How Long Before Sunset Does Golden Hour Start? Wedding Photography Timing Guide

Golden hour usually starts about 45 minutes before sunset. Use 30-60 minutes as your planning range, then confirm your exact date and venue location.

What You Need to Know First

• Golden hour is when the sun is low: The light is warm, soft, and flattering. Perfect for portraits without harsh shadows or squinting. It typically lasts 30-60 minutes before sunset.
• Most couples shoot during golden hour if the timeline allows: It’s the best light of the day. If your schedule is tight, some couples take quick portraits at a different time, then step out for a dedicated golden hour session for the best light.
• Location matters as much as timing: Buildings, mountains, and trees can block the sun earlier than you expect. Checking your venue beforehand (or trusting your photographer to scout it) ensures you get the best golden hour light at YOUR spot.
• Longer sessions mean more relaxed photos: With 15 minutes, a good photographer can capture beautiful portraits. With 30-45 minutes, you have time to breathe, laugh, and get creative shots. Most couples want to finish before dancing starts.

Best Time to PLAN Your Couple Portraits

The goal is simple. Use golden hour light to photograph your whole venue and location beautifully. When the sun is at the right angle, there are no weird shadows on faces, no squinting, and every background looks incredible. That’s why most couples time their portraits during golden hour if their wedding timeline allows.

Here’s what that actually looks like:

Option 1: Full Golden Hour Session (30-45 minutes)

Step out right as golden hour begins. You’ll get a variety of shots: close portraits, walking shots, full-body photos, creative angles. All in the best light. You’ll feel relaxed and unhurried. Most couples who do this finish before cocktail hour or dancing starts.

Option 2: Quick Portraits + Golden Hour Dedicated Time (15-20 minutes + 20 minutes)

Take quick couple photos at a different time (maybe right after ceremony). Then step out again during golden hour for a dedicated, relaxed portrait session. This gives you photos throughout the day AND the best light.

Option 3: Golden Hour Only (15-20 minutes)

If your timeline is tight, a skilled photographer can capture beautiful portraits in 15-20 minutes during golden hour. You won’t get as many variations, but the light makes every shot count. The key: coordinate with your photographer in advance so they’re prepared.

How Long Before Sunset Does Golden Hour Start?

Golden hour generally begins 30-60 minutes before sunset. The exact timing depends on:

• Your date: Season changes how long golden hour lasts. Summer has longer golden hour; winter is shorter.
• Your location: Latitude matters. Northern locations have different timing than southern ones.
• Terrain: Mountains, buildings, and tall trees can block the sun 5-15 minutes earlier than the “official” sunset time. This is crucial. If your venue is in a valley or surrounded by mountains, golden hour may start earlier or end earlier than expected.
• Cloud cover: Clouds change how golden hour looks and feels, but they don’t ruin it. Cloudy golden hour is soft and dreamy. Still beautiful for portraits.

Finding Golden Hour for YOUR Wedding

I photograph weddings in Richmond and travel for them too, so I’m always planning around different sunsets and terrain. The timing changes everywhere. Here’s how you (and your photographer) find the right time for YOUR spot:

Step 1: Use a Sunset Tool

Check TimeandDate’s Sunset Calculator or PhotoPills for your specific wedding date and location. You can also Google “sunset + your venue city + your date” as a quick check. These tools give you the official sunset time and approximate golden hour window.

Step 2: Account for Terrain

This is the part most couples miss. If your venue has:

• Mountains behind you: Golden hour may end 10-20 minutes earlier than the calculator says.
• Tall buildings or trees: Same thing. They block the sun earlier.
• Open sky (beach, field, rooftop): Timing will be closer to the calculator.

If you’re unsure, ask your photographer. They should scout the venue beforehand or at least plan the timing with knowledge of your location’s terrain.

Step 3: Plan 15-45 Minutes Based on Your Timeline

Once you know when golden hour starts, decide how much time you need:

Typical Sunset and Golden Hour Patterns in Richmond, VA (Approximate)

Sunset shifts a lot within each season, so always check your exact date using TimeandDate or PhotoPills. Here’s how golden hour typically varies in Richmond throughout the year. Use this as a reference point:

What If It’s Cloudy or Rainy?

