How to make the most of your golden hour on your wedding day
The golden hour, the period shortly before sunset, offers soft, warm light that can transform your wedding photos into something truly magical. In this guide, we reveal secrets to make the most of your golden hour on your big day. Whether you’re sneaking away for a quiet moment or incorporating your bridal party, golden hour offers the perfect backdrop for unforgettable wedding memories.
Golden hour group shots: getting your guests involved
Golden hour isn’t just for romantic couple portraits; it’s also perfect for stunning group shots that feel relaxed and magical. As the sun dips lower, the soft, golden light flatters everyone, creating warm, glowing images that feel effortlessly beautiful. To get your guests involved, plan a few fun activities that encourage natural interaction.
For example, a confetti toss, sparkler moment, or even a playful group walk in a cornfield can result in memorable photos. Encourage your guests to face the light for that dreamy, soft glow. Timing is key, plan your group shots 30-45 minutes before sunset to make the most of the golden light without feeling rushed. With a little preparation, your golden hour group photos will feel authentic, joyful, and full of life.
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Why golden hour is perfect for wedding photos
Golden hour offers the most flattering natural light, making it a dream for wedding photography. About an hour before sunset, the sun sits lower in the sky, creating soft, warm light that reduces harsh shadows and highlights natural skin tones beautifully.
This golden glow adds a romantic feel to your photos, perfect for capturing those intimate moments. Landscapes also come alive during this time, with vibrant hues in the sky providing a stunning backdrop for outdoor shots. The perfect way to make the most of your golden hour!
How to plan your wedding timeline around golden hour
To capture stunning golden hour photos, careful timeline planning is essential. Start by checking the sunset time for your wedding date and location. Aim to schedule couple portraits, group shots, or even your first dance about 45-60 minutes before sunset for that perfect glow.
For summer weddings with later sunsets, consider sneaking away from your reception for a short sunset shoot, a perfect opportunity for some quiet time together.
If you’re hosting a winter wedding when daylight is limited, plan to take your portraits earlier in the afternoon to make the most of the softer light. Work closely with your photographer to identify the best spots at your venue where the sunset will be most striking. By building your timeline around golden hour, you’ll maximize your chances of making the most of your golden hours and capturing those rich, dreamy photos that feel timeless and unforgettable.
Golden hour tips for autumn and winter weddings
Golden hour during autumn and winter requires some extra planning, as daylight fades faster and the sun sets earlier. Start by checking the sunset time for your wedding date, you may need to schedule golden hour photos mid-afternoon rather than in the evening. Embrace the season by choosing locations with rich autumn leaves or crisp winter skies that enhance the golden tones.
Soft layers like faux fur wraps or wool suits add warmth and texture while still looking stylish in photos. To make the most of limited light, plan your ceremony earlier in the day, leaving enough time for portraits afterward. Winter weddings with ceremonies at 4pm aren’t condusive to golden hour portrait shoots afterwards. Be flexible with timing and trust your photographer’s expertise to capture those glowing, golden moments when the light is just right.
Sunset silhouettes: how to create magical wedding photos
Sunset silhouettes are a striking way to capture unforgettable wedding photos. The rich hues of golden hour create the perfect backdrop for dramatic, artistic shots. To achieve this look, position yourselves between the camera and the setting sun, allowing your photographer to focus on your outline. Poses that emphasise movement, like a gentle twirl or a shared kiss, add emotion and storytelling to your silhouette shots.
Consider adding props such as a veil, umbrella, or bouquet to enhance the shapes and create added interest. Work with your photographer to scout the best location for an uninterrupted view of the horizon. With thoughtful timing and a bit of creativity, your sunset silhouettes will become some of the most striking and memorable images from your wedding day. Check out a little timeline advice here to help you with your decisions.
Dress down for a different feel
Golden hour is the perfect time to embrace a more casual, relaxed vibe in your wedding photos. Consider changing into something less formal to create a completely different look for this special part of the day. Brides might swap their gown for a floaty dress, while grooms can ditch the jacket and opt for an open shirt or rolled-up sleeves.
This relaxed styling creates carefree, intimate photos that reflect your personalities. Couples who embrace a more laid-back look often feel freer to laugh, dance, and play during their shoot, resulting in natural and heartfelt images. A change of outfit can also create a stunning contrast in your wedding photos, blending elegant ceremony shots with fun, informal golden hour moments to help you make the most of your golden hour.
