What Time Should We Start Golden Hour Photos on Your Wedding Day?

Short Answer: I usually recommend starting golden hour photos about 10 minutes after golden hour begins and shooting for around 10 to 20 minutes. That way, you get those dreamy, warm shots without missing out on enjoying your day.

What You Need to Know First

Golden hour isn’t exactly an hour. It’s usually about 30 to 45 minutes before sunset when the light is soft and flattering. It’s the best time for natural, cinematic photos without harsh shadows.

I’ll help you plan around it so you’re not worrying about light or timing. Whether we step out for portraits between speeches or sneak away from the dance floor for a few quiet moments, I’ll make it smooth and quick.

Best Time to Start Golden Hour Photos

If sunset is at 7:40 PM, I’ll usually suggest starting portraits around 7:10 or 7:20. That gives us a few minutes to get comfortable and then capture the best light without rushing. It’s also just a good break to breathe and reset.

What If It’s Cloudy or Raining?

Don’t stress. Cloudy days give us super soft light all day. Honestly, they’re a hidden gem for portraits. If it’s raining, we can use a covered spot, grab some umbrellas, or wait for a quick break. Some of my favorite photos have come from cloudy or misty sessions.

How Long Should Golden Hour Photos Take?

Usually 10 to 20 minutes. Just enough to get a mix of candid and portrait-style shots without pulling you away from your guests or events for too long. You can still enjoy cocktail hour or keep the dance floor energy going.

One of my couples at The Mill at Fine Creek timed golden hour just right. We stepped out for 15 minutes between the toasts and dancing and got some of their favorite photos of the whole day. Simple and worth it.

FAQ

What time is best for golden hour wedding photos?

Golden hour usually starts 30 to 45 minutes before sunset. The best time to begin your photos is about 10 minutes after golden hour starts, so the light is soft and warm but not too harsh.

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 the ceremony, just before sunset. I help build timelines that give us space for those shots without cutting into your celebration.

Is golden hour still good for wedding photos if it’s cloudy?

Yes. Cloudy weather actually creates beautiful, soft light all day long. Even without direct sun, we’ll still get dreamy, evenly lit portraits during that time.

How long should golden hour photos take on a wedding day?

About 10 to 20 minutes is ideal. It’s enough time to get natural, candid photos with great lighting without pulling you away from your guests or events for too long.

What if we miss golden hour on our wedding day?

No stress. I always build in backup times for portraits and can capture beautiful shots in other types of light too. Golden hour is ideal, but not a dealbreaker.

Final Thoughts

Golden hour isn’t just about the light. It’s about the feeling. Slowing down. Laughing together. Taking it all in. If you want your wedding photos to feel honest and unposed, let’s plan your timeline to include this part of the day. I’ll handle the logistics so you can just enjoy the view.

Ready to plan golden hour into your wedding timeline?

Let’s talk and make it part of your day