When it comes to epic wedding photos, one of the key factors in the equation is the light. As a BC small wedding + adventure elopement photographer, specializing in outdoor weddings,  I'm always on the hunt for the perfect lighting in every setting to create beautiful images. 

And while location is a factor in finding perfect light, what’s more important is the time of day. One of the most magical times of day that gives the perfect lighting is close to sunset, also known as golden hour. 

It’s my favourite time of day to photograph couples and if you can swing it to either time your ceremony, or sneak out for some photos at sunset, I promise, it’ll be worth it. (Keep scrolling for some timeline examples that take advantage of golden hour during different times of the year!)

Golden Hour Wedding Photos

Have you heard of golden hour? 

According to Wikipedia, golden hour is the period of daytime shortly after sunrise or before sunset, during which daylight is redder and softer than when the sun is higher in the sky.

Well, golden hour wedding photos are exactly what it sounds like. Wedding photos done at golden hour. 

Why Is Golden Hour The Best Time For Photos?

This light specifically makes EVERYONE look good. Literally everyone. This soft light doesn’t create harsh shadows, it bathes you in golden light, and it gives your skin just a little bit of extra warmth, almost as if you have a little bit of a tan. 

Another reason this is the best time for photos is that there is less chance of any colour cast from your environment. (Colour cast is when the light reflects the colour of your environment back on to you. Check out an example below of a client’s fur-baby being extra yellow and green thanks to the sun bouncing off the cedar fence in the yard.)

Having the sun lower on the horizon also makes it easier for you to face the sun, which gives us more flexibility in our location(s) so that you get tons of amazing memories.

AMBIANCE

There is something about sunsets, with those epic skies, that just feels cozy, a bit intimate and a little bit romantic. It helps to naturally ease the nerves and make you feel comfortable and relaxed. In turn, this allows me to document those moments genuine connection that naturally occur between people in love so that you get those amazing candids you love so much.

THE VIEWS

We sometimes get super lucky and Mother Nature gifts us with a beautiful sky to witness and enjoy. The yellows, oranges, and pinks, transitioning into the night blue can be mesmerizing. And I am not opposed to just taking a time out from photos to just enjoy the views!

THE WEATHER

Another benefit of golden hour photos is that the temperatures, especially in the summer, can drop and be bearable later in the day, Another great reason to try to time your ceremony with golden hour is that you deserve to wear your 3-piece bespoke suit AND have a summer wedding without dying of heatstroke or instantly sweating through your outfit the moment you step outside.

How To Plan Your Wedding Day Timeline Around Sunset

Living a bit further away from the equator, in BC, our sunsets change drastically throughout the year. From fall to spring, planning your wedding day timeline around sunset is pretty easy and tends to follow fairly common wedding day timelines. For the best time of day for wedding photos, use these example timelines as a starting place.

SPRING & FALL WEDDINGS 

sunset around 6:30-7:00 pm 

2:00 pm - Getting ready photos

3:30 pm - First look

4:30 pm - Ceremony

5:00 pm - Family/group photos

5:30 pm - Golden hour wedding photos (couple only)

7:30 pm - Dinner

9:00 pm - Dance party begins

WINTER WEDDINGS 

sunset around 4:30-5:00 pm

12:00 pm - Getting ready photos

1:30 pm - First look

2:30 pm - Ceremony

3:00 pm - Family/group photos

3:30 pm - Golden hour wedding photos (couple only)

5:30 pm - Dinner

8:00 pm - Dance party

Summer weddings can be a bit challenging, especially on the West Coast, balancing the best time for photos with really late sunset times. You can take 2 approaches to your wedding day: 

SUMMER WEDDING OPTION 2

sunset around 8:30-9:00 pm

2:30 pm - Getting ready photos

4:00 pm - First Look + wedding photos

6:00 pm - Ceremony

6:30 pm - Family/group photos 

7:00 pm - Dinner 

8:30 pm - Step out for sunset photos

9:00 pm - Dance party begins

SUMMER WEDDING OPTION 1 

sunset around 8:30-9:00 pm

2:30 pm - Getting ready photos

4:00 pm - First Look

5:00 pm - Dinner

6:30 pm - Ceremony 

7:00 pm - Family/group photos 

7:30 pm - Golden hour wedding photos

9:00 pm - Dance party begins

Should You Plan For Sunset Wedding Photos?

Being a wedding photographer, I’m biased, so I’m giving you a hell yeah! But I know that in reality, it’s not always possible to plan your entire day around sunset. So I always recommend my couples to, at the very least, pop out for 5-15 minutes of sunset wedding photos. 

Regardless, we’re going to create some amazing wedding photos of your big day!

If you’re planning an outdoor small wedding or elopement, I’d love to chat! Just click the button below to get started!