Elope During the Golden Hour for Stunning Photos
Let's talk about something that'll make your wedding photos really pop: timing your ceremony to coincide as closely as possible with the golden hour before sunset. Now, I know what you're thinking, "Josh, are you for real? Isn't that just a thing for Instagram influencers?" Well, yes, and no. It's a thing for anyone who wants their wedding to be drenched in the most beautiful, dreamy light possible. And isn't that all of us?
The golden hour – that magical time just before sunset when everything is bathed in a warm, golden light – is a photographer's dream. It's also the time when you're likely to get the most gorgeous, glowy photos of your ceremony. But more than just pretty pictures, timing your ceremony for sunset is also about creating a mood, a vibe, a feeling.
Setting the Mood with Sunset
Imagine this: As the sun sets and the light softens, you and your partner stand before your loved ones, ready to make your vows. The mood is relaxed, intimate, and slightly magical. The air seems to glow with anticipation. As you speak your words of commitment and love, the sun dips lower in the sky, casting long, romantic shadows and bathing everything in a warm, golden light. It's a moment you'll remember forever, not just because it's your wedding, but because of the palpable, emotional atmosphere that the sunset creates.
It's not just about aesthetics, it's about intention. It's about crafting a moment that is deeply personal and reflective of you as a couple. It's about making your ceremony feel special and unique, not just because it's your wedding, but because you've put thought into every detail, including the timing.
Planning for the Golden Hour
So, how do we make this happen? Well, it's a bit of a balancing act. You'll need to start by checking the sunset time for your planned wedding date. From there, you'll want to work backwards, factoring in enough time for your ceremony, any pre-ceremony activities, and of course, your photos.
Remember, the goal is to have your ceremony conclude as the sun is setting, not start. This means you'll need to allow for the length of your ceremony and factor in a bit of buffer time. Nothing ever runs exactly to schedule on a wedding day, so give yourself a bit of wiggle room.
An Intentional Ceremony
Timing your ceremony for sunset is just one way to create an intentional, personalised wedding. It's about considering what you want your day to feel like, and then making choices that align with that vision. It's about asking questions, challenging traditions that don't resonate with you, and putting your own stamp on your celebration. It's about creating a day that truly feels like you.
So, if you're in the process of planning your wedding, I encourage you to consider the sunset. Not just for the beautiful photos (though those are a definite bonus!), but for the unique, magical atmosphere it can create. Because at the end of the day, your wedding should be as unique and beautiful as your love story. And what could be more beautiful than saying 'I do' under a golden, setting sun?