Golden hour on a cloudy day is still beautiful. It’s just softer and more even. Clouds diffuse the light, so you won’t get harsh shadows on faces or squinting. It’s actually great for portraits. If it rains during your golden hour window, we adapt: grab umbrellas, use a covered spot, or wait for a break. I’ve captured some of my favorite portraits in drizzly, moody light.

What If Golden Hour Happens During Dinner or Speeches?

This is a common wedding timeline problem. You want golden hour light, but dinner and toasts are scheduled right then. Here are your options:

Option 1: Sneak Out Between Courses (10 minutes)

Step away for a quick couple portrait between appetizers and main course. You’ll get beautiful light and be back before guests notice. Not ideal for a full session, but it works for must-have shots.

Option 2: Do Portraits Earlier in Shade, Pop Out for Golden Hour (5-10 minutes)

Take most of your couple portraits in open shade right after the ceremony. Then sneak out for 5-10 minutes during golden hour for a few dream shots with that magical light. Best of both worlds without missing dinner entirely.

Option 3: Blue Hour Flash Portraits After (If You Miss Golden Hour)

If golden hour falls during dinner and you can’t step away, we can do beautiful couple portraits after dark using flash and backlight. It’s different from golden hour, but it can be stunning. The downside: you won’t have that natural golden glow. Talk to your photographer about this option early.

The key: coordinate your timeline with your photographer before the wedding so there are no surprises on the day.

How to Coordinate With Your Photographer

Once you know your golden hour window, here’s what to share with your photographer:

• Your wedding date (they’ll calculate exact timing)
• Your venue location (so they can scout terrain and plan around buildings or mountains)
• How much time you want to allocate (15 minutes? 30? 45?)
• When in your timeline you want portraits (after ceremony? between cocktail hour and reception?)

A good photographer will plan golden hour timing to the minute so you’re not stressed on your wedding day. They should know how terrain affects your specific venue and be ready to pivot if clouds roll in. Learn more about how I plan wedding timelines to ensure golden hour fits perfectly into your day.

FAQ

How long before sunset is golden hour?

Golden hour typically starts 30-60 minutes before sunset. The exact timing depends on your date, location, season, and terrain. Use TimeandDate or PhotoPills to verify for your specific wedding day.

When should we plan couple portraits during golden hour?

Most couples plan 15-45 minutes during golden hour, depending on how many portraits they want. The longer you allocate, the more relaxed and creative the photos. Most schedule portraits before dancing starts.

Can terrain really affect when golden hour ends?

Yes, absolutely. Mountains, tall buildings, or trees to the west of your venue can block the sun 5-15 minutes earlier than the official sunset time. Scout your venue or ask your photographer to account for this.

What if our timeline is too tight for a full golden hour session?

A skilled photographer can capture beautiful couple portraits in 15-20 minutes during golden hour. You’ll get fewer variations, but the light makes every shot count. Coordinate this timing with your photographer in advance.

Does cloudy or rainy weather ruin golden hour photos?

No. Clouds actually soften the light, which is great for portraits. You won’t get as much golden glow, but you’ll get beautiful, even light without harsh shadows or squinting. Rain adds mood and romance.

We’re getting married outside Richmond. How do we find golden hour timing?

I photograph weddings in Richmond and travel for them too. Use TimeandDate or PhotoPills with your exact wedding date and location. Your photographer should do this too. PhotoPills helps you visualize the sun’s path and potential obstructions so you can plan accurately.

Final Thoughts

Golden hour isn’t just about light. It’s about feeling. It’s slowing down, breathing together, and taking in the moment. Most couples time their portraits during golden hour because it’s the best light of the day and it sets a natural pause in the celebration. Whether you allocate 15 minutes or 45, the key is coordinating with your photographer so you’re not stressed about timing on your wedding day.

The sun is at its best during golden hour. Use that light. You’ll feel it in every portrait.

Ready to plan golden hour couple portraits into your wedding day? Let’s talk about your timing →

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