Planning a wedding is a delicate balance of details, but one factor that’s often overlooked is timing your ceremony during Daylight Savings Time (DST). If you’re dreaming of those romantic, light-and-airy wedding photos that glow with soft natural light, the timing of your ceremony can make or break your photography goals—especially as daylight fades faster in the fall and winter months.
Here’s why the timing of your ceremony matters and how you can plan to capture the best lighting for your big day.
Daylight Savings Time: The Basics
Daylight Savings Time ends in the fall, typically in early November. This means that the clocks “fall back” an hour, and sunset comes much earlier in the evening. Depending on your location, the sun could set as early as 5:00 PM or even earlier.
Why Golden Hour is Key for Wedding Photos
The hour before sunset, often referred to as “golden hour,” is a dream for photographers. During this time, the light is soft, warm, and flattering, perfect for creating those ethereal and clean images with the “pop” you’ve envisioned.
If your ceremony runs too close to sunset or after dark, you may miss out on capturing:
- Couple portraits with natural light.
- Family photos with the lush scenery of your venue.
- That dreamy glow for candid moments.
While photographers can work wonders with artificial lighting, natural light is unmatched for achieving that light and airy aesthetic.
How to Plan Your Ceremony Timing
- Know Your Sunset Time
Use a sunset calculator to determine the exact time the sun will set on your wedding day. If your ceremony is outdoors, aim to end your ceremony at least 60-90 minutes before sunset. - Work Backwards
To ensure a smooth timeline, plan your pre-ceremony activities and travel time accordingly. For example:- First Look (Optional): 2-3 hours before sunset
- Ceremony Start: 90-120 minutes before sunset
- Portrait Time: Immediately after the ceremony
- Communicate with Your Photographer
Your wedding photographer is your best resource for crafting a timeline. They’ll know how much time is needed for portraits and group photos to achieve the style you want. Share your sunset time and let them help you build a schedule. - Consider the Season
A wedding in November will require a much earlier ceremony than one in June. Keep the changing daylight hours in mind when setting your start time.
Alternative Options for Evening Weddings
If you’re set on an evening ceremony:
- Plan for a First Look earlier in the day to capture those dreamy couple portraits while the sun is still up.
- Embrace romantic, moody lighting for evening photos with string lights, candles, or lanterns.
Final Thoughts
Timing is everything when it comes to wedding photography, especially during Daylight Savings Time. By planning your ceremony schedule with sunset in mind, you’ll ensure you have enough time for those gorgeous, light-filled photos you’ll treasure forever.
Let’s make sure your wedding day is as picture-perfect as your love story! Reach out if you need help designing a timeline or have questions about making the most of your wedding day light.
Want to see how timing makes a difference? Check out my blog for examples of stunning golden-hour portraits captured during DST.
Thanks for reading!
-Dericus
