Planning a wedding day timeline for a 4PM ceremony? You’re in the right place. A 4 PM start time is one of the most popular choices for Pennsylvania weddings—offering the perfect balance between a slow morning and dreamy golden hour portraits later in the day.

After photographing hundreds of weddings across Pennsylvania. From downtown Philly to mountain-top venues in the Poconos, I’ve seen just how much the flow of the day impacts how you feel (and how your photos turn out). 

In this guide, I’m walking you through:

• Why a 4 PM ceremony is such a great choice in Pennsylvania
• How the time of year, lighting, and sunset affect your timeline
• A full, hour-by-hour wedding day timeline for a 4PM ceremony you can actually use

Let’s get your day mapped out in a way that feels right—not rushed.

Is 4 PM a Good Time for a Wedding Ceremony?

Short answer? Yes, absolutely. 

A 4 PM ceremony strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and elegant. It gives you plenty of time in the morning for hair, makeup, and those slow, meaningful getting-ready moments without having to wake up at the crack of dawn. 

And from a photographer’s perspective? The lighting is chef’s kiss, especially if your ceremony or portraits land right around golden hour.

That said, the time of year matters. In Pennsylvania, a 4 PM ceremony in July feels very different than one in November (more on that later). 

Planning Your Wedding Day Timeline

Before we jump into the hour-by-hour breakdown, let’s talk about what actually shapes a solid wedding day timeline for a 4PM ceremony—especially here in Pennsylvania, where weather and light can shift fast.

Key Factors to Consider Before Setting Your Schedule

What’s the average weather like during your wedding month?

Pennsylvania weather loves to keep us on our toes. If you’re planning a May or October wedding, you could get 70 and sunny… or rain and 50. Knowing what’s typical for your month helps you build in backup plans and timing buffers—especially if you’re dreaming of outdoor portraits or an open-air ceremony.

What kind of lighting do you want for your photos?

This one’s huge. Are you dreaming of soft, glowy golden hour portraits? Or do you love the bright, airy look that comes earlier in the day? Your lighting goals will help determine when you do your first look (if you’re doing one), when family photos happen, and how long we need for those dreamy couple shots.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Ceremony—what’s the difference?

Outdoor ceremonies at 4 PM are usually ideal in the summer and early fall. You get the best natural light and don’t have to squint into the sun. But in the winter or early spring, indoor ceremonies might need to be bumped earlier. 4 PM could be too late if you want natural light for vows or photos afterward.

When is sunset on your wedding date?

This might be the single most important detail when building your timeline. In PA, sunset can be as early as 4:30 PM in December or as late as 8:30 PM in June. Always check your actual date and location so you know how much daylight you’re working with.

Best Months for a 4 PM Wedding in Pennsylvania

A 4 PM ceremony can work beautifully year-round in Pennsylvania. But each season brings its own vibe, light, and timing quirks. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect based on when you’re saying “I do”:

September & October: Peak Perfection

These two months are hands-down some of the best for a wedding day timeline with a 4PM ceremony in PA. The weather is cooler, the light is golden and soft, and the trees put on a serious show.

• Pros: Comfortable temps, stunning foliage, dreamy golden hour light.
• Watch out for: Earlier sunsets in late October—plan your first look and portraits accordingly.

July & August: Long, Laid-Back Days

Summer weddings give you lots of wiggle room. With sunset not until 8:30 PM, a 4 PM ceremony leaves you tons of light for portraits and party time.

• Pros: Long daylight hours, relaxed timeline, lush greenery.
• Watch out for: Heat and humidity (hello, backup plan for outdoor ceremonies!).

April, May & June: Beautiful but a Bit Unpredictable

Spring weddings can be absolutely stunning—but also unpredictable. Rain is more common, and temps can swing pretty wildly. That said, late May and early June are often gorgeous.

• Pros: Blooming florals, soft light, fresh greens.
• Watch out for: Rainy days and cooler temps—especially in April.

November through March: Romantic Winter Vibes

Winter weddings can be so cozy and magical. But with sunset happening as early as 4:30 PM, timelines need to be carefully built around the light.

• Pros: Intimate, candlelit ceremonies and elegant indoor venues.
• Watch out for: Limited daylight, earlier ceremony needs, and possible snow delays.

The Ultimate Wedding Day Timeline for a 4 PM Ceremony

Here it is—your wedding day, mapped out hour by hour. This sample timeline is built around a 4 PM ceremony and includes time for all the key moments: getting ready, portraits, golden hour magic, and plenty of time to party.

Use this as your foundation, and adjust as needed based on your location, season, and whether or not you’re doing a first look.

• 7:00 AM – Wake-up & Start Hair/Makeup: Start the day slow and steady. Enjoy your coffee, breathe deeply, and ease into the morning with hair and makeup. If you have a large bridal party or multiple stylists, timing might shift slightly earlier.

• 9:00 AM – Photographer Arrives for Detail Shots & Getting Ready Moments: I’ll arrive around this time to capture all those heirloom details and relaxed getting ready moments.

• 11:00 AM – Bridesmaids & Groomsmen Finishing Touches: Makeup touch-ups, getting dressed, tying ties—this is when everyone starts pulling it all together. It’s a good time for group robe shots or champagne toasts, too.

