40+ Golden Hour Wedding Photos for Your Inspiration
The golden hour, also known as the magic hour, is the time just before sunset or just after sunrise when the light is soft, warm, and diffused, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere. It’s a perfect time for wedding photography, as it adds a touch of enchantment to your special day. In this article, we will showcase 40+ golden hour wedding photos that will inspire you and give you ideas for your own wedding photography. From dreamy portraits to candid moments, these photos capture the beauty and romance of the golden hour, making them the perfect addition to your wedding album. So, get ready to be inspired and fall in love with these stunning golden hour wedding photos.
Editors Picks
All images in this showcase are the selections from our “Golden Hour” feature challenge. Let’s start with the editor’s selections for the best Golden Hour Wedding Photos.
Photo by Andy Sidders Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Fanhams Hall in Hertfordshire, England
Photo by Joanna and Brett (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Tucson Desert in Tucson, Arizona
Photo by Larsen Photo Co (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park, CO
Photo by Andreas Pollok (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Hoher Darsberg in Baden Württemberg Germany
Photo by Vow of the Wild (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Coconino National Forest in Sedona, Arizona United States
Photo by Zack Bradley (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at San Souci Farm in Sumter, SC United States
Photo by 4 Eyes Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Moraine Lake in Banff, AB Canada
Sunkissed by Subtle Flares at Golden Hour
Sun flares, which occur when the sun’s rays shine directly into the camera lens, can add a dreamy and whimsical quality to photos, making them ideal for engagement, wedding, or portrait photography. The golden hour with sun flares can also create a magical ambiance that is difficult to achieve with artificial lighting.
See more examples of Sun Flare Photography in our previous feature challenge.
Photo by Natasha Lamalle (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Meridian Hill Park in Washington DC
Photo by Ether Photography Studios (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Death Valley in California
Photo by Belinda Philleo (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Crystal Cove in Orange County, CA
Photo by Kristina Corbett (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Mineral Ridge Scenic Area in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho United States
Deep Golden/Orange Flares
Sunflares also look beautiful when they are more prominent in the scene and cast an orange hue over the entire scene. See a few examples below.
Photo by Irina Duane (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Bunmahon Beach in Bunmahon in Ireland
Photo by Michael Freas (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Fort Zachary Taylor in Key West, Florida
Photo by Ladman Studios (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Gillette Castle in East Haddam, Connecticut
Photo by 1836 Photographie (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Paniolo Ranch in Boerne, Texas
Photo by Kivus and Camera (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Melrose Knitting Mill in Raleigh, North Carolina
Photo by Jay Cassario (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Hotel Republic in San Diego, CA
Colorful Sunsets at Golden Hour
Photoshoots with colorful sunsets provide a stunning backdrop for capturing beautiful, dramatic, and romantic images. The warm hues of orange, pink, and purple create a captivating ambiance that can enhance any photo. Golden hour, the time shortly after sunrise or before sunset, is known for its soft and flattering light that can make the subject look radiant. The combination of golden hour light and colorful sunsets can create a magical atmosphere that can turn any photo into a work of art. Whether you are planning a romantic engagement shoot or a family photoshoot, a colorful sunset can add a touch of beauty and charm to your images.
Photo by Tove Lundquist (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Örum 119 in Löderup Sweden
Photo by Andy Madea Photo (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at The Barn at Boyden Farm in Cambridge, Vermont
Photo by Loc Le (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at MT Rainier in Seattle WA
Photo by Stephen Walker (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Liverpool in Merseyside England
Photo by Party of Two (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Hawkesdene in Andrews, NC
Golden Hour in Fields & Hills
Golden Hour photoshoots in fields and hills are a popular choice for capturing stunning, warm-toned images. This magical hour just before sunset or after sunrise bathes everything in a warm, golden light, creating a dreamy, romantic atmosphere. Fields and hills offer a beautiful backdrop for these photoshoots, with rolling landscapes and tall grass swaying in the breeze.
