Time of day for sunset photos

It's fairly easy to look up time of sunset on a certain day in whatever area you're in. I'd start there, and see if you need to make any changes. For example, in my area on your date, the sun sets at 4:30. Just type sunset with your date into Google, if sunset is 6pm, you'll have a little light, if sunset is 5:30, you won't have any save for whatever lighting is near your venue.

Almost all photographers recommend pictures around sunset, this is the best lighting for professionals. I would definitely factor in the sunset time when you are planning your ceremony time. Both our photographer and videograoher let us know that they need us to sneak away for a few around sunset to take advantage of the best lighting.

My photographer suggested a ceremony start time 2 hours before sunset.

Crap, I only have the venue for 5 hours. Should I up my start time to 4:30 if sunset is at 5:30?

If you want photos outside after your ceremony, I think you definitely need to move up your ceremony time. I'm having a ceremony start time of 4:30 with sunset around 6:15.

I was just using a website yesterday to find the accurate time for the 'golden hour'. It tested it out yesterday & I noticed a difference outside & check what the website said...right on target! But for some reason I can't get the page to come up today?!?

www.golden-hour.com

Here's a nice website that will show you what sky color to expect at different times of the golden/twilight hours: https://petapixel.com/2014/06/11/understanding-golden-hour-blue-hour-twilights/

Have you discussed your concerns with your photographer? I see they advised you that they felt that it would be too late but how much time did they feel that you should allot for your pictures after the ceremony? I would follow up with them to see what they recommend. My thoughts are that a 4:30 ceremony will still be pushing it. With a 4:30 ceremony you will only have 30 minutes which means you will be rushed to get your shots. Your photographer would know best!

Daylight savings time is 11/4/17 (fall back, on my wedding day!) which means sunset will be much earlier for you. I'd move it up.