• 12:00 PM – First Look & Couple Portraits (if you’re doing one): If you’re planning a first look, this is the sweet spot. You’ll be dressed, glammed up, and have beautiful mid-day light for your couple portraits.

• 1:00 PM – Wedding Party & Family Photos: Knock out those must-have group photos early so you can relax and enjoy the rest of the day. Pro tip: A well-organized family photo list is everything here.

• 2:30 PM – Guests Begin Arriving at Ceremony Venue: Give your guests time to arrive, park, and settle in. This is when I’ll sneak away to photograph your ceremony setup and any last-minute details.

• 4:00 PM – Wedding Ceremony Begins: It’s time. Deep breath. Smile. Soak it all in.

• 4:30 PM – Cocktail Hour & Sunset Portraits: After the ceremony, head into cocktail hour or sneak away for golden hour portraits while guests mingle. If we haven’t done couple photos yet, now’s the moment!

• 6:00 PM – Reception Begins: Guests head to the reception space, grab a drink, and find their seats.

• 6:30 PM – Grand Entrance & First Dance: Kick off the party with your entrance and first dance—you’re officially in celebration mode now!

• 7:00 PM – Dinner Service: Dinner is served! Enjoy your meal, chat with guests, take a breath.

• 8:00 PM – Speeches & Toasts: Time to laugh, cry, and toast to the good stuff.

• 9:00 PM – Dance Floor Opens: Let’s party. Whether you’re grooving to Journey or dropping it to Beyoncé, this is your time.

• 10:30 PM – Cake Cutting & Late-Night Snacks: A sweet little break in the dancing for dessert, snacks, or whatever late-night bite fits your vibe.

• 11:00 PM – Grand Exit: Sparklers, confetti, or a private last dance—however you wrap it up, this is your send-off moment.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out my blog post Wedding Timeline Examples: Real-Life Schedules to Inspire You for multiple real wedding timelines, including a few 4 PM ceremonies in action

Download Your Free Wedding Day Timeline Template

Want to customize this schedule for your day? Click here to download your free Wedding Day Checklist PDF and start planning with confidence.

Sunset Photos: When is the Best Time?

If golden, glowy portraits are on your must-have list (and let’s be real, they should be), timing is everything. Sunset photos give you that soft, romantic light that makes everything look like a movie—and a well-timed sneak away can make all the difference.

When is Sunset in PA?

Sunset times vary a lot depending on your date:

• April–August: 7:30–8:45 PM
• September–October: 6:15–7:30 PM
• November–February: 4:30–5:30 PM

Check your exact date and location to plan around it!

Additional Tips for a Smooth Wedding Timeline

How to Avoid Common Timing Mistakes

• Underestimating hair & makeup time. Always plan for more time than you think—especially if you have a larger bridal party or limited artists.

• Not padding travel time. PA traffic is no joke. If you’re moving between locations, double your estimated travel time just to be safe.

• Skipping a photo timeline. Without a clear photo plan, portraits can run late and eat into cocktail hour. Work with your photographer to map out what’s needed and when.

• Not accounting for family photo chaos. Family portraits can get wild fast. Have a pre-approved list and someone (planner, coordinator, or Type A friend) to help wrangle people.

• Forgetting to build in breathing room. A timeline that’s packed to the minute leaves zero space for real-life moments (or unexpected delays). Aim for flow, not perfection.

Outdoor vs. Indoor Ceremony Considerations

Outdoor ceremonies around 4PM work beautifully in late spring, summer, and early fall. You’ll get softer light, cooler temps, and more comfortable guests. Just keep in mind how the sun will hit your ceremony space—ideally, you want soft, even light (and not squinting guests!).

For indoor ceremonies, especially in fall and winter, consider starting a bit earlier if you want natural light coming through the windows. Otherwise, lean into ambient lighting—candles, chandeliers, and twinkle lights can create such a romantic vibe, especially as the sun sets outside.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

A 4PM ceremony gives you the perfect blend of slow, meaningful moments and golden hour magic—as long as your timeline is built with intention. With a little planning (and a lot of joy), your day can flow smoothly from start to finish.

If you’re planning a 4 PM wedding ceremony in Pennsylvania—and you’re still looking for a photographer who gets how important all these little timing details are, I’d love to chat. 

FAQs

Is it okay to not do a first look?

Totally! First looks are great for easing nerves and giving you more portrait time earlier in the day—but if you’d rather wait until the aisle, that’s beautiful too. Just know we’ll need to do most portraits after the ceremony.

What time should I start getting ready for a 4 PM wedding?

Plan to start hair and makeup around 7:00–7:30 AM, especially if you have a full bridal party. You want everything wrapped up by 11:00 AM so you’re dressed and ready for photos.

How long before the ceremony should the bride get dressed?

Aim to be in your dress at least 60–90 minutes before the ceremony (or before the first look, if you’re doing one). That gives time for touch-ups, jewelry, and breathing room.

How long before the ceremony should the groom be ready?

The groom and groomsmen should be fully dressed about 30–45 minutes before photos begin—typically by 11:00–11:30 AM if you’re doing pre-ceremony portraits.

How long before the ceremony should the photographer arrive?

I usually arrive 6–7 hours before the ceremony start time. For a 4 PM ceremony, that means around 9:00 AM for getting ready, details, and all the moments leading up to “I do.”