The Best Time for a Wedding Photoshoot

The Best Time for a Wedding Photoshoot

The “best time” for wedding photos is not a fixed hour written in stone — it depends on light, mood, season, location, and what kind of emotion you want in your gallery. In 2026 (especially in places like Edmonton with dramatic seasonal changes), couples and photographers have become much more strategic about timing. Golden hour is still king, but it’s far from the only option that creates stunning, emotional, timeless images.

Here is the complete, up-to-date guide on when to schedule your wedding photoshoot — with real pros, cons, moods, and Edmonton-specific notes.

1. Golden Hour (Still the Most Popular Choice — 70–80% of Couples)

When: 1–2 hours before sunset Light quality: warm, soft, orange-gold, long gentle shadows, rim light on hair/shoulders Mood created: romantic, nostalgic, dreamy, hopeful, “golden age” feeling Why couples love it:

• Skin glows naturally — no heavy retouching needed
• Eyes sparkle
• Everything feels cinematic and wrapped in warmth
• Long shadows add depth and romance

Edmonton-specific timing 

• June–July: sunset ~9:30–10:15 PM → portraits 7:30–9:00 PM
• August: ~8:45–9:30 PM → portraits 6:45–8:30 PM
• September: ~7:30–8:30 PM → portraits 5:30–7:30 PM
• October: ~6:30–7:30 PM → portraits 4:30–6:30 PM
• Winter (Dec–Jan): ~4:30–5:00 PM → portraits 2:30–4:00 PM

Best for: couples who want classic romantic portraits, glowing skin, warm tones, sunset silhouettes

Tip: Do a First Look so you can shoot golden hour without rushing after the ceremony.

2. Blue Hour (Fastest-Growing Choice in 2026)

When: 20–40 minutes after sunset (when sky is deep blue and city/venue lights are on) Light quality: cool, low-contrast, soft, city lights create bokeh and glow Mood created: mysterious, intimate, cinematic, slightly melancholic, “just us against the world” Why it’s exploding in popularity:

• Feels modern and editorial
• City lights + reflections in puddles or river = pure magic
• No harsh shadows — very flattering
• Perfect for night portraits, first dance, sparkler exits, rooftop moments

Edmonton-specific: Blue hour is especially strong downtown, at the Legislature, High Level Bridge, or rooftop venues — city lights reflect beautifully on the river.

Best for: couples who love moody, cinematic, urban-romantic vibes

Tip: Combine golden + blue hour in one session — start at golden, transition into blue. Two moods, twice the variety.

3. Overcast / Diffused Light Days (Photographer’s Secret Favorite)

When: any time during a fully overcast day Light quality: even, soft, no harsh shadows — like a giant softbox from the sky Mood created: calm, gentle, romantic, clean, editorial, timeless Why it’s gaining huge popularity:

• Flattering on skin — no squinting, no raccoon eyes
• Colors (flowers, outfits, foliage) become rich and saturated
• No need to chase the exact sunset minute — consistent light all day
• Mood is soft, intimate, slightly melancholic — perfect for emotional close-ups

Best for: couples who want soft, fashion-like, editorial portraits Couples nervous about harsh light/squinting

Tip: Overcast days are gold — book confidently if the forecast shows clouds. Many of the most loved galleries I’ve delivered were shot on cloudy days.

4. Early Morning Light (The Hidden Gem for Privacy & Freshness)

When: sunrise – 9 AM (sunrise ~6–7 AM in summer) Light quality: soft pink/orange sunrise, fresh, cool tones Mood created: fresh, hopeful, serene, “new beginning” energy Why it’s becoming more popular:

• Empty parks/city — maximum privacy
• Fewer people = more intimate, meditative feeling
• Cool air = fresh faces, no shine
• Sunrise over the river valley — very soft and romantic

Best for: morning-person couples Couples who want a calm, intimate, almost spiritual session Couples who love “new chapter” symbolism

Tip: Combine with coffee/breakfast picnic — turns the shoot into a real morning date.

Quick Decision Guide: Which Time Is Right for You?

• Want warm, romantic, classic golden glow → Golden hour
• Want moody, cinematic, modern evening vibes → Blue hour
• Want soft, even, flattering light all session → Overcast day
• Want privacy, fresh energy, sunrise magic → Early morning
• Want the most flexible, stress-free day → Overcast or blue hour (no need to chase exact sunset)

The most popular and satisfying choice remains golden hour — it’s hard to beat that warm glow. But the second most loved (and growing fastest) is blue hour + city lights. Many couples now do both in one session: start in golden, transition into blue — two completely different moods, twice the variety, one unforgettable experience.

If you’re planning an engagement or wedding photoshoot in Edmonton and want help choosing the perfect time slot that matches your mood and style — write me. We’ll pick the light that will make your photos feel exactly like the emotion you’re living right now.