Golden hour wedding photos are beyond magical - they will take your breath away! And they are hands-down my favorite part of a wedding day. If you’re just getting started with your wedding planning then you may not have thought that far in advance yet, so today I’m sharing everything you need to know about golden hour portrait photos and why you’ll definitely want to take some on your wedding day.
Why Golden Hour Wedding Photos Are So Great
Imagine the most romantic wedding portraits you can possibly think of. Golden hour portraits are even better!
During this time of day, the sun is at a point in the sky - just beginning to set, where everything is just glowing. The warmth of the setting sun makes everyone look amazing, and when you couple that with that just-married energy you’ll have on your wedding day you get incredibly romantic and stunning photographs.
That’s my favorite time to capture photos of you two with your veil because the sun flare along with your veil flowing in the wind is such a classic shot that you’ll treasure forever.
What Exactly Is Golden Hour?
If you’re unfamiliar with the term, golden hour refers to the hour or so before sunset. It’s also known as the “magic hour,” and for good reason! It’s when the sun gives off a soft warm glow before completely dropping below the horizon.
Because the sun’s rays are shining from a different direction (lower in the sky as opposed to overhead), it casts different shadows which also makes for really unique photography.
Tips for Getting Golden Hour Photos on Your NH Wedding Day
Here are a few tips for getting golden hour photos during your New Hampshire wedding:
Talk with your vendor team ahead of time
Depending on the time of year, golden hour may fall during the traditional portrait time, or, you may need to schedule a small amount of time to step out during your reception.
This is something I always discuss with my couples when planning your photography timeline, but it is also something to make sure your day-of or venue coordinator is aware of as well. They will be keeping track of the events of your wedding day and ensuring everything happens on time, so be sure to let them know if you plan to step outside with your photographer at golden hour!
Check out the landscape of your venue
Golden hour typically is about one hour before sunset, but if your venue is surrounded by tall trees, or there are mountains around your venue, then it may be closer to two hours before sunset when that golden light hits.
This is a great thing to talk with your photographer about, and make sure they are aware of the landscape at your venue!
Don’t stress if the weather doesn’t cooperate
Especially here in New England, wedding season weather can be unpredictable. Even if you have your heart set on golden-hour wedding portraits, remember that mother nature doesn’t always cooperate, and that is okay! Rainy portraits are just as romantic (maybe even more so, to be honest!), so rest assured that whatever the weather brings, we will take some stunning portrait photos that you will LOVE.
Golden Hour Wedding Photos
Cameron and Liz were married at the Sunset Pavilion at the Owl’s Nest Resort, and we were so lucky with a gorgeous sunset on their wedding day. The sun and the fall foliage were really showing off! Their golden hour portraits are some of my all-time favorites.
New Hampshire Wedding Photographer
As I mentioned, capturing the sun’s flare during that hour before sunset is one of my favorite parts of a wedding day. And as a New Hampshire wedding photographer, I’m lucky to be a part of so many gorgeous celebrations all around scenic New England! If you are planning a New Hampshire wedding and still searching for your perfect photographer, I would love to meet you 😊
Thank you to these amazing vendors!
Venue: Owls Nest Resort
Hair: The Cutting Edge
Makeup: JW Artistry
Photography: Robin Easler Photography
Videographer: Bright Spot Films
Cake: Lighthouse Local
