Making the Most of Shorter Fall Days for Wedding Photos

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to glow, fall weddings bring some of the most stunning photo opportunities of the year. The rich golden tones, cozy details, and romantic atmosphere make this season a photographer’s (and a couple’s) dream. But there’s one important factor many couples overlook when planning a fall wedding: the daylight hours are shorter!
If you’re saying “I do” in autumn, here’s how to make the most of the limited daylight and ensure your wedding photos are filled with warmth, light, and beauty.
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1. Know When the Sun Sets (and Plan Accordingly)

In fall, the sun sets earlier — sometimes light is gone as early as 5:00–6:00 PM, depending on your location. That means you’ll specifically want to plan your timeline with the sunset in mind.
Pro tip: Look up your exact wedding date and location on timeanddate.com to find the sunset time. Then, work backward from there.
For example:
• If sunset is at 5:45 PM, schedule your ceremony to end by 4:45 PM, so you can take advantage of that dreamy golden-hour light for portraits. If you are not doing a First, Look, allow for even more time.
• Aim for couple’s portraits between 4:00–5:30 PM for the best light.
This is especially important if your ceremony and reception are at different venues — travel time eats into daylight fast!
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2. Consider a First Look

A first look is so much more than just an emotional moment. It’s also a smart timeline decision for fall weddings.

Doing a first look allows you to take many of your photos before the ceremony while there’s still plenty of light.

This means you can capture:

✅ Couple portraits
✅ Wedding party photos
✅ The majority of family formals

…all before guests even arrive! After the ceremony, you’ll only need a few quick golden-hour or sunset shots, and then you can head straight to enjoy your cocktail hour with your guests.
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3. Embrace Golden Hour

Golden hour is a photographer’s best friend — that magical window just before sunset when everything glows. In the fall, the light is softer, warmer, and more diffused, making it perfect for romantic portraits.
Schedule 20–30 minutes during golden hour for just the two of you. Step away from the party for a few moments, breathe, and let us capture that “just married” glow. Trust me — those photos often end up being couples’ absolute favorites.
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4. Think About Indoor & Evening Lighting

Once the sun sets, the mood shifts — and good lighting becomes essential.
Here are a few tips to keep your evening photos looking beautiful:
✨ Add string lights, candles, or lanterns to outdoor spaces if you venue does not already have them.
✨ Make sure reception venues are well-lit (warm-toned bulbs photograph better than harsh white ones).
These small details can make your evening photos feel just as magical as your daylight ones.

A Note about lighting:  A Wedding Photographer who is comfortable with off camera strobe will be able to give you more options on your wedding day when the light is disappearing!
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5. Bonus Tip: Layer Up!

If you’re planning outdoor portraits, remember that fall temperatures can plummet after sunset. Bring a cozy wrap, jacket, or shawl that complements your outfit will keep you warm and add a romantic, seasonal touch to your photos.
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Final Thoughts on Making The Most Of Shorter Fall Days For Your Wedding Photos

Shorter days don’t have to mean fewer photo opportunities. All it takes is a little bit of smart planning. With the right timeline, lighting, and a little flexibility, your fall wedding photos will be filled with that warm, golden glow that makes this season so beautiful and unforgettable.

If you’re currently planning a fall wedding and want guidance on your photography timeline, reach out! I’m always happy to help couples create a workable Wedding Day Timeline that makes the most of the light — and of course the love.

Did you enjoy this post?  You might also like Avoid Fall Wedding Planning Pitfalls.

Are you ready to book a Wedding Photographer for your Fall Wedding?  Fabulous!  Use our Contact Form or call the Studio directly at (518) 584-4237 today.