Deffinitive summary of the chronology of the Legend of Zelda Series, as requested.

LOL SUMMARY, okay, anyway, there is a tie for the beginning here.

So, original theories state that Ocarina of Time is the first order chronologically, as it's Link's first quest, sword, etc.  it also ENDS in Ganon being locked away in the Sacred Realm (I'll get back to this).  Next up is Majora's Mask, given that it's pretty obviously the same Link.

Several generations later, Minish Cap/Four Swords/Four Swords Adventures happens, which are all Prequels to a Link to the Past.  The whole tradition of heroes wearing green and stuff is the only legs this has to stand on as far as being chronologically first, so it's regarded as being after OoT Saga.

At this point, Link's Awakening (I love this game) happens, followed or preceeded very closely by the oracle saga.

From this point, is the Original game, and LoZ 2

Now, we get to some fun time paradoxes.  Remember how Zelda sends Link back to the past in OoT at the end of his quest because she wants him to live his life normally (lol)?  Well, turns out Time lines don't just disappear because someone leaves it.  Link has disappeared from the Adult Time line, which leads to the beginning of Windwaker, as there is no hero to take up the sword.

Alternatively, in the Child Timeline, Ganondorf has disappeared, and so there's no threat to Hyrule, it's presumed nothing really happens, Link fight regular old evil, etc.  Land is safe, Ganon finds other ways of breaking out.

Taken from the Legend of Zelda wiki, they say this on the sequels:

The Legend of Zelda --> Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
A Link to the Past --> Link's Awakening
Ocarina of Time (Child Timeline) --> Majora's Mask --> Twilight Princess
Ocarina of Time (Adult Timeline) --> The Wind Waker --> Phantom Hourglass --> Spirit Tracks
Oracle of Seasons <--> Oracle of Ages (can happen in either order)
The Minish Cap --> Four Swords --> Four Swords Adventures (currently unconfirmed if other games occur between these titles, i.e. between The Minish Cap and Four Swords)

 But because LoZ fans can never agree on anything, I've provided what I feel the strongest argument links are.  Have fun!