There’s something undeniably magical about a wedding at sunset. The warm glow of the setting sun bathes everything in a soft, romantic light, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for one of life’s most important moments. But what exactly is it about the golden hour that makes it so special for wedding photography?
The Golden Hour: A Photographer’s Dream: The golden hour refers to the hour just before sunset when the sunlight is softer and more diffused than at any other time of day. This light is flattering for portraits, creating a warm, natural glow that enhances skin tones and brings a dreamy atmosphere to outdoor photos. For wedding photos, this is the sweet spot, capturing couples in their most radiant light.
Golden Hour Times on the West Coast:
- January: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- February: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
- March: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- April: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- May: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- June: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- July: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- August: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- September: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- October: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- November: 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM
- December: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Knowing when the sun sets at your venue will help your photographer plan to capture those stunning, light-filled moments, so be sure to account for the time of year when planning your sunset wedding.
The Enchanting Blue Hour: A Touch of Twilight. Right after the sun sets comes the blue hour, a brief period when the sky takes on a deep, moody blue hue. This time creates a soft and atmospheric quality, perfect for more dramatic and artistic photos. The transition between the golden hour and the blue hour gives photographers a wide range of creative opportunities, from glowing warmth to mysterious twilight.
Blue Hour Times on the West Coast:
- January: 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
- February: 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM
- March: 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- April: 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM
- May: 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- June: 8:30 PM – 9:00 PM
- July: 8:30 PM – 9:00 PM
- August: 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- September: 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- October: 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- November: 4:45 PM – 5:15 PM
- December: 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
The blue hour is ideal for quiet, romantic moments that feel cinematic and ethereal. It’s a time when the sky deepens into twilight, and couples can embrace the beauty of the evening as the day turns to night.
Why Sunset Weddings Shine: Couples looking to create a romantic and timeless feel for their wedding should consider the magic of these fleeting light periods. Sunset weddings not only offer breathtaking photo opportunities but also provide a natural flow to the evening, transitioning from the glow of day into the sparkle of night.
Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony overlooking the Pacific or a grand celebration surrounded by lush greenery, timing your vows or portraits during the golden hour will guarantee that your wedding photos are as beautiful as the love you’re celebrating.
As seen in this incredible shot, where the warm glow hugs the couple just perfectly, your sunset wedding will leave you with memories captured in light – the ultimate reflection of love and beauty.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Jaime Denise Photography @jaimedenisephoto + @rissandsteven
#Goldenhour & #bluehour—two of the most magical times of day for stunning wedding photos, but they don’t just happen on their own. Nailing the perfect lighting requires careful planning, especially when these moments fall in the middle of your dinner or cocktail hour.
Late summer and fall weddings can make it tricky to time these shots, but creating space in your timeline is essential to capture that magic.
Trust your planner to hold that space and make it happen seamlessly. Luxenw.com
