You may have heard the term “golden hour” tossed around, especially when it comes to photography—but what exactly is it, and why does it matter for your wedding day?

‍

Golden hour is the hour just before the sun sets (or after it rises), when the light is soft, glowy, and full of warmth. It’s nature’s filter—and it makes everything look magical. Here’s why we love planning your portraits around it.

‍

Why Golden Hour Is a Big Deal

‍

1. Soft light = flattering photos. No harsh shadows, squinting, or blown-out highlights—just warm, even light that makes skin glow and emotions shine.
   • ‍
2. It creates cinematic magic. This is the light that gives your photos that romantic, dreamy, fine art feel—the kind that looks like it belongs in a film or on the pages of a magazine.
   • ‍
3. It adds intentional quiet to your timeline. Sneaking away for 10–15 minutes of golden hour portraits is often a welcome pause for couples. You’ve said your vows, hugged your people, maybe had a drink—and now you get to step away together and soak it all in while we create some magic.
   • ‍
4. ‍It’s a chance to reconnect. These portraits often become some of your most treasured images—not just because of the light, but because they capture you in that post-ceremony glow, when everything is real and full of feeling.

‍

‍

When Does Golden Hour Happen?

‍

Golden hour is generally the last hour before the sun dips below the horizon, but it shifts depending on the time of year and your location.

‍

Here's a rough seasonal breakdown for the American Southwest:

‍

• • Spring/Fall: 5:30–6:30pm
• • Summer: 6:30–7:30pm (or later)
• • Winter: 4:00–5:00pm

‍

Don’t worry, I’ll help calculate the best time for portraits based on your date and venue. If you have wide open skies (hello, desert weddings), we may even stretch that golden glow a little longer!

‍

‍

How to Fit It Into Your Day

‍

We’ll plan ahead to build golden hour into your timeline, ideally after the ceremony and family portraits, just before or during the early part of your reception. Even if you’re mid-reception, we can usually sneak away for 10–15 minutes while guests are eating or during a natural pause. I promise, it’s always worth it.

‍

‍

Final Tip

‍

If we miss golden hour due to weather or schedule? Don’t stress. I’m always watching the light throughout your day and adjusting accordingly to make sure your photos still feel dreamy, cinematic, and true to you.

‍

Want to know when golden hour will hit on your wedding date? I’ve got you, just shoot me a message and we’ll time it perfectly.