Golden Hour Wedding Photos: What It Is and How to Plan for That Dreamy Glow
If you’ve been scrolling through Pinterest or Instagram and found yourself swooning over those soft, romantic, golden-toned wedding photos… chances are, you’ve fallen in love with golden hour photography.
But what actually is golden hour — and how do you make sure you get those dreamy shots on your own wedding day?
Here’s everything you need to know (without the faff), so you can plan ahead and make the most of that magical light.
So, What Is Golden Hour?
Golden hour is the hour just after sunrise or just before sunset, when the sun is low in the sky. It creates the most gorgeous, warm, flattering light — no harsh shadows, no squinting — just pure, glowy magic.
For wedding photos, it’s an absolute dream. Skin looks soft, colours pop, and the whole vibe just feels a bit more romantic and relaxed.
Why You’ll Want It in Your Wedding Photos
Golden hour light is perfect for capturing those quiet, loved-up moments between you both. Whether it’s a quick 10-minute stroll away from the party or a more styled couple’s session, it gives your photos a natural, timeless look that you’ll love forever.
It’s also an amazing chance to take a breather together — a little pause in the day where you get to slow down, take it all in, and have a laugh (with me hiding in a bush snapping away, obviously).
Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re planning your timeline:
1. Check the Sunset Time
Golden hour changes depending on the time of year and where your wedding is. In summer, it can be as late as 9pm; in winter, it might be around 3.30pm. Ask your photographer (👋) to help you work it into your day.
2. Chat With Your Photographer
Let your photographer know you love that golden hour glow. I’ll always keep an eye on the light throughout the day and make sure we sneak out at just the right moment to catch it.
3. Be Flexible
Golden hour doesn’t last long — maybe 15 to 30 minutes — so being a little bit flexible around that time really helps. If you’re in the middle of dinner or speeches, we’ll time it carefully so it doesn’t interrupt the flow of the day.
4. Trust the Process (and the Weather!)
Even if it’s cloudy, there’s still usually a soft, diffused light that looks beautiful on camera. I promise, you don’t need a blazing sunset to get stunning golden hour photos.
Real Talk: Will You Have to Leave the Party?
Only for a few minutes! Most of the time, we’ll just nip out for 10–15 minutes — and honestly, couples often tell me it’s one of their favourite parts of the day. No awkward posing, just you two having a wander, soaking it all in (and getting some cracking photos while we’re at it).
Final Thoughts
If golden hour photos are on your wedding wish list, let’s make it happen. With a little planning and the right timing, we can capture that warm, glowy magic that feels just like your day: full of love, light, and a little bit of magic.
Want to chat about golden hour photos for your own wedding? Pop me a message — I’d love to hear all about your plans.
