Selecting the perfect time for your wedding ceremony is a decision that can be challenging, but by following some simple guidelines, you can find the ideal timing that accommodates both you and your guests. The optimal time of day for your wedding largely hinges on the season, the anticipated time of sunset, and the quality of natural light.
For an enchanting outdoor wedding, it’s crucial to note when the sun sets during the season of your celebration. Typically, wedding season begins in late spring and extends through early fall, with a notable concentration of ceremonies occurring in the warm, vibrant months of June and September. If your wedding falls in the delightful spring or the picturesque fall, scheduling your ceremony between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. often proves perfect, allowing guests to bask in the soft, golden light that enhances the romantic atmosphere. If you’re planning a summer wedding, you have the distinct advantage of longer daylight hours, enabling you to start your ceremony as late as 7 p.m. without sacrificing the beautiful ambiance that dusk brings. When planning your wedding, you can select a starting time that resonates with your vision and personal preferences—after all, it is your special day. The timing you choose will be influenced by several critical factors, including the scale of your wedding, the venue you have selected, the season you wish to marry and various other considerations.
Certain times of the day can enhance the atmosphere of your celebration and offer unique advantages for your photography. For instance, a sunset ceremony can create a stunning backdrop, while early afternoon light might brighten your venue in a captivating way. Understanding the nuances of different times can help you make the most of your wedding day, ensuring you capture beautiful memories and create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Here, we’ll explore some reasons specific times may be more favorable than others, along with tips to optimize your photography and overall wedding day schedule.
The season in which you choose to hold your wedding can significantly influence the timing of your ceremony. In the winter months, for instance, daylight can fade as early as 4 p.m., which means that a ceremony scheduled for 3 p.m. could leave a large portion of your photography taking place in the dark. This can be limiting for capturing those beautiful, sunlit portraits many couples cherish. Therefore, it’s essential to consider the hours of daylight available when planning your wedding start time. Doing so will help ensure you have ample opportunity for stunning daytime photographs that reflect the beauty of your special day.
The most enchanting light of the day often occurs during the hour leading up to sunset, a magical time perfect for capturing stunning wedding memories. If you’re organizing a wedding in the spring, autumn, or winter, consider maximizing the beauty of this special moment by taking advantage of what is known as the ‘golden hour.’ This delightful period, characterized by its soft, warm hues, creates an ideal backdrop for photographs and intimate moments. A quick search online will provide you with all the information you need to determine when your golden hour will be or to find out the exact time of sunset on your wedding day. Embrace this beautiful time of day to enhance your celebration!
My Love Note: Many couples start their wedding ceremonies at the half-hour mark. This tradition is rooted in an age-old superstition. As the clock’s hands rise, it symbolizes their union and a hopeful journey ahead, creating a foundation for a joyful life together.
Pem Pfisterer Clark has been hosting the nationally syndicated radio show “Wedding Planning With Pem” for over 20 years. The show provides valuable advice, insider tips, etiquette and money-saving ideas to listeners across the country. Bill Stevens Stark is the executive producer of the show.
