Spring Weddings: What to Consider During Your Photoshoot

Spring Weddings: What to Consider During Your Photoshoot

Spring in Edmonton is one of the most romantic and visually rewarding seasons for wedding photography — but it’s also the most unpredictable. Temperatures can swing from +5°C in the morning to +20°C by afternoon, rain showers appear out of nowhere, wind picks up suddenly, and the light changes dramatically throughout the day.

As a wedding photographer who has shot many spring weddings here, I’ve learned exactly what to watch for and how to turn every spring “challenge” into a photographic advantage. Here’s a practical, up-to-date (2026) guide on what really matters during your spring photoshoot so your images look soft, fresh, romantic and timeless.

1. Light: The Biggest Spring Advantage (and Challenge)

Spring light in Edmonton is beautiful but tricky — soft, directional, and fast-changing.

Best Times

• Early morning golden hour — sunrise ~6–7 AM (soft pink/orange light, fewer people, fresh feeling)
• Late afternoon golden hour — 1–2 hours before sunset (~7:30–9:00 PM in May/June) — warm, honey tones
• Overcast days — giant natural softbox — even light all day, perfect skin tones, no harsh shadows
• Blue hour — after sunset — deep blue sky + emerging city/venue lights — moody, cinematic

Avoid

• Midday direct sun (11 AM–4 PM) — creates deep facial shadows, squinting, blown-out whites
• Use open shade (under trees, building overhangs, north-facing walls) or window light if ceremony is midday.

Pro tip: A First Look in the morning or late afternoon gives you the best light window without rushing post-ceremony.

2. Weather: Plan to Embrace Everything

Alberta spring is famous for “all four seasons in one day”. Don’t fight it — work with it.

Rain

• Creates soft, dreamy light
• Clear umbrellas + reflections in puddles = iconic shots
• Wet pavement glows beautifully
• Have a covered ceremony area + indoor backup

Wind

• Flowy dresses and veils look incredible — embrace movement
• Use wind for dramatic veil shots, hair flowing
• Have strong-hold hairspray and backup clips/pins

Sudden Sun

• After rain = dramatic clouds + golden breaks — one of the most beautiful lights possible
• Use reflectors to soften any remaining harsh shadows

Cold Mornings/Evenings

• Bring blankets, shawls, hand warmers
• Hot drinks (coffee, hot chocolate) — steam adds beautiful atmosphere
• Cozy layers under dresses/suits — easy to remove for portraits

3. Comfort for Couple & Guests

Happy, comfortable people = natural, relaxed photos.

• Attire — breathable fabrics (chiffon, linen, light wool), layers for temperature changes, waterproof makeup
• Shoes — wedges or flats for grass/uneven ground; change to heels for posed shots
• Hair — updos or loose styles with strong hold (wind is common)
• Guests — padded chairs, blankets, shade sails, heaters if cool, bug spray (early spring)

4. Spring-Specific Photography Hacks

• Fresh blooms & greenery — spring flowers (tulips, cherry blossoms, lilacs) make natural frames — use them!
• Soft light for skin — overcast or shaded shots = flawless skin tones without retouching
• Movement — wind in dresses/veils = dynamic, romantic shots
• Rain magic — wet leaves, puddle reflections, raindrops on flowers — all add texture
• Backup gear — weather-sealed cameras, rain covers, extra batteries (humidity drains them)

5. Styling & Details That Shine in Spring

• Colors — soft pastels (blush, sage, lavender), fresh greens, crisp white
• Florals — tulips, peonies, ranunculus, cherry blossoms — loose, natural arrangements
• Attire — flowy dresses, lightweight suits, breathable fabrics
• Details — fresh flower crowns, pastel ribbons, handwritten vows on nice paper
• Comfort — layers, shawls, umbrellas, hot drinks

Final Checklist for a Perfect Spring Photoshoot

• First Look in best light window
• Golden hour priority for couple portraits
• Covered ceremony + indoor backup
• Comfort layers, waterproof makeup, strong-hold hair
• Clear umbrellas & blankets
• Relaxed timeline with 15–30 min buffers
• Trust your photographer — we know how to make any spring weather look stunning

Spring weddings in Edmonton are fresh, soft, romantic and full of hope. The season gives you delicate light, blooming flowers, and that new-beginning energy. With smart planning, your photos will feel light, emotional and timeless.

If you’re planning a spring wedding or engagement shoot in Edmonton and want help turning unpredictable weather into beautiful, romantic images — I’d love to make it happen. Reach out — let’s create a spring love story that feels fresh, alive and forever.