When should I schedule my Wedding Day Ceremony time?

First and foremost, what time of day works best for you? A good photographer will definitely have some thoughts on this and should be able to make it work no matter what time of the day it is, but earlier weddings mean that everything is earlier. If you are not a morning person, maybe starting your day at 5 AM won’t be all that appealing to you. Makeup, hair, and all of those other activities take a long time.

Is your wedding indoors or outdoors?

While most wedding receptions are indoors or inside of a tent, ceremonies are often outdoors. Do you want the sun in your eyes? If you are like most people, the answer to that question is an immediate “no!” Look at a map of your potential ceremony location and note where you will be standing. If you are facing the east, you may have the sun in your eyes in the earlier part of the day. If it faces to the west, you may have the sun in your eyes in the evening. Your guests will often be perpendicular to you, and so you may want to keep their comfort in mind as well. Consider choosing a venue that provides shade around the ceremony site. Trees, gazebos, and other structures can help to block some of that light from reaching you.

Bright sunny days are good, right?

You might think so, but bright sunlight is generally the worst case scenario for any kind of portraits. It also means that you will sweat more, and you still have a long day ahead of you after the ceremony. Photographers love the shade. It avoids the aforementioned squinting eyes, bright spots on faces and clothing, bad facial shadows, etc. That’s why we will often seek out shady spots for your wedding formals!

Best time for bride and groom portraits

As a wedding photographer, I feel like this is obviously an important consideration. In my experience, the weddings with the best photos tend to have “afternoon-ish” ceremonies. By the time we get to formals and bride and groom portraits, the sun will no longer be above us, and we are more likely to get some good light angles and some shade. It also means that the timing of the “golden hour” (that hour of time before sunset) fits at a time in the reception where we can likely get away for some additional photos. It is important to remember that sunset times vary throughout the year (but are easily predictable and knowable in advance) and so you may want to consider that when choosing a time.

Is there are time of day when wedding photography is cheaper?

I suppose this would depend on the photographer. My wedding photography packages are the same price regardless of what time of day it is. You might find that prices for wedding venues may vary a bit depending on what time of the day or what day of the week it is. Definitely be sure to ask them as sometimes the amount can be significant!

The Golden Hour: A Photographer’s Dream

Pros of Golden Hour Photography

The golden hour, with its soft, ethereal light, creates a magical backdrop for wedding photos. It flatters skin tones, adds a romantic glow, and casts long, dramatic shadows. This is the moment when your love story meets the magic of nature.

How to Make the Most of Golden Hour

To harness this golden wonder, timing is key. Schedule a session an hour after sunrise or before sunset. Communicate with your photographer about your vision to capture the tender moments in this golden embrace.

Midday Marvels: Bright & Bold

Challenges and Solutions for Midday Photos

High noon might bring challenges like harsh shadows and bright light. But fear not, for these can be creatively turned into advantages. Find spots with natural shade and use reflectors to soften the light.

Creative Techniques for Midday Lighting

Embrace the boldness of midday by exploring different angles and compositions. Use the vibrant light to capture the joy and energy of your celebration.

Sunset Serenity: Romantic Evening Shots

Why Choose Sunset for Your Photos?

As the day winds down, the sunset paints the sky with colors, offering a serene and romantic setting. It’s a time for intimate, heartwarming shots that speak volumes of your journey together.

Tips for Capturing the Perfect Sunset Photo

The key is in the timing and location. Find a spot that captures the sunset’s glory, and work with your photographer to capture your silhouettes against the fiery sky.

The Nighttime Glow: Unique and Mysterious

Embracing the Night for Dramatic Shots

Night brings a mystique and drama to photos with its play of light and shadow. It’s a canvas for creativity, perfect for couples who want something out of the ordinary.

Lighting Techniques for Night Photography

Use artificial lighting to your advantage. Play with backlighting, fairy lights, or even city lights to create a fairy-tale effect under the stars. A good photographer will get some amazing photographs for you under these beautiful conditions with skillful use of lighting.

Seasonal Considerations for Perfect Wedding Photo timing

Spring and Summer: Vibrant and Lively

The brightness and warmth of these seasons offer vibrant, colorful backdrops. Plan around the midday sun for the best results.

Fall and Winter: Moody and Intimate

These seasons offer a more intimate, moody ambiance with softer light. Utilize the unique colors and textures of these seasons to add depth to your photos.