Does the 30-5 Minute Rule Work for Destination Weddings? Here’s What You Should Know

When you start planning your wedding, everyone says the same thing—the day goes by fast. And they’re right. But there’s a simple way to make the day feel less rushed and more enjoyable: the 30-5 minute rule. If you haven’t heard of it, don’t worry—it’s easy to understand, and it can change how you plan your entire wedding day, especially if you’re having a destination wedding.

I’m Evan Whitney from Arch Wedding Studio, and I photograph destination weddings in Riviera Maya, Tulum, Cancun, and nearby areas. I’ve seen how this one rule can make a big difference. In this post, I’ll break down what the 30-5 minute rule is, why it matters, and how to use it when planning your destination wedding.

So, What Is the 30-5 Minute Rule?

The 30-5 minute rule is pretty simple. On your wedding day, things that normally take five minutes might take thirty. And moments you expect to last thirty minutes? They’ll feel like five. It’s not just a saying—it’s something that plays out again and again.

This isn’t about being dramatic. It’s just how time feels when you’re caught up in a big day. You’re juggling emotions, people, and details. That’s why it’s smart to plan for it instead of getting surprised by it.

Why It Matters at a Destination Wedding

Destination weddings are amazing, but they come with extra layers—travel, unfamiliar places, and coordinating from far away. That makes the 30-5 minute rule even more important. It helps keep everything running smoothly.

When something runs late—like hair, makeup, or transportation—it’s rarely anyone’s fault. It just happens. Planning with extra time built in means you’re not stressed out or rushing from one thing to the next.

How to Use the 30-5 Rule When Planning

Here’s how to make it work: anytime you think something will take five or ten minutes, just block out thirty. And when you’re looking at parts of the day that are meant to be thirty minutes long, expect them to fly by.

You’re not stretching the timeline for no reason. You’re giving yourself a little space so the day doesn’t feel like a rush. And if you end up ahead of schedule, that’s a bonus—you can actually relax.

It Helps Protect the Moments That Matter

Some of the best parts of a wedding day don’t follow a script. They just happen. But they need time and space to happen naturally. If you’re running behind, those moments either get shortened or missed altogether.

The 30-5 minute rule helps you slow things down enough to actually be there for them. You’ll have room to breathe, connect with your partner, and take in what’s going on around you.

It Puts You Back in Control

A lot of couples feel like once the wedding starts, they’re just along for the ride. But you’re still in control—and using the 30-5 minute rule is one way to stay grounded. You decide how your day unfolds.

When you plan for things to take longer than usual, you’re not being overly cautious. You’re just being realistic. And that makes the whole day feel more manageable, especially at a destination where there’s more to coordinate.

What Happens If You Skip It?

If you don’t build in extra time, delays can pile up fast. One small thing in the morning gets pushed back, and suddenly everything’s off. You might lose time for portraits or miss the best light. It’s not fun to spend your day trying to catch up.

More importantly, you’ll feel it. A packed timeline leaves no room to pause or enjoy the moment. And that’s what most couples say they want—just to feel present. The 30-5 minute rule helps make that possible.

Final Thoughts

Does the 30-5 minute rule work for destination weddings? Definitely. It’s not a trick. It’s just a better way to plan. It gives you room to move, time to enjoy the day, and a buffer when things don’t go exactly as planned.

I’m Evan Whitney, the photographer behind Arch Wedding Studio. I work with couples getting married in Riviera Maya, Tulum, and Cancun, and I always recommend building the 30-5 rule into the timeline. It just makes everything feel easier—for you and for everyone around you.

Planning a destination wedding? Let’s build a photo timeline that actually works.
Reach out to Arch Wedding Studio and let’s make your day feel calm, real, and exactly how you want it.