Golden Hour vs. Blue Hour: When to Schedule Your Wedding Portraits
If your wedding photographer mentions "golden hour" or "blue hour," they're talking about two specific windows of natural light that produce dramatically different — and equally beautiful — results. Understanding these windows can help you build a timeline that takes full advantage of the best light of your wedding day.
What Is Golden Hour?
Golden hour is the period roughly 60 minutes before sunset (and just after sunrise, though that's rarely relevant for weddings). During this time, sunlight passes through more atmosphere, which filters out blue wavelengths and creates warm, diffused light. Shadows are long and soft, skin tones glow, and everything takes on a warm, romantic quality.
This is the light that makes you stop scrolling on Instagram. It's the reason certain wedding photos look like they belong in a magazine. And it happens every single day — you just need to be ready for it.
What Golden Hour Portraits Look Like
- Warm tones — Skin glows with a natural warmth; whites take on a soft amber cast
- Soft shadows — No harsh lines under eyes or chin; the light wraps around faces evenly
- Backlit drama — Shooting toward the sun creates beautiful rim lighting and lens flare
- Rich colors — Greens, golds, and earth tones become saturated and vibrant
Golden Hour in Southern California
Golden hour timing changes throughout the year. In Orange County:
- Summer (June–August) — Golden hour starts around 6:30–7:00 PM, with sunset near 8:00 PM
- Fall (September–November) — Starts around 5:00–6:00 PM, sunset near 5:30–7:00 PM
- Winter (December–February) — Starts around 3:30–4:00 PM, sunset near 4:45–5:30 PM
- Spring (March–May) — Starts around 5:30–6:30 PM, sunset near 6:30–7:30 PM
Winter weddings require special attention — golden hour happens early, which can conflict with ceremony timing if you're not careful.
What Is Blue Hour?
Blue hour is the period roughly 20–40 minutes after sunset (or before sunrise). The sun has dipped below the horizon, but the sky still holds light — a cool, even, blue-toned glow. It's brief and subtle, but the results are striking.
What Blue Hour Portraits Look Like
- Cool, moody tones — Deep blues and purples in the sky create a cinematic atmosphere
- Even, diffused light — No directional sunlight means no squinting and perfectly even exposure
- Venue lights shine — String lights, candles, and architectural lighting become visible and add warmth against the blue sky
- Dramatic contrast — The interplay between warm artificial light and cool sky creates visual depth
Golden Hour vs. Blue Hour: Which Is Better?
Neither is objectively better — they serve different moods and styles.
- Choose golden hour if you want warm, romantic, sun-drenched portraits. This is the classic, universally flattering look that works for every couple and every venue.
- Choose blue hour if you want something moodier and more editorial. Blue hour works especially well at venues with great outdoor lighting (string lights, lanterns) or dramatic architecture.
- Choose both if your timeline allows it. Step away for 10 minutes during golden hour and again briefly during blue hour for two completely different sets of portraits.
How to Plan Around These Windows
- Check the sunset time for your wedding date — Use a weather app or search "sunset time [your city] [your date]" to get the exact time.
- Work backwards — If sunset is at 7:00 PM and you want golden hour portraits, plan to step away from the reception around 6:00–6:15 PM.
- Tell your photographer and coordinator — Make sure both know the plan. Your coordinator can hold the reception schedule while you're away.
- Keep it brief — You don't need an hour. 15–20 minutes during golden hour is enough for a skilled photographer to capture stunning portraits.
- Have a nearby location in mind — Don't plan to drive somewhere. Use a spot within walking distance of your venue.
What If It's Cloudy?
Overcast skies are actually great for photography. Clouds act as a massive natural diffuser, creating soft, even light with no harsh shadows. You won't get the warm golden tones of a clear sunset, but you'll get flattering, consistent light that works beautifully for portraits. Some photographers prefer overcast days for their versatility.
The only weather that's genuinely challenging is heavy rain — and even that can produce memorable photos with the right attitude.
Want to make sure your wedding timeline captures the best light? Let's chat — I'll help you plan around the sun.
More from the Journal
How to Build Your Wedding Day Timeline — A practical guide to scheduling every part of your day.
Film vs. Digital Wedding Photography: What's the Difference? — Understanding the two approaches to wedding photography.
What to Expect from Your Engagement Session — Your complete guide to engagement photos.