Some of the most breathtaking images we’ve ever taken? They happened during those quiet, golden minutes before the sun slips away.

That soft, dreamy light before sunset makes everything feel warmer, more romantic, more you. It’s not just a backdrop; it’s the moment your wedding portraits turn into something cinematic, like stills from a love story.

But golden hour doesn’t last long. And if your wedding timeline isn’t built around it, it can slip by before we even pull you away for portraits.

In this post, we’re sharing exactly how to time your wedding ceremony so we catch golden hour at its absolute best. And, if you’re still building out your timeline, don’t forget to grab our free wedding planning checklist. It’s packed with the details most couples forget to factor in.

When is Golden Hour in Pennsylvania?

Golden hour happens once a day, right before sunset, when the sun is low in the sky and the light turns soft, warm, and glowy. It’s the magic window that makes your wedding photos feel timeless and cinematic.

But, it doesn’t happen at the same time every day. The exact timing of golden hour depends on your wedding date and location. 

In Pennsylvania, for example:

• Spring (April/May): Golden hour usually falls between 6:30–7:30 PM
• Summer (June–August): Golden hour hits later, around 7:30–8:30 PM
• Fall (September/October): It starts earlier, often between 5:30–6:30 PM
  

Even a 15–20 minute shift in sunset time can make a big difference, especially if we’re trying to sneak you away during cocktail hour or just before your dance floor opens.

To find out exactly, just Google “[your wedding date] sunset time” for your exact location. Then we can reverse-engineer your ceremony and portraits to hit the sweet spot.

Want to see exactly what golden hour looks like in real weddings? We’ve rounded up the best wedding venues in Pennsylvania for breathtaking golden hour photos.

Ideal Ceremony Start Times

If you’re aiming for those glowing, golden hour photos, the time your ceremony starts matters a lot. Too late, and we’ll be racing the sun. Too early, and the light might still be a bit harsh.

For most late spring and summer weddings in Pennsylvania, a 4 PM ceremony is the sweet spot, especially if sunset lands between 7:30–8:30 PM. That timing gives us space for a relaxed ceremony, cocktail hour, and a golden hour photo session right before or just after dinner.

Here’s how that might play out:

• 4:00 PM – Ceremony
• 4:30 PM – Cocktail hour
• 6:30–7:00 PM – Sneak-away golden hour portraits
• 7:30 PM – Sunset
  

Of course, if you’re doing a First Look, we can get most portraits done before the ceremony, which frees us up to take full advantage of that golden light later on.

If you’re skipping the First Look, we’ll want to be intentional about carving out portrait time after the ceremony and before the sun dips too low. Either way, the key is to reverse-plan your day: start with the sunset, and work backwards to build a timeline that flows beautifully around it.

Here are a few wedding timeline examples from real couples we’ve worked with to help give you some ideas. 

Timeline Tips for Maximum Golden Glow

Once you know when golden hour hits, it’s all about building your timeline to make space for it, without adding stress or pulling you away for too long. 

Here’s how we make it happen:

Set Aside 10–15 Minutes for Golden Hour Portraits

This isn’t a full session, it’s a short, intentional window where the light is at its best. We’ll sneak away for just a bit, capture some of the most romantic images of the day, and have you back to the party before anyone notices.

Plan a Sunset Sneak-Away

The best time for golden hour portraits often falls during dinner or right after toasts. Once you’ve had a chance to breathe and grab a bite, we’ll quietly pull you outside for a few golden frames.

Build in Buffer Time

We love candid, unhurried portraits, but rushing kills the vibe (and the photos). Give yourself space in the timeline for things to breathe. That extra 10 minutes of wiggle room might be the difference between catching the golden hour or missing it completely.

Trust the Light

If we ask you to pause mid-reception and step outside for five minutes, trust us — it’s because the light is that good. It’s not about pulling you away from the fun, it’s about giving you a quiet moment together in the best light of the day (plus, you’ll thank us when you see the gallery).

Planning Your Golden Hour Photos Around Seasonal Variations

Golden hour shifts a lot depending on the season. A ceremony time that works beautifully in June might leave us in the dark by October.

Summer Weddings (June–August)

Longer days = later sunsets. A 4:00 PM ceremony works beautifully when golden hour lands between 7:30–8:30 PM. You’ll have plenty of natural light for portraits, cocktail hour, and a golden hour photo session that flows right into the evening.

Fall Weddings (September–October)

This is where timing needs a little more love. Sunsets in Pennsylvania can be as early as 6:00–6:30 PM by mid-October, so that same 4 PM ceremony might leave us with a tight window. 

In these cases, consider:

• Doing a First Look to get portraits done earlier
• Moving your ceremony earlier (think 3:00 or even 2:30 PM)
• Prioritizing your timeline around that golden light window

Winter Weddings (November–February)

Sunsets get early, sometimes before 5:00 PM. If you want any golden hour photos at all, a First Look becomes almost essential. We’ll need to front-load portraits and build the day around available daylight.

Let’s Make Golden Hour Magic Happen

Golden hour doesn’t last long. But when we plan for it, the results are always worth it. Whether it’s five minutes of quiet together before heading back to the dance floor or a short sunset session that ends up being your favorite part of the day, the right timing makes all the difference.

Every wedding is different, and your timeline should reflect your priorities. If golden hour portraits are one of them, we’ll help you make it happen, without the stress, and without missing the moments unfolding around you.

Want help building a timeline that actually works for your day?

Get in touch, we’d love to hear what you’re planning.