The Best Time of Day for Wedding Photos
- Kendra McClain
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
The Best Time of Day for Wedding Photos (with Examples) When you're planning your wedding, you probably picture glowing, romantic portraits and jaw-dropping ceremony shots - but here's the thing: the time of day plays a huge role in how your photos will look. Whether you're dreaming of that magical golden hour glow or wondering how to beat harsh midday sun, this post will walk you through the best times of day for wedding photos, complete with examples and tips!
Morning Light: Soft and Serene Best for: Getting ready photos, intimate first looks, elopements Why we love it: Morning light is soft, gentle, and flattering - especially on the skin. It's a perfect time for calm, romantic portraits or cozy indoor moments. Wedding Photography Tip: If you're planning a brunch wedding or elopement, aim for portraits before 10 AM to avoid direct overhead sun. Midday: Bright, Bold... and Tricky Best for: Indoor ceremonies, group photos in shade, high-energy candids Why it's tricky: Between 11 AM and 3 PM, the sun is at its highest, which can cast harsh shadows and make people squint. Pro Tip: Choose shaded areas or use creative backlighting to soften the look. I also bring gear to help diffuse harsh light.
Late Afternoon: Warm & Balanced Best for: Family portraits, pre-sunset couple sessions Around 3-5 PM the sun starts to mellow out, creating warm tones and fewer shadows. Great for portraits before golden hour.
Golden Hour: The Magic Moment The Best Time of Day for Wedding Photos Best for: Couple portraits, romantic shots, ceremony backdrops Why it's gold: Golden hour happens during the hour after sunrise or before sunset. It creates a dreamy, glowy atmosphere. Golden Hour Tip: Time your outdoor ceremony to start 1-1.5 hours before sunset for stunning golden light. Example: At a Cancun wedding, the couple timed their beach ceremony just before sunset-resulting in glowing skies and cinematic portraits.
Blue Hour & Night: Dramatic & Dreamy Best for: Creative flash photography, sparkler exits, moody vibes Blue hour (just after sunset) and night photography can give you some of the most artistic shots with proper lighting setups. Tip: Talk with your photographer if you'd like nighttime portraits-these can be really unique in your gallery.
Final Thoughts: Timing Is Everything When it comes to wedding photos, light is your best friend - and the timing of your day directly affects the look and feel of
your images. Whether you're saying "I do" at sunrise on a mountain or at sunset on the beach, planning your timeline with light in mind is one of the best wedding photography tips I can give. Want the glow of golden hour in your wedding gallery? Let's chat about your day and how we can build a photo timeline that captures you in your best light - literally
