The Impact of Seasons on Wedding Day Portraits

You know all too well that planning a wedding isn’t easy! Even with planners and coordinators involved, it can be a lot! With wedding planning, there are things that Brides and Grooms simply don’t think of, and that is why it’s so important to have wedding vendors that are more like friends than vendors. We’ll have your back!

One big thing that might not be on your radar? The seasons. You might have thought of your wedding day season weather-wise. Or to help you decide the dress you say yes to. But portrait time specifically in regards to your wedding day might not be at the forefront of your mind.

When my couples are creating their wedding timelines with photography in mind the season definitely comes into the conversation! It’s true- seasons impact the wedding day. Each season has it’s own advantages and challenges, but none that we cannot plan for and work with to ensure you get the absolute best wedding day portraits!

The Seasons

Winter

Winter weddings are absolutely gorgeous- especially in the regions with snow! If your wedding is in the winter we will need to consider the early sunset time. Generally speaking, sunset is around 4 p.m. so we’ll need to photograph all your portraits before that time.

In the Winter, an afternoon wedding might be your best option in regards to photography. Late evening weddings are not impossible during the Winter. However, you might need to plan for additional coverage as you’ll have some downtime from 4 p.m. (when we end portrait time) to the start of your ceremony.

Spring

Oh Spring, how I love you! Not terribly hot and not too cold either. Spring provides us with some pretty perfect temperatures! Daylight Savings Time also happens in the Spring and puts sunset time around 7:30 p.m. The later sunset time gives us far more time for portraits and usually flows well with wedding timelines!

Summer

There is so much light in the Summer, in some months sunset isn’t until 8 p.m.! Summer weddings are amazing in regards to portraits. We don’t need to rush to beat the sun and have the opportunity to photograph additional romantic bride and groom portraits later in the evening after your ceremony!

Fall

The colors in the Fall can be so beautiful! If you getting married at a location that gets great colors during these months we will, of course, take advantage of it! What else is great during the Fall? Temperatures! Similar to Spring, it’s never too hot and usually provides us with a cool, crisp night.

Sunset time can vary greatly during Autumn. During the months prior to the time change sunset is around 6-7 p.m. and the months after closer to 5:30 p.m.

So Seasons Impact The Wedding Day – Now What?

Do the different seasons impact the wedding day? Of course! But you’re planning a wedding that reflects you and your relationship. A big part of that is the season. We’ll work together closely to create a timeline that embraces the season you’re getting married in while allowing you ample portrait time.

Don’t forget- The First Look plays a big role in your timeline as well! Read about the 5 Reasons a First Look is For You!

Have we planned your engagement session? If not, be sure and check out how seasons affect those portraits as well!

Here’s a disclaimer- the above times are approximate! I use an online sunset calculator when planning your wedding day timeline to be sure it’s precise.