Choosing the perfect time to start your wedding ceremony is crucial in setting the tone for your big day. The time of day, lighting, and weather all play a significant role in creating the ideal atmosphere. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, your wedding season can help determine the best start time. Let’s explore the best wedding ceremony start times by season to ensure your nuptials are both beautiful and memorable.
Spring
Spring is a season of renewal and fresh beginnings, making it a popular time for weddings. The weather can be unpredictable, but with the right timing, you can have a gorgeous outdoor ceremony. The best start time for a spring wedding is typically mid-morning or mid/late afternoon. This allows for comfortable temperatures, plenty of natural light, and the chance to showcase the season’s blooming flowers. Keep in mind that spring evenings can still be chilly, so plan for an indoor reception or have heaters on hand if you opt for an evening ceremony.
Summer
Summer weddings are all about warm sunshine and longer days. For a summer wedding, the best time to start your ceremony is late afternoon or early evening. Aim for a start time between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. This allows you to take advantage of the golden hour, where the sun casts a soft, warm glow, perfect for stunning photographs. The later start also means your guests won’t be sweltering in the midday heat. Be sure to provide shade, plenty of water, and perhaps even some refreshing cocktails for your guests during the outdoor ceremony.
Fall
Autumn weddings are known for their rich, warm colors and crisp air. The best wedding ceremony start time for the fall season is in the late afternoon, typically between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. The setting sun creates a magical ambiance and allows for beautiful photos with the changing leaves. Be mindful of the earlier sunset in the fall, so consider having an earlier ceremony if you want to make the most of natural light. Also, be prepared for cooler temperatures and have cozy blankets or heaters available for your guests.
Winter
Autumn weddings are known for their rich, warm colors and crisp air. The best wedding ceremony start time for the fall season is in the late afternoon, typically between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. The setting sun creates a magical ambiance and allows for beautiful photos with the changing leaves. Be mindful of the earlier sunset in the fall, so consider having an earlier ceremony if you want to make the most of natural light for group photos with your wedding parties and family photos. Also, be prepared for cooler temperatures and have cozy blankets or heaters available for your guests.
Additional Important Tips
- If you do not plan to do all your pictures before the ceremony, the rule of thumb is that you will need an hour and a half before sunset to ensure you have enough light for your photographer to capture the bridal party, family photos, and pictures of the bride and groom.
- Keep in mind when daylight savings time happens to ensure you have enough light for pictures afterward unless you plan to do all the pictures prior to the ceremony.
Choosing the Perfect Ceremony Start Time
Choosing the right wedding ceremony start time by season can greatly enhance the overall experience for both you and your guests. Spring, summer, fall, and winter each offer unique advantages, from blooming flowers to golden-hour sunlight and cozy winter nights. Consider the mood and atmosphere you want to create, as well as practical considerations like weather and lighting, when deciding on the perfect start time for your wedding ceremony. Ultimately, the most important thing is that your ceremony reflects your love and commitment, regardless of the season or time of day.
Complete Weddings + Events – Northwest Arkansas
Planning your dream wedding or event should be simple and fun, and we firmly believe that having all our services under one roof makes planning easier for you. So, relax. We’ve got this. Our job is to make this easy for you, your job is to enjoy the party! Complete Weddings + Events, Northwest Arkansas’s leading provider of event and wedding photography, videography, DJ, photo booth, coordination, and up-lighting.