and passing etiquette.

• Group text: Create a rehearsal-day thread with the planner, wedding officiant, DJ, photographer/video team, and key family members.

• Parking & timing: Denver traffic and mountain venues can add delays—build a 10–15 minute buffer.

• Emergency kit: Tissues, safety pins, stain wipes, fashion tape, bobby pins, and water.

• Signage: Point guests toward the ceremony, restrooms, and cocktail hour—especially at outdoor or multi-level venues.

• Vendor contact sheet: Share a one-pager with all relevant contact information and the final timeline.

• Plan B for wind: Secure florals, arches, aisle runners, and signage; consider a low bun or veil weights.

Wedding Ceremonies in Colorado

Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Littleton, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Vail, Aspen, Estes Park, Golden, and more. If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please get in touch with Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!

Interested in hiring Michael to officiate your wedding ceremony in Denver or a neighboring Colorado town? Check out his wedding packages today!