How to Make the Most of Your Golden Hour Wedding Photos
- Erica Lewis
- Aug 8
- 3 min read
By Emerald Stone Photography | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer
There’s a reason photographers love golden hour—it’s pure magic. That dreamy, soft light just before sunset creates a romantic glow that flatters everyone and adds an ethereal touch to your wedding photos. At Emerald Stone Photography, we always encourage couples to carve out a bit of time during golden hour to capture those once-in-a-lifetime portraits.
If you’re planning your wedding and want photos that radiate warmth, romance, and timeless elegance, here’s everything you need to know about making the most of your golden hour photos on your big day.
What Is Golden Hour?
Golden hour is the time shortly after sunrise or, more commonly, the hour before sunset when the sunlight is softer, warmer, and lower in the sky. This golden glow creates flattering shadows, vibrant color tones, and a natural sparkle that no flash or filter can replicate.
It’s hands down one of the best times for wedding photography.
Why Golden Hour Photos Are Worth Prioritizing
✨ 1. Flattering Light for All Skin Tones
Golden hour light wraps gently around you, eliminating harsh shadows and reducing squinting. It’s a photographer’s dream—and yours too, once you see the results.
📸 2. Romantic, Storybook Aesthetic
The soft, natural lighting adds a cinematic quality to your portraits. It enhances everything from your dress details to the emotion in your eyes.
💑 3. A Moment to Slow Down
Golden hour is the perfect time to sneak away with your partner and soak in the moment—just the two of you—while we quietly capture it all.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Golden Hour Wedding Photos
1. Build Golden Hour Into Your Timeline
Timing is everything. Work with your photographer and planner to schedule 15–30 minutes for golden hour portraits based on your venue and sunset time.
💡 Pro tip: Use this website (https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/) to check the sunset time for your wedding date and location.
2. Be Flexible
Sometimes the best light lasts only a few minutes. Trust your photographer if they suggest slipping out for
a few quick shots—it’s worth it, we promise.
3. Choose the Right Backdrop
Fields, open skies, mountains, and tree-lined paths all photograph beautifully in golden light. If your venue has scenic outdoor areas, be sure to scope them out in advance with your photographer.
4. Communicate with Your Vendor Team
Let your DJ, planner, or caterer know that you’ll be stepping out for a short time so they can plan speeches or meals accordingly. That way, you won’t miss a beat—or a bite.
5. Embrace the Moment
Golden hour is less about posing and more about being. Laugh, kiss, walk hand in hand, twirl in your dress. These real, unfiltered moments create the most powerful images.
Golden Hour Photos We Love at Emerald Stone Photography
We’ve photographed weddings all across Pennsylvania and the surrounding states, and some of our favorite golden hour memories include:
• A couple dancing barefoot in a sunlit field
• Veils catching the light just right as the sun sets behind them
• Warm, intimate forehead kisses as the sky turns peach and pink
Every couple deserves their own golden hour magic—and we know just how to capture it.
Final Thoughts: Let the Light Love You Back
Your wedding day will move fast, but golden hour gives you a chance to slow down and soak it all in—with stunning photos to prove it. Whether you’re getting married in the Pennsylvania countryside or a coastal destination, make golden hour portraits part of your plan—you won’t regret it.
Planning Your Wedding? Let’s Capture the Magic.
At Emerald Stone Photography, we specialize in romantic, light-filled wedding photography that tells your story with timeless beauty.
📍 Based in Pennsylvania | Serving PA, NJ & Beyond
📩 Reach out here (https://www.emeraldstonephotography.com/contact)
to check your wedding date availability
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