Summer weddings come with warm weather, golden skies, and an abundance of natural beauty — making them ideal for stunning wedding portraits. But when it comes to photography, timing is everything. Choosing the right time of day to take your wedding portraits can mean the difference between squinting in harsh sunlight or glowing effortlessly in soft, dreamy light.
If you’re planning a summer wedding, here’s a guide to the best times of day to schedule your portraits and get the most out of that beautiful summer light.
Golden Hour: The Ultimate Portrait Window
Best time: One hour after sunrise or one hour before sunset
Golden hour is the holy grail of wedding photography. This time of day provides warm, flattering, and diffused light that casts a natural glow over everything — skin tones look radiant, colours pop, and shadows are soft. Whether you’re capturing romantic couple shots or bridal party portraits, golden hour gives your photographer ideal conditions.
Pro tip: If you’re having an evening ceremony, plan couple portraits after the ceremony to catch golden hour. For morning weddings, consider an early “first look” session at sunrise.
Courtesy of Wedding Bliss at the Summit
Late Morning: Bright but Tricky
Best time: 10 AM – 11:30 AM
This window is often used for pre-ceremony portraits, especially if your timeline is tight. The light is bright and cheerful — great for energetic group shots and casual moments. However, it can also be quite harsh, especially under a clear sky.
Pro tip: If you’re shooting in late morning, try to find open shade — under trees, porches, or a covered area — to avoid squinting and unflattering shadows on faces.
Courtesy of A Classic and Whimsical Winery Wedding
Midday: Proceed with Caution
Best time: 12 PM – 2 PM
Midday sun in the summer can be intense. Overhead light creates shadows under the eyes, and heat can quickly lead to shine, sweat, and discomfort. That said, experienced photographers can still work magic during this time by using shaded areas, reflectors, or shooting indoors.
Pro tip: Schedule indoor moments — like getting ready, first looks, or detail shots — during the midday window to avoid the most intense light and heat.
Courtesy of Summer Mountain Love in Canmore
Late Afternoon: Soft and Versatile
Best time: 3 PM – 5 PM (depending on sunset time)
As the sun begins to dip, light becomes softer and shadows less severe. Late afternoon is great for both posed and candid shots — especially in open-air venues, gardens, or beach settings.
Pro tip: If golden hour is too tight to fit your full portrait session, this is the next-best option. It gives you time to ease into your shoot and still catch those golden hues later.
Courtesy of Classic Wedding at Summerhill Pyramid Winery
Blue Hour Magic
Best time: 15–30 minutes after sunset
If your photographer is up for it, stick around after sunset for a few blue hour shots. The soft, dusky tones and calm skies create a cinematic look that’s both romantic and dramatic.
Courtesy of Rustic Woodland Romance
Final Thoughts
Summer light is beautiful, but it changes quickly — and with it, so does the mood of your photos. The key is to work with your photographer to build a schedule that maximizes the best lighting conditions while still honoring your timeline.
When in doubt? Trust the golden hour. It’s golden for a reason.
