Best Ceremony Times | Wedding Photographer Richmond VA
- Munhoz Photography
- Jun 11
- 2 min read
If you’re planning an outdoor wedding (or even an indoor one with big windows!), you’ve probably asked yourself: What time should we schedule the ceremony? It’s such a simple question, but the answer can make a huge difference in your photos.
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First, What Is Golden Hour?
Golden hour is the period just before sunset, when the sunlight is soft, warm, and glowy. It’s basically nature’s softbox – super flattering on skin and perfect for romantic portraits. As a wedding photographer in Richmond VA, I plan around golden hour all the time, especially in spring and fall when the light changes faster.
Richmond VA Wedding Photographers | Richmond Wedding Photographers
Ideal Ceremony Time for the Best Light
Here’s the sweet spot:
Schedule your ceremony to end about 60–90 minutes before sunset.
This allows:
Enough time for family photos (right after the ceremony)
Plenty of golden hour light for your couple portraits
Wiggle room in case things run a little late (because let’s be real — they usually do!)
Let’s say sunset is at 7:30 PM. Your ceremony should start around 5:30–6:00 PM. That gives us flexibility, relaxed portraits, and the prettiest light without anyone squinting into the sun.
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What If You Have a First Look?
If you’re doing a first look, that’s amazing — it frees up your timeline so we can do most portraits before the ceremony. You could even start the ceremony a little later and still catch golden hour for a second round of portraits afterward.
Bonus: your guests get to go straight into cocktail hour without waiting around while we take pictures!
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Morning or Midday Weddings?
If you’re having a midday ceremony, don’t panic! It just means we’ll look for open shade, use architectural backdrops, or shoot portraits earlier/later in the day. The light is harsher midday, but with the right angles and planning, we’ll still create beautiful images.
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Richmond VA Weather Tips
Since you’re most likely tying the knot here in Central Virginia (hi!), a quick note about our light:
Spring & fall: The sun sets earlier, and the golden hour tends to be extra glowy thanks to pollen or haze.
Summer: Sunsets are late (think 8–8:30 PM), so ceremonies can happen later too — perfect for outdoor venues like vineyards or barns!
Winter: The sun sets fast and early — sometimes around 5 PM. Plan accordingly!
Lighting is everything when it comes to timeless, romantic images. And your ceremony time? It sets the stage for how your entire gallery will feel. So if you’re unsure, ask your photographer (hey, that’s me!). I’m always happy to help you build a timeline that flows beautifully and gives you allllll the golden hour glow.
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