Franklin Dean
Planning a wedding is an exciting time, but it can be tricky to know how to time your big day to make the most of the sunset. The sunset time will affect your timeline, photos, and the entire day, so it's important to plan carefully. The time of sunset varies throughout the year and depending on your location, so be sure to check this in advance. If you're having an outdoor ceremony, you'll want to consider the angle of the sun and how it will impact the lighting for your photos. It's a good idea to consult with your photographer and wedding planner to ensure that all events are timed perfectly to capture the beauty of the setting sun.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sunset time | Depends on location and season; can be anywhere from 5:05 pm in winter to 8:30 pm in summer |
| Timeline | Entire timeline should be based on sunset time; consider how much time each section of the day will take up |
| Photos | Photographers will ensure photos are well-lit and consistent with their style; posed portraits with sunset as backdrop should be taken before or after the ceremony |
| First look | If doing a first look, start the ceremony 1.5 hours before sunset; if not doing a first look, start 2 hours before sunset |
| Reception | Enter the reception around the time it gets dark; plan time to go outside during the reception to get photos with golden light |
| Location | Consider where the sun will set in relation to the wedding and reception spaces; if getting married in a valley, may lose light earlier than expected |
| Inclement weather | Look for alternative indoor spaces for photos or nice spots close by for photos with an umbrella |
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What You'll Learn
Consider the time of year and sunset time
The time of year and sunset time are crucial factors when planning a wedding, especially if you want to capture the beauty of the setting sun. Here are some considerations to help you time your wedding day around sunset:
Know the Sunset Time for Your Wedding Date and Location:
Firstly, find out the exact sunset time for your wedding date and location. Sunset times can vary significantly depending on the season and your geographical area. For example, in Texas, the sun sets as early as 5:30 pm in winter and as late as 8:45 pm in summer. By knowing the sunset time, you can plan your wedding timeline accordingly.
Consider the Length of Your Ceremony:
The duration of your wedding ceremony will impact how you time it in relation to sunset. If you're planning a shorter ceremony of around 20 to 30 minutes, you might want to start around 1.5 hours before sunset if you want those golden hour photos during your vows. For longer ceremonies, you may need to start earlier, especially if you want to capture the sunset during the post-ceremonies.
Decide on the First Look:
The "first look" refers to seeing each other before the ceremony to take formal wedding party and family pictures. If you opt for a first look, you can start your ceremony 1.5 hours before sunset. This timing ensures you capture the warm, golden light of the sun just before it sets. If you don't do a first look, you'll need at least an hour of sunlight after your ceremony for portraits, so consider starting 2 hours before sunset.
Be Mindful of the Season:
The time of year will significantly impact the sunset time and the overall ambiance of your wedding. Summer and late spring weddings offer longer days and later sunsets, often as late as 8:30 pm. This gives you more flexibility with your timeline and allows for extra time to capture those magical sunset photos during the reception. On the other hand, fall and winter weddings usually require earlier start times as the sun sets much earlier.
Plan for Inclement Weather:
While you can't control the weather, having a plan B is essential. If you're worried about the sun being obscured by clouds, remember that clouds can create even and smooth lighting, making it ideal for photographs. If it's an indoor wedding or inclement weather, consider alternative indoor spaces for photos or nice spots nearby where you can take pictures with an umbrella.
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Plan the wedding timeline around sunset
Planning your wedding timeline around sunset is super important, but also easy. The angle of the sun will impact the lighting in your photos and the timing of your day.
First, check the sunset time for your wedding date and location. Sunset times can vary significantly depending on the season and location. For example, in Texas, the sun sets as early as 5:30 pm in the winter and as late as 8:45 pm in the summer.
Next, consider whether you want the sunset to occur during your ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception. If you want your wedding photos to be taken at sunset, plan to start your ceremony 1.5 hours before sunset for a shorter 20-30 minute ceremony. If you prefer to do a "first look" before the ceremony, start 2-2.5 hours before sunset. If you want to feature the sunset during the cocktail hour, start 2.5-3 hours before sunset. For an outdoor reception glowing during sunset, start 3-3.5 hours before sunset.
If you're doing a "first look," you can take formal wedding party and family pictures before the ceremony, leaving more time for sunset newlywed photos. If you're not doing a "first look," you'll need to take all the wedding party and family photos after the ceremony, so plan for more time before sunset.
Keep in mind that cloudy skies can make it feel darker earlier than the actual sunset time, and venues surrounded by mountains or trees may lose light earlier. Consult with your photographer, as they will ensure your photos are well-lit and consistent with your style.
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Think about the location and light
When planning a wedding around sunset, the location and light are key considerations. The time of sunset varies throughout the year and across different locations, so it's important to check the sunset time for your specific wedding date and venue. For example, in Texas, the sun sets as early as 5:30 pm in winter and as late as 8:45 pm in summer.
