As part of my Bridal Guide (which all of my brides will receive!), I’m including a couple of pages about portrait timing around the seasons. With sunset ranging from 4:30pm in the winter, to 8:30-9pm in the summer months, there’s a lot to think about regarding the timeline- when to plan the ceremony and whether or not to do a First Look.

To simplify things, take a look below:

Winter:
With winter sunsets happening around 4pm, winter wedding timelines will need some consideration. If you are looking to utilize the gorgeous natural light for portraits, you’ll likely want to plan a morning or mid afternoon ceremony. If you’re planning an evening wedding, you may want to consider a First Look to ensure that you get all of the portraits done before night sets in.

Spring:
Spring weddings are less tricky. The temperatures are usually comfortable and the sun begins to set later- allowing more flexibility for outdoor portraits with a later ceremony start time.

Summer:
I love summer weddings. Yes, they can be HOT, but whether or not you do a First Look, you are pretty much guaranteed a block of gorgeous light for portraits. Summer weddings provide the most flexible timeline for lighting purposes.

Fall:
Fall weddings are some of my favorite, especially in New England because of the gorgeous blazes of color the foliage provides. Portrait timing can be tricky depending on the date of your wedding. October ceremonies starting after 5pm will have limited natural light for portraits. If you plan to have your ceremony in the evening, plan a first look or even a day after session to take advantage of the warm colors of autumn.