Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Planning: Setting up for the Best Photos
As wedding photographers, we know how to follow the light. From the gentle kiss of sunrise to the warm glow of sunset, we capture beauty in all types of scenarios. That’s why it’s most important to evaluate the lighting when choosing your wedding ceremony location. These are my top pieces of planning advice to catch the best light for your outdoor wedding ceremony!
Why Lighting Comes First For an Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Selection
Even when working with a combination indoor and outdoor wedding venue, considering the lighting still matters most in your wedding photos. For an outdoor wedding, everything depends upon the season, the time of day and the weather.
It’s in your best interest to plan the day according to your wedding photography timeline starting with sunset. This will guarantee that we work with the best lighting possible while keeping in mind the times of the year when the sun sets earlier. It is particularly important when working with a venue that uses an outdoor wedding ceremony spot.
How an Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Works with Different Types of Light
To achieve the best photos on your wedding day it is important to notice what the sun and shade are doing at your outdoor wedding ceremony location. Your best bet is following these wedding photography lighting tips:
- Ideally be in the shade or have the sun behind you to avoid harsh light in your eyes and shadows on your faces.
- I’ve been at venues where the couple ended up with spotted light on their faces from nearby trees. If you can’t avoid being in a spotty sun area, the two of you should both be in the full sun or the full shade for the entire ceremony.
- Rehearse at the same time as your ceremony or ask the venue to test out the lighting so you can see where the sun will land.
Other wedding photo best practices can include well-lit getting-ready spaces or reminding your wedding party to smile during the ceremony! Check out more of these tips in the following blogs:
Why Sunset Wedding Photos Are The Best Part of the Wedding Day
Sunset photos are my favorite–everything looks the most epic, dynamic and romantic with that golden light! At a minimum, the ceremony must start 1.5 hours before sunset so you can finish up at least one hour before sunset. Keep in mind when at a location with trees that the sun will go behind them earlier in the day. It is important to block out at least 10-15 mins for the sunset photos if not more.
I always recommend doing a first look which is especially important in the fall and winter when the sun sets earlier. You can enjoy more of the day, be present with guests and still get wedding bridals together. What also determines the amount of time you’ll need is if you’re including family portraits and wedding party photos. The following are sample wedding timelines according to the sunset time in different seasons and light situations:
Shaded Spring
- 2:30 PM – First Look/Couples Photos
- 2:45 PM – Family Photos
- 4:00 PM – Ceremony
- 4:30 PM – Wedding Party Photos
- 7:30 PM – Sunset Photos
- Sunset: 8:24 PM
Bright Summer
- 1:20 PM – First Look
- 1:30 PM – Wedding Party Photos
- 2:00 PM – Family Photos
- 3:00 PM – Ceremony
- 3:30 PM – Couples Photos
- 7:15 PM – Sunset Photos
- Sunset: 7:40 PM
Bright Fall
- 2:30 PM – First Look
- 3:15 PM – Wedding Party Photos
- 4:30 PM – Ceremony
- 5:00 PM – Family Photos
- 5:15 PM – Sunset Photos
- Sunset: 7:00 PM
Shaded Fall
- 2:00 PM – First Look/Couples Photos
- 3:15 PM – Family Photos
- 3:30 PM – Couple joins Cocktail Hour
- 4:30 PM – Ceremony
- 5:00 PM – Reception
- 6:30 PM – Sunset Photos
- Sunset: 7:06 PM
Late Fall Shaded
- 3:15 PM – First Look/Couples Photos
- 4:00 PM – Family Photos
- 5:00 PM – Ceremony
- 5:30 PM – Sunset Photos
- Sunset: 6:00 PM
Backlit Fall
- 1:40 PM – First Look/Couples Photos
- 2:15 PM – Wedding Party Photos
- 3:15 PM – Family Photos
- 5:00 PM – Ceremony
- 5:45 PM – Sunset Photos
- Sunset: 6:30 PM
Do you know the time of your wedding day sunset? Let’s find out!
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