The location of your venue will also impact the lighting and sunset times. If your venue is surrounded by mountains or trees, the sun may appear to go down earlier than it does on the horizon. Venues in valleys may lose light earlier than expected, and a venue that faces west may result in the setting sun causing blinding light during the ceremony. It's a good idea to ask your venue coordinator about the sun's path relative to the property.
To capture the best light, consider the angle of the sun and the impact on your wedding timeline. The "golden hour" before sunset is often considered ideal for photography, providing a warm and golden glow. This time is also suitable for capturing the sunset as your wedding backdrop. However, if you want to include the sunset in your post-ceremony photos, start your ceremony 1.5 to 2 hours before sunset. If you're doing a "first look" (taking photos before the ceremony), you can start 30 minutes later.
If you're planning an indoor ceremony, the lighting considerations are different. You may want to create a romantic ambiance with twinkling lights, and you should consult your photographer to ensure they're comfortable with the available light. For outdoor ceremonies, decide whether you want the sun to be setting during the ceremony, creating a transition from daylight to dusk, or if you prefer a brighter or darker setting for the ceremony.
In addition to the sunset, the weather can also impact your lighting conditions. Clouds can create even and smooth lighting, but they can also make it feel darker earlier than the actual sunset time. In case of inclement weather, have a backup plan with indoor spaces or nearby locations for photos.
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Discuss with your photographer
Timing your wedding around sunset is a great way to capture beautiful photos, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail. Your photographer will be key to helping you achieve this.
Firstly, discuss with your photographer the style of photos you wish to create. They will be able to advise on the best time of day to achieve this, taking into account the sunset time, the location of the sun in relation to your venue, and the time of year. For example, if you want golden hour photos, they may advise you to time your ceremony to start 1.5 hours before sunset. If you want the sunset as a backdrop to your ceremony, you may need to start even earlier, and if you want sunset photos during cocktail hour, you'll need to plan accordingly.
Your photographer will also be able to advise on the time needed for different types of photos, such as family portraits, bridal party photos, and bride and groom portraits. This will help you plan your timeline effectively. For example, family portraits may take 45 minutes to an hour, while bride and groom portraits may take 15-30 minutes. If you are doing a 'first look', some photos can be taken before the ceremony, but if not, you will need to ensure there is enough time after the ceremony before the sun sets.
If you are getting married in a location where the sun sets earlier, such as a valley, or where the light may be affected by surrounding mountains or trees, your photographer will be able to advise on this. They can also advise on alternative indoor spaces for photos if the weather is bad, or nice spots close by where you could take photos with an umbrella.
Finally, if you are planning an outdoor ceremony, your photographer can help you decide on the ambiance you want. For example, do you want your ceremony to take place as the sun sets and then turn to dusk, or would you prefer twinkling lights at night? They can advise on the lighting conditions needed for photos and ensure you are both comfortable with the amount of light available.
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Decide whether to do a 'first look'
When planning a wedding around sunset, one of the first things to decide is whether to do a first look. A first look is when the couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day before the ceremony. It is a special moment that can be shared just between the couple or with their wedding party and family.
There are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not to do a first look. One is the timeline of your wedding day. If you choose to do a first look, you can start your ceremony 1.5 hours before sunset. This will give you plenty of time for photos after the ceremony, and you can take advantage of the golden hour light just before sunset, which is ideal for photographs. If you decide not to do a first look, you will need to start your ceremony 2 hours before sunset to ensure you have enough time for photos.
Another thing to consider is the location of your wedding. If your venue is surrounded by mountains or trees, the sun may appear to go down earlier than it does on the horizon, so you'll want to factor that into your timeline. You'll also want to think about the time of year and the sunset time on your wedding day. Summer or late spring weddings can be ideal because the sun sets later, giving you more time for photographs.
Finally, consider how important photographs are to you. If you want a lot of photos of you and your partner on your wedding day, a first look might be a good idea. This will give you more time for photos before the ceremony, and you won't feel rushed during cocktail hour. If you're not as concerned about having a large number of photos, you may decide to skip the first look and stick to photos after the ceremony.
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Frequently asked questions
If you want to capture the sunset during cocktail hour, you should start your ceremony about 1.5 hours before sunset. This will give you time to capture the sunset as well as get some beautiful portraits afterward.
In this case, you should invite your guests for about 1.5 hours before sunset. This works best if you have a shorter ceremony of 20 to 30 minutes.
If you want your ceremony to take place as the sun sets, you should start about 20 minutes before sunset. There is still light for about 20 minutes after the listed sunset time, so this will give you time for a 30-minute ceremony.
First, check the exact sunset time for your wedding date and location. Then, decide on the ambiance you want to create. Consult with your photographer and wedding planner to ensure that all events are timed perfectly to capture the beauty of the setting sun.
