When is the best time of day for Wedding Portraits?
The best time for portraits is Golden Hour—about an hour before sunset. The light is soft, flattering, and cinematic.
If your ceremony ends earlier, consider sneaking away for 15 minutes during cocktail hour or sunset for these shots.
Trust your photographer—we’ll help you plan around the light. Great light = great photos. Simple as that.
When it comes to creating stunning wedding portraits, timing matters just as much as location—maybe even more. And there’s no better time to capture romantic, timeless images than during Golden Hour.
What Is Golden Hour?
Golden Hour is the window of time shortly after sunrise or—more commonly for weddings—about an hour before sunset. During this time, the sun is low in the sky, producing a soft, warm, and flattering light.
The shadows are gentle, the colors are richer, and everything takes on a dreamy, cinematic glow. It's basically Mother Nature’s perfect filter.
Why Golden Hour Is Ideal for Wedding Portraits
Photographers love Golden Hour because it makes everyone look amazing. Here's why:
The light is naturally softer, minimizing harsh shadows and unflattering angles.
The golden tones add warmth and romance to every photo.
The lower sun creates dramatic, artistic effects like flares, silhouettes, and rich backgrounds.
If you’ve ever pinned dreamy wedding portraits to your Pinterest board, chances are they were shot during Golden Hour.
What If Your Wedding Timeline Doesn't Align?
Sometimes ceremonies and receptions are scheduled earlier in the day—and that's totally okay!
If your ceremony finishes a few hours before sunset, you can still plan a Golden Hour mini-session.
I usually recommend sneaking away for 10–15 minutes during cocktail hour or sunset to capture a few portraits in that perfect light.
You’ll get to enjoy most of your reception while also adding a set of absolutely magical photos to your gallery.
Trust Your Photographer to Plan Around the Light
When we start mapping out your wedding photography timeline, I always prioritize the best available light.
By building even a short portrait window during Golden Hour, we can maximize the beauty of your photos without taking too much time away from your celebration.
Great light = great photos. It’s as simple as that.
Want Golden Hour Magic at Your Wedding?
If you're planning your timeline and dreaming about that soft, glowing look in your photos, let's talk!
As your photographer, I'll help you plan every moment to make sure your photos are as beautiful and effortless as the day itself.
📩 starmomentphoto@gmail.com or send me a DM on Instagram to start the conversation!