Ceremony Start Time

Nanner22

So I'm having the hardest time deciding what time to start our ceremony. With it being December 27th , the sun will set early. And our ceremony is outdoors. We do plan on seeing each other prior to ceremony for all (most) formal pictures.My photographer told me that the 'golden hour' for photography is the hour prior to sunset. So I want to make sure we get some cool pictures in.So what time do you guys think makes most sense for start time? Any help is must appreciated.

MdniteMustang00

I started mine at 7. but it was in may and not in the same daylight savings time season of december. but it was perfect.

furturemrslewis

it should be dark by 6pm...for an outdoor ceremony it really depends on how long it would be but if it's just a 30 min ceremony then i would start at 3:30pm.....any time from 4:00-5:30 would be the most ideal time for shots. and yes the golden hour is best, one hour before sunset or up to one hour after sunset especially for natural light photography

Nanner22

Ok so I found a sunset calendar (haha had no idea that existed). But it says the sun will set at 5:29pm. So my ceremony will take like 30-40 minutes. Do you think starting at like 4:30 would work? I'm just not sure what's best in terms of photography. I guess I'm unsure if you want the best light for the ceremony or for really good portraits. (I'm speaking with my photographer about this also).

emily.and.will

i think it depends when you want that "golden hour" of photog. do you want sunset ceremony pics? or sunset reception pics? would you mind night time reception pics? also, there is a good wedding weather/sunset calculator on weather dot com.[url]<a href="http://www.weather.com/activities/events/weddings/?from=secondarynav" rel='nofollow'>http://www.weather.com/activities/events/weddings/?from=secondarynav</a>[/url]

abramlett79

you can use this site. it will tell you sunset times and even moonrise times. it will also tell you the exact definition of "sunset" so you can get a better idea of what the light will behttp://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/RS_OneDay.php

kcon1225

Yeah I am in the same boat. I was thinking of having mine at 5 but I am doing pictures after so I am really worried about it. I think if I say 5 on the invite it won't start till 5:30 then I'm screwed.

Eboix518

I vote 4:00...but that could be the wine talking

MommaA117

google the farmers alminac...it will tell you the time the sun nets on that day then base it around that and how long your ceremony will take.

MommaA117

*sets

Eboix518

April: how have you been??

abramlett79

On some of the ettiquette (sp?) boards and websites, they've said the time you put on your invitation should be the time that your ceremony will start. Most ppl arrive at least 30 minutes early (or so"they" say). So if you put 5pm on your invite, ppl will know that is when your ceremony will start. Or maybe you could put 15 minutes earlier on your invite than when you want your ceremony to start, maybe to be on the safe side?

ib4eplz

I am having the same experience.  My wedding though that night Daylight Savings time begins.  Fun huh?  I wasn't going to start the ceremony until 6 but now I have to start it at 4:30 to get some great pictures.  I might even have to push it up to 4 pm.  Thing is we only get the hall for 4 hours.  So I guess I am going to feel like a mamaw kicking my guests out early. But I would rather have better pictures than worry if my guests are going to be insulted for leaving.  Now I guess everyone will be available for the send off!!

Eboix518

Nothing wrong with having the ceremony at 4, ours was at 2:30 and our venue was practically kicking us out ha, then we just went to the hotel bar and continued the party which was great

kcon1225

I have 4 hours for ceremony/reception. I have an hour before to get ready. We are going to take some pictures then just not us together. Once a bunch of people get there our clock starts. It's a pain.