Photos vs. Sunset Time

I officiate a lot of beach sunset weddings. I usually schedule the 15-minute ceremonies to start 30-45 minutes before sunset (which is when the TOP of the sun dips below the horizon). At the beach, it stays light for 15-30 minutes after. I don't know where you'll be getting married and how quickly it will get dark there.

IF a pro photographer wants more time between end of ceremony & sunset, I'll defer to him/her. Some like to take a LOT of photos then. It will also depend on how many family members need to be in those photos. Sometimes it is like herding cats to get the right people into the right places at the right times.

You're paying for the photographer's expertise and experience and s/he knows how s/he likes to work it. If s/he wants more time, do it her/his way.

Both our officiator and photographer suggested our ceremony be an hour before sunset to allow for enough time for pictures after. So I think you should be ok. We decided not to do pictures ahead of time either. If it seems there won't be enough time for many pictures were going to do bride and groom pics first an then do family pictures inside out hotel where there's a lighted garden and pond area. So maybe come up with a backup plan for extra pictures in case sunlight runs out?

We're doing our ceremony an hour before sunset (per the wedding coordinator's suggestion). I think you'll be okay if you're ceremony is 15 minutes and starts on time.

As a Florida photographer (oooooh so many beach weddings under my belt) I'd say you will be fine an hour before sunset. We photographers call it the "Magic Hour." But, just after the sun sets purple "twilight" can also create some exceedingly lovely images. Given that extra bit of padding you should be good.

Just be sure to start on time as Kerry B. said or you will find it a bit tight in the timeline to arrange family groupings as well as set aside some time to create relaxed romantic portraits of you two alone. A good rule of thumb is 30 minutes per every 10 family or bridal party groupings (as long as grandpa doesn't make a run for it).

On the west coast of Fl, if your photographer is using off-camera lighting you'll also have some wonderful opportunities to do traditional silhouettes as well as dramatic matched light shots (shooting into the sunset) as it dips into the sea. Well worth the little bit of extra time and work!

A few examples of what I mean...

Happy planning!

Krysta

Love the pictures

It also depends on what you want

An hour before sunset is usually fine..I have only had it be not enough time in over 3 years. That bride was very late, the pastor went WAY over his time, and the formal list was very long. 99.9% of the time 1 hr to 1 hr and 15 min before sunset is perfect. Just make sure to communicate all your needs and wants to your planner and photographer before the big day! Best of luck!

We are getting married the same weekend. Our ceremony is scheduled for 5:00p. It should be a relatively short ceremony, so hopefully that will leave plenty of time for pictures with a 6:30pm sunset.

We have the same sunset time in november. our photographer wants a 5pm ceremony to ensure there's time to get photos after, AND we also doing first look and most of the bridal party photos before hand! just depends on what shots you want...

Strange (but true) story ... in Jamaica (which is where I am from and live), there is actually a very (outdated) law that is still in the books that says noone can be married (or buried) after 6 pm in the evening. (Go figure).

I just thought of it as if I was in your shoes, my officiant wouldn't be comfortable with a 5.30p wedding as it doesn't leave much room for late starts, nevermind photography.

As a florida photographer also, I would say an hour is a really good time frame for sunset photos!! I usually start my sessions an hour to hour and a half before sunset!! its the perfect time for me

Yes, I am a strong believer that a photograph taken during sunset will instantly create a magic touch to your wedding portfolio. If you’re trying to time the sunset for your photos, you will want to plan your wedding to begin at least 30 minutes before the timed sunset.