How Long Before Sunset Does Golden Hour Start? Wedding Photography Timing Guide
Short Answer: Golden hour usually starts about 30 to 60 minutes before sunset. I recommend starting photos around 10 minutes after golden hour begins and shooting for 10–20 minutes. That way, you’ll get the dreamy, warm portraits you’re hoping for without missing much of your celebration.
📸 Quick Answer: Golden hour starts 30–60 minutes before sunset. In Richmond, VA it’s typically early evening in summer and late afternoon in winter. For your exact date and location, use TimeandDate’s Sunset Calculator or plan with PhotoPills. Best wedding photo window: start ~10 minutes after golden hour begins and shoot 10–20 minutes.
What You Need to Know First
Golden hour isn’t always a full hour. Depending on the season and your location, it typically lasts 30–60 minutes before sunset. During this time, the sunlight is soft, warm, and flattering—perfect for portraits without harsh shadows or squinting.
Whether we step out for photos between speeches in Richmond, or sneak away during a destination wedding, I’ll plan everything so you’re not worrying about timing. My goal is to make it smooth, quick, and natural.
How long before sunset is golden hour?
Golden hour generally begins 30–60 minutes before sunset. The exact start depends on your date and location (latitude, time of year, local terrain, and cloud cover). For precise timing anywhere you’re getting married, check your date on TimeandDate’s Sunset Calculator or plan with PhotoPills.
Best Time to Start Golden Hour Photos
If sunset is at 7:40 PM, I’ll usually suggest starting portraits around 7:10–7:20. That gives us time to get comfortable and capture the best light without rushing. Think of it as a short break—a chance to breathe, laugh together, and soak in the moment.
Golden Hour Start Times in Richmond, VA (Approximate)
Time Before Sunset: ~45 minutes
Time Before Sunset: ~about 1 hour
Time Before Sunset: ~40 minutes
Time Before Sunset: ~30–40 minutes
Note: Timing shifts by date and exact location. For destination weddings or to verify your specific day, use TimeandDate or plan shots in advance with PhotoPills.
What If It’s Cloudy or Raining?
Cloudy days are actually incredible for photography—they give us soft, even light all day long. If it rains, we’ll pivot: grab umbrellas, use a covered spot, or wait for a short break. Some of my favorite photos have come from misty or rainy golden hours.
How Long Should Golden Hour Photos Take?
About 10–20 minutes is ideal. Just enough to get a variety of candid and posed shots without pulling you away from your guests or missing the energy of cocktail hour or dancing.
One of my couples at The Mill at Fine Creek timed golden hour perfectly. We stepped out for just 15 minutes between toasts and dancing, and those portraits became some of their favorites of the entire wedding.
FAQ
How long before sunset is golden hour?
Golden hour usually begins 30–60 minutes before sunset. Use a sunset tool like TimeandDate to check the exact start on your date.
When does golden hour start?
Golden hour starts as the sun drops low on the horizon and the light turns warm and soft. The exact timing depends on your location and season, so confirm with PhotoPills or TimeandDate.
What time is golden hour in Richmond VA?
It varies by month, but a practical rule is about 30–60 minutes before sunset. In mid-summer it’s typically early evening; in winter it’s closer to late afternoon. For your exact date, check TimeandDate.
Can we still do golden hour portraits if we don’t have a first look?
Yes, absolutely. If you’re not doing a first look, we can plan to step away for portraits after your ceremony, just before sunset. I’ll build your timeline so you don’t miss the best light—or your party.
Does golden hour timing change if I’m having a destination wedding?
Yes. Golden hour is always based on the local sunset time. If you’re getting married outside Virginia, I’ll plan with PhotoPills so we hit perfect light at your destination.
What if we miss golden hour on our wedding day?
No stress. I always build in backup times for portraits. Golden hour is ideal, but I can create beautiful photos in other types of light too.
Final Thoughts
Golden hour isn’t just about light—it’s about feeling. It’s slowing down, laughing together, and taking it all in. Whether in Richmond or halfway around the world, I’ll help you plan your timeline so you don’t miss this magical part of the day.
Ready to plan golden hour into your wedding day?
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