If I had a dollar for every time I said, “Let’s chase that golden light!”—I’d probably be planning my elopement in Tuscany by now 😉 As a wedding photographer, one of the questions I get asked all the time is: “When is the best time to take our wedding portraits?”
The answer? It’s all about the light. And spoiler alert: golden hour is where the romantic magic happens. But this is not the ONLY time that works for wedding portraits.
My name is Celeste, a Wedding and Event Photographer based in Muskoka, Ontario. My goal is to help couples make educated decisions when it comes to their wedding day so they can end up with their DREAM photos!
What Makes Golden Hour So Perfect for Wedding Portraits?
Golden hour is the hour after sunrise or just before sunset, and it is hands down the most flattering, dreamy time of day for wedding portraits. Think soft, warm light that wraps around you like a romantic filter—but real-life.
Here’s why I would recommend golden hour wedding portraits:
1. Glowy, Romantic Vibes
That buttery golden light gives your skin a beautiful glow, makes your dress shimmer, and brings out those soft, golden, and romantic tones that make your wedding portraits feel like they belong in a fairytale.
2. Natural & Flattering Light
Midday sun can be harsh, casting shadows and making you squint (not ideal). Golden hour, on the other hand, is super gentle and makes everything look soft and magical—perfect for your once-in-a-lifetime wedding portraits.
3. A Sweet Pause in Your Day
Taking your wedding portraits around sunset gives you a little break from the hustle of the day. It’s a quiet, connected moment to just be together—and the love always shines through in the photos.
How to Time Your Wedding Portraits Just Right
If you want that dreamy golden hour look for your wedding portraits, we’ll want to plan them about 45–60 minutes before sunset. Not sure when that is on your wedding day? Don’t worry, I always build your photo timeline with lighting in mind, so we don’t miss a minute of that gorgeous glow.
What If You Like Bright Colors and Dramatic Lighting?
This will be a “hot take” for sure, but midday and harsh lighting can still be fantastic for your images. You will need to make sure you have a photographer who is skilled in these types of portraits. Midday portraits will feel brighter and have more saturated colors. These photos will feel much more vibrant and fun, versus soft and romantic. Your photographer may need to use artificial lighting – aka flashes – to make this light look flattering.
What If Golden Hour Doesn’t Work with Your Timeline?
Not every wedding can squeeze golden hour into the schedule—and that’s totally okay! Depending on the time of year and your venue location, golden hour might end up being right in the middle of dinner. There are also several cons of planning for golden hour portraits only, such as the sunset is not guaranteed, and your hair and makeup would have been at its best in the beginning of the day.
With the right locations, a little creativity, and professional guidance (hi, it’s me! 🙋♀️), your wedding portraits will still be beautiful no matter what time of day. Whether we’re capturing portraits in a sunlit field, a cozy forest, or beside a sparkling lake in Muskoka, the magic isn’t just in the light—it’s in the love, the laughter, and those in-between moments you’ll treasure forever.
Ready to plan a wedding day timeline that gives you gorgeous light and zero stress? Click the link below to book your free consult!
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