There’s something undeniably magical about golden hour. Picture this — soft rays of sunlight cascading over a quiet field, a warm glow gently illuminating faces, and long, romantic shadows stretching across the earth. Whether it’s the peaceful chill of sunrise or the cozy warmth of sunset, golden hour has a unique power to breathe beauty and intimacy into moments, especially ones as significant as your engagement or wedding day.

I’m here to share why golden hour is my favorite time to shoot, how it can elevate your special moments, and why it might just be the perfect addition to your big day. If you’re recently engaged or dreaming about your future wedding, you won’t want to miss this.

What is golden hour?

Golden hour is every photographer’s dream — and for good reason! It’s that fleeting time of day when the sun hovers low on the horizon, casting a soft, golden light over the world. It occurs twice daily, so whether you’re a morning person or a night owl, there’s an option for everyone.

Sunrise golden hour – Shortly after the sun rises, the light feels crisp and cool, painting everything with a serene, tranquil vibe. The world is just waking up, making it the perfect time for intimate, peaceful photos.
Sunset golden hour – Right before the sun dips below the horizon, the light becomes rich and warm, wrapping everything in a celebrated glow. It’s vibrant, romantic, and effortlessly perfect for creating dreamy portraits.

No matter which golden hour you choose, the results will leave you breathless.

Why I love sunrise golden hour

I’ll admit it — I’m an early bird by nature. There’s something magical about stepping out into the stillness of the morning, hearing the first few birds chirp, and feeling that crisp energy in the air before the world fully awakens. For me, sunrise golden hour captures that tranquility in its purest form.

The light at sunrise feels uniquely refreshing. It wraps around my couples like a soft blanket, highlighting their joy without overpowering them. The early hours also feel especially personal — there’s fewer crowds, less noise, and more space to connect and create stunning images.

I know mornings aren’t everyone’s favorite (trust me, I get it), but if you’ve never experienced a sunrise golden hour, I encourage you to give it a try. There’s nothing like watching the day begin, hand-in-hand with the person you love most.

Why evening golden hour is equally magical

While I love the serenity of sunrise, there’s a fantastic energy that comes with sunset golden hour. It has an unmistakable warmth that feels like the universe cheering you on — especially during a wedding or engagement session. The vibrant colors and celebratory vibe make sunset golden hour unforgettable.

Sunset golden hour is also incredibly flexible. It naturally aligns with the flow of most weddings and allows couples to unwind after formalities with a quiet moment together. Plus, the golden hues create that rich, glowing backdrop that you see in so many Pinterest-worthy wedding portraits.

Whether you're toasting with a glass of champagne or twirling beneath the fading light, sunset golden hour adds magic to every moment.

How golden hour enhances photos

Golden hour isn’t just a convenient time to shoot — it actively transforms your photos into works of art. Here’s how:

Softens skin tones – The soft, diffused light eliminates harsh shadows, creating flattering photos with a natural glow.
Adds warmth and depth – Golden hour light brings out the richness in colors, making whites brighter, reds deeper, and greens more vibrant.
Creates stunning backlighting – Backlighting during golden hour gives a dreamy, romantic feel. Think glowing hair, halos of light, and silhouettes with delicate detail.

For me, golden hour aligns perfectly with my storytelling approach. It's about capturing genuine, heartfelt moments while letting nature's beauty frame the scene. It leaves me with timeless, raw images that feel as special as the people in them.

Tips for including golden hour in your wedding or engagement session

If golden hour sounds like a dream for your photos, here’s how to make the most of it:

Plan ahead – Discuss preferred times with your photographer early on so they can guide you on timing and scheduling for optimal light.
Stay flexible – Seasonal changes and weather conditions can affect golden hour. Be open to adjustments — you won’t regret waiting for that perfect light.
Choose your vibe – Ask yourself if a calm, peaceful sunrise fits your personality better or if the warm, romantic glow of sunset feels more “you.” Either way, golden hour delivers unmatched beauty.

I love collaborating with my couples to weave golden hour into their sessions or wedding day schedules — it's always worth the effort!

My favorite golden hour moments

Golden hour still takes my breath away, even after years of photographing weddings and engagements. Some moments stick in my mind forever, like Mackenzie and Tehila’s engagement session. The light was so soft and dreamy it felt almost surreal. Each laugh and glance they shared sparkled under the golden sun, and their personalities shone through so beautifully in the photos.

I’ll never forget Ashley & Jake’s wedding, either. As the sun dipped lower, we slipped away from the crowd for a few golden hour portraits. Those quiet moments became some of the most intimate and iconic images in their gallery. For me, watching the light paint their love story across the lens was pure magic.

These moments remind me of why I love what I do. Golden hour isn’t just about beautiful lighting — it’s about weaving emotion, connection, and stories into breathtaking memories.

Capture your golden hour love story

If you’re recently engaged or planning your wedding, golden hour could be the secret ingredient to creating unforgettable photos. Whether it’s the tranquil beauty of sunrise or the warm energy of sunset, I’d love to help you capture your story in the best light possible.

Book a call with me today, and let's start planning your perfect golden hour love story.

Ready to capture your love story?

I’d love to learn more about your wedding plans and discuss how we can create timeless memories together. Let’s make your big day unforgettable.

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Why I love shooting at golden hour: A photographer’s perspective