If you’ve ever admired the soft, warm glow of sunset and thought, “This would be the perfect time for a photo,” you’re absolutely right. Golden hour—the period shortly before sunset (1 hr before) or after sunrise—is considered one of the most magical times to capture wedding photos. It’s a time when the light is soft, warm, and flattering, creating a romantic atmosphere that no other time of day can match.

As a Kelowna wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless stunning wedding photos during golden hour, and I can confidently say that it’s one of the best times to get breathtaking shots.

What Makes Golden Hour So Special?

Golden hour refers to the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset, when the sun is low in the sky. The light during this time is diffused, warm, and soft, creating a flattering, almost magical effect on everything it touches. It’s different from midday light, which can be harsh and create shadows. The warm, golden hues add an ethereal, romantic quality to wedding photos that you can’t replicate at any other time of day.

Here’s why it’s such a perfect time for wedding photography:

Soft, Flattering Light: The light during golden hour is incredibly soft, making it the most flattering for portraits. It eliminates harsh shadows and gives a warm, golden glow to the skin, enhancing your natural beauty.

Romantic Atmosphere: Golden hour offers a serene, dreamy vibe. The colors in the sky and the warmth of the light lend a romantic tone to your photos—perfect for capturing intimate moments with your partner.

Unique Color Palettes: As the sun sets, the sky often turns into a canvas of warm oranges, pinks, purples, and reds, giving your wedding photos a vibrant and artistic quality that you won’t get at other times of day.

How to Make the Most of Golden Hour Wedding Photos

While golden hour is undoubtedly one of the best times for wedding photos, timing is key! Here are a few tips to make sure you capture those perfect shots:

1. Plan Your Day Around the Golden Hour

Timing is crucial for golden hour photos, as it only lasts for a short window—usually around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your location and the time of year. As a Kelowna wedding photographer, I always recommend scheduling 15-20 minutes for golden hour portraits during your reception to coincide with golden hour, ensuring you’ll have the best lighting for your photos. To make this work, be mindful of the timing of your ceremony, reception, and when you can slip away for photos.

2. Coordinate with Your Photographer

Your photographer will have a good sense of when golden hour happens, but it’s always helpful to coordinate ahead of time. Let your photographer know you’d love to take advantage of the sunset glow, and they can plan the day’s timeline to ensure there’s enough time for the shoot.

3. Choose the Right Location

Finding the perfect spot for your golden hour portraits is important. In Kelowna and the Okanagan, there are endless breathtaking spots that will add even more magic to your photos—whether it’s a vineyard, lakeside, or mountain overlook. The stunning natural beauty of the Okanagan, combined with the soft glow of golden hour light, creates the perfect setting for romantic, cinematic photos.

4. Keep It Relaxed and Candid

One of the best things about golden hour photos is that they don’t need to be overly posed. The soft light creates a more relaxed atmosphere, so you can embrace the moment and allow your photographer to capture candid, intimate shots of you and your partner. The resulting images will feel natural and authentic, reflecting the love and joy you’re experiencing on your big day.

Why Golden Hour Is Worth the Wait

You might be wondering if golden hour photos are really worth the extra planning. The answer is a resounding yes! The photos taken during this magical time are often the most romantic and breathtaking shots of the entire day. The soft lighting flatters everyone, and the natural beauty of your surroundings, combined with the warm, golden glow, will make your wedding photos look like something out of a fairy tale.

Many couples who prioritize golden hour portraits end up with their favorite wedding images from that short but magical window of time. It’s an opportunity to capture quiet, intimate moments with your partner, surrounded by the warmth and beauty of the world around you.

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning your wedding in the Okanagan and want stunning, romantic, and timeless photos, be sure to plan some time during golden hour for your wedding portraits. As a Kelowna wedding photographer, I love capturing couples during this magical time and creating images that they will cherish forever. The soft, glowing light creates a mood that’s hard to replicate, and the result is nothing short of breathtaking.

Ready to make your wedding photos extra special? Let’s chat about how we can create the perfect golden hour shots that will make your love story shine.