During golden hour the sun is at a low angle in the sky creating longer shadows and flattering lighting situations that wedding photographers can use to create dreamy photos and creative effects. It occurs twice a day—shortly after sunrise and before sunset—and the results are gorgeous, with the sun being redder and softer than the daytime sky. We love this magical time so much that we’ve selected 20 of our favorite golden hour wedding photos for this week’s Editor’s Picks, all taken by our esteemed members. Get ready to be impressed! 

Here are just some of the lovely effects that can be achieved during the golden hour so you’ll want to schedule your wedding photo sessions accordingly.

Warmth and Beautiful Skin Tones
The sunlight is softer and warmer, casting a flattering, golden glow over everything it touches.This soft, diffused light can make skin tones look radiant and smooth, creating a romantic look that is perfect for your wedding photos.

Beautiful Backgrounds
Whether it's a field of wildflowers, a beach at sunset, or a forest bathed in golden light, the scenery during golden hour comes alive like no other time, adding depth and beauty to your wedding photos. 

Emotional Impact

This type of light is perfect for evoking a sense of timeless nostalgia and romance, thus enhancing the emotional impact of photos.

Flattering Light
Casting soft shadows and minimizing harsh contrasts, the golden hour brings out the best lighting scenario for natural-looking photos without the need for flash.

If you’re getting married, chances are your photographers will suggest shooting during the golden hour because the soft, diffused light is a natural retoucher—erasing blemishes, blurring imperfections and giving subjects a gorgeous glow!

Overall, golden hour wedding photography offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, emotional impact, and flattering lighting, making this time of day the most popular choice for couples looking to capture magical looking portraits and moments.

To see all the ways our member wedding photographers stand out from the crowd, check out our world-class directory. When your wedding means the world to you, this is where you’ll find your photographer!