Photo by Gretchen Troop (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park, Colorado
Photo by BridgetQ Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Mt. Wachusett in Princeton, MA
Photo by Holding and Co (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Serendipity Garden Weddings in Oak Glen, CA
Photo by Andreas Pollok (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Schloss Assumstadt in Baden Württemberg Germany
Photo by JCM Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Pisgah National Forest in Canton, North Carolina United States
Photo by Kristin Cheatwood (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Cloverleaf Farm in Athens, GA
Golden Hour Veil Photography
Golden Hour adds a magical touch to any wedding photo, and incorporating a veil can add even more beauty and romance. The veil flowing in the breeze against the warm and soft glow of the sun can create stunning and ethereal images. Golden Hour is the perfect time to capture the intimate and dreamy moments of a wedding day, and with the addition of a veil, the photos become even more captivating.
Photo by Stefani Ciotti (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Deer Creek Ridge in Malibu, CA
Photo by Jessie and Dallin (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Tunnel Springs in Utah
Direct Golden Hour Light
The warm, soft light of golden hour also create opportunities for using it as direct light for your subjects. See a few examples below.
Photo by Roddy Chung (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Ray’s Boathouse in Seattle, WA U.S.A.
Photo by Christopher S Studio (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at The Briarcliff Manor in New York
Golden Hour Wedding Photos at the Beach
Golden Hour Wedding Photos at the Beach capture the beauty of nature and the joy of love in a truly magical way. With the sun setting behind the couple and the ocean as the backdrop, these photos exude warmth, romance, and pure happiness. The golden hour light creates a soft, warm glow that enhances the natural beauty of the beach and creates a dreamy atmosphere.
Photo by Thien Tong (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at InterContinental Phu Quoc – Long Beach in Vietnam
Photo by Luzye Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at San Clemente Pier, CA
Photo by Frank Balzan (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Golden Bay in Mellieha, Malta
Golden Hour with Greenery
Golden Hour is a magical time for photography, especially in settings with lots of greenery. During this time of day, the sun’s warm, golden light filters through the leaves of trees and plants, creating a soft, dreamy glow that enhances any photo. Whether you’re taking engagement photos, family portraits, or wedding photos, the lush green foliage combined with the warm light of Golden Hour can create a breathtaking and natural backdrop. So if you’re planning a photo shoot in a park, forest, or any location with plenty of greenery, don’t miss the opportunity to capture the beauty of Golden Hour.
Photo by Laurentiu Nica (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Un Colt de Rai in Dolj County, Romania
Photo by Stephen Sedman (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Scituate Country Club in Scituate, MA
Photo by Afonso Godinho (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) in Porto Portugal
Photo by Fits and Stops Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at UC Davis Arboretum in Davis, California United States
Photo by Danieka at Picturist Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Private Family Home in Santa Cruz, California
Golden Hour Wedding Photos with Flash
Some photographers prefer to use flash photography in their golden hour portraits. This combination can create stunning photos, with dynamic, vibrant sunsets, clouds and skies. See a few examples below.
Photo by Bright Light Studios (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ United States
Photo by Lazzat Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Tavares Pavilion in Tavares, FL
Mimic Golden Hour
Photographers can also use flash to mimic golden hour light, such as shown in the photo below.
Photo by Jason Vinson (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at St Catherine at Bell Gable in Fayetteville AR
Conclusion
In conclusion, the golden hour is a magical time for wedding photography, and these 40+ golden hour wedding photos showcase the beauty and romance that it brings to a wedding. From breathtaking landscapes to intimate moments between the newlyweds, these photos capture the essence of a wedding in a way that is both timeless and enchanting. If you’re planning your own wedding, consider scheduling your photography session during the golden hour to capture the perfect lighting and create photos that you’ll treasure for a lifetime. So take inspiration from these stunning photos and make your own golden hour wedding memories that will last a lifetime.
