🌅 The Perfect Ceremony Time: How to Get That Dreamy Golden Hour Glow
💍 Introduction
Choosing your ceremony time might seem simple — but it actually sets the tone for your entire wedding day.
The right time means beautiful light for photos, a comfortable atmosphere for guests, and a natural flow from “I do” to “let’s dance.” The wrong time can mean harsh shadows, rushing between events, or losing daylight before your portraits.
At Simply Southern Events, we help couples select the perfect ceremony start time based on season, location, and vision — so every photo (and moment) shines.
☀️ Step 1: Why Ceremony Timing Matters
Your ceremony time affects everything:
The flow of your day (from hair and makeup to cocktail hour)
The lighting for photos
Your guests’ comfort in outdoor weather
How your timeline fits together
Think of it as the anchor of your day — every other detail works around it.
Simply Southern Tip: Before locking in your ceremony time, talk to your photographer and planner. We’ll help you build the entire schedule around it for perfect pacing.
📸 Step 2: Find the Light
Lighting is everything. That soft, golden glow you see in dreamy wedding photos? That’s usually taken about an hour before sunset — known as golden hour.
If you want romantic, glowy portraits, you’ll want to time your ceremony to end 30–60 minutes before sunset.
Example:
If the sun sets at 6:30 PM → plan your ceremony for around 5:30 PM.
Simply Southern Tip: Use your venue’s direction (where the sun sets) to your advantage. You’ll get the most flattering light facing west or slightly angled toward it.
🌸 Step 3: Consider the Season
The best ceremony time shifts with the seasons — here’s a quick guide for Middle Tennessee weddings:
SeasonIdeal Ceremony Start TimeNotesSpring (Mar–May)4:30–5:30 PMSoft light, mild temps, perfect balanceSummer (Jun–Aug)5:30–6:30 PMAvoid midday heat and squinting guestsFall (Sep–Nov)4:00–5:00 PMBeautiful colors, early sunsetWinter (Dec–Feb)3:00–4:00 PMEarly darkness — plan earlier for photos
Simply Southern Tip: Always confirm daylight savings time — it can shift your sunset by an entire hour!
💐 Step 4: Indoor vs. Outdoor Considerations
Outdoor weddings depend heavily on natural light, while indoor ceremonies offer more flexibility with lighting control.
If you’re indoors, consider how artificial lighting and windows affect ambiance. A sunset ceremony inside a space with large windows can still capture that dreamy glow — without worrying about the weather.
Simply Southern Tip: Visit your venue at the same time of day as your planned ceremony. You’ll see exactly how the light falls in the space.
⏰ Step 5: Guest Experience Matters
While lighting and photos are important, comfort counts too.
Avoid the midday heat in Tennessee’s summer months, and provide shade or fans for outdoor ceremonies. For cooler months, consider earlier start times and cozy blankets for guests.
Simply Southern Tip: A short, comfortable ceremony leaves guests relaxed and ready to celebrate — not rushing to cocktail hour for relief.
✨ Step 6: Work Backward from the Ceremony
Once your ceremony time is set, everything else falls into place:
Getting ready and hair/makeup start times
First look and photo schedule
Guest arrival and prelude music
Cocktail hour and dinner service
At Simply Southern Events, we create timelines that perfectly align with your ceremony — ensuring a natural, unhurried flow from start to finish.
🤍 Final Thoughts
Your ceremony time is more than a line on your invitation — it’s the heartbeat of your wedding day.
With a little planning, the right timing ensures perfect light, happy guests, and a seamless transition into your celebration.
At Simply Southern Events, we help you balance beauty, logistics, and emotion — so your “I do” moment truly shines.
