When to Take Golden Hour Photos for Your SoCal Wedding: Inspiration from Lindsey and Tim

I’ll never shut up about golden hour photos. Seriously. They’re the one part of a wedding day where everything just slows down, the chaos goes away, the light is so perfect, and it feels like you two get your own private moment in the middle of a day packed with people. For Lindsey & Tim at the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas, golden hour was everything (I’m not even exaggerating!)

A couple embraces with the sun creating a lens flare behind them, perfect for golden hour photos.

The bride turns and looks back at the camera while walking down a path, holding her jacket.

A silhouette of the bride and groom walking together down a sunlit road, captured during golden hour photos.

Golden hour was quick, maybe 15 minutes tops, but it ended up being some of their favorite photos of the day (and mine). Because golden hour photos are so tricky to time perfectly, here’s why golden hour matters, how to plan around it, and what to actually expect when it comes to timing in SoCal!

A black and white photo of a bride and groom walking away holding hands along a path.

A sweet and intimate photo of the groom hugging the bride from behind, as she smiles with her eyes closed.

A close-up shot of the groom's hands on the bride's waist, showing the detailed buttons on the back of her wedding dress and his wedding ring.

What Are Golden Hour Photos?

Golden hour photos are taken during the short window right before the sun sets (and sometimes just after it dips below the horizon). It’s when the light is soft, glowy, and warm, aka the most ethereal lighting ever!! If you’ve ever looked at a photo and loved how warm and glowy it is, chances are it was during golden hour!

A happy bride and groom walking hand-in-hand on a dance floor during golden hour photos, with a drink trailer in the background.

Why Is the Golden Hour Important for Weddings?

Honestly? Because it makes you look and feel your best. Here’s why couples love golden hour wedding photography:

It’s the most flattering light of the entire day.
The warmth adds romance and depth to your gallery.
It creates a break in your schedule to breathe and connect (and it doesn’t last long!)
It gives your album variety (different from ceremony or reception lighting).

For Lindsey & Tim, golden hour wasn’t just about pretty pictures; it was about stepping away from the reception noise, taking a deep breath, and soaking in the “Wow, we’re actually married” moments.

Guests celebrating and talking on the dance floor during golden hour photos at an outdoor wedding reception.

A newly married couple dancing on a black and white checkered dance floor with string lights above them.

Guests are seated at round tables at an outdoor wedding reception, enjoying the dinner and conversation.

When to Take Golden Hour Photos in San Diego

Golden hour usually begins about 60 minutes before the sun fully sets. But here’s where it gets interesting: your exact location matters.

If you’re on the coast (Encinitas, La Jolla, Laguna), the horizon line is clean, so you get the longest glow.
If you’re in hilly areas (Rancho Santa Fe, Temecula), the sun dips sooner behind hills, so golden hour can end earlier than you think.
In urban areas (downtown San Diego), buildings can block or shift the light.

Pro tip: Always check your venue’s horizon line before setting your timeline. Apps like PhotoPills or the TimeandDate sunset calculator are lifesavers for nailing this down.

The bride and groom walk toward their guests, who are smiling and applauding them.

The bride and groom embrace in a tender moment, captured during golden hour photos.

A candid shot of the bride and groom playfully walking hand-in-hand down a garden path during golden hour photos.

How Long Does Golden Hour Last?

Golden hour usually lasts 45–60 minutes, depending on the time of year and your location. In the summer, you’ll have a longer window of warm light. In the winter, you’ll blink and it’s gone in 30–40 minutes.

For Lindsey & Tim’s Encinitas golden hour photos, we had about 40 minutes of usable light because the garden’s trees and hills started to shade the area early. We planned for it, and it couldn't have been more perfect!

A portrait of the groom in his black tuxedo and bow tie.

The bride spins in her wedding dress, creating a dramatic, flowing effect against the sun during golden hour photos.

Building Golden Hour Into Your Wedding Timeline

Here’s the part couples stress about: “How do we fit this into our schedule?”

The answer: it doesn’t have to take long. Golden hour photos can be as quick as 10 minutes or as long as 30.

Guests dancing and socializing on a black and white checkered dance floor under string lights.

The bride holds her bouquet while talking with a guest at the wedding reception.

Wedding guests mingling and enjoying the outdoor reception on a grassy lawn.

For Lindsey & Tim, we snuck out during dinner service, right as guests were getting plates, and wandered just a few minutes up the path. They were gone for 15 minutes, max, and their guests barely noticed. Meanwhile, their gallery gained some of the most romantic images of the day.

Tip: Talk with your planner and DJ ahead of time so they can build a short golden hour break into your timeline so it’s seamless.

The bride and groom smiling and walking together during golden hour photos, with a bright sun flare in the background.

Do You Need to Leave Your Venue?

Not always, it just depends on your venue! Lindsey & Tim lucked out with the San Diego Botanic Garden, which has open paths and stunning views without leaving the property. But some venues don’t offer great sunset views or quick access to somewhere with good views.

If that’s the case, you’ve got options:

Look up nearby beaches or open hills (or ask your photographer or local vendors if they know of anywhere)
Plan a 10-minute drive if traffic allows (like heading up the road for cliffs or beaches).
Ask your photographer to help choose the best golden hour-friendly venue when you book.

I’ve had couples drive five minutes down the road for golden hour cliffs, and the extra effort was totally worth it.

A wide view of the outdoor wedding reception, showing guests mingling near the dance floor and bar trailer.

The groom twirls the bride on the dance floor during their first dance, with wedding guests watching.

Guests dancing on a black and white checkered dance floor at the wedding reception.

A candid shot of a happy bride and groom dancing together at their wedding reception, with string lights overhead.

What If the Weather Doesn’t Cooperate?

Marine layer, clouds, or fog, it happens (especially on the coast). But it’s not a deal-breaker. Ironically, some of my favorite galleries are from overcast golden hours because the light is soft and moody!

Backup plans I use as a Laguna Beach engagement photographer and wedding photographer:

Use string lights, candles, or architectural lighting for a romantic feel.
Shift photos slightly earlier if skies are thick.
Lean into the mood; overcast skies give timeless, film-like tones.

A stunning portrait of a smiling bride spinning her dress on a path, with a bright sun flare behind her.

The bride twirls in her wedding dress, creating a beautiful flowing motion, captured during golden hour photos.

A beautiful golden hour photo of the bride from behind, holding the train of her dress and walking toward the sun.

What to Wear for Golden Hour Photos

This part doesn’t get talked about enough. Outfits can make or break your golden hour look, so here are some tips for golden hour outfits (if you’re not in your wedding dress, suit, etc.):

Light fabrics + neutrals: creams, tans, soft blues, they reflect light so well.
Avoid neon or heavy black: they can look harsh against warm light.
Think about movement: flowy dresses catch the wind and make photos so dreamy.
Subtle metallics: jewelry or accents glow in sunset light.

For Lindsey & Tim, she wore a chic wedding gown that shimmered as the sun dipped, and he kept it super timeless with a dark suit!

A full-body portrait of a groom in a classic tuxedo standing outdoors.

A black and white close-up of the groom's hands around the bride's waist, showing the buttons on the back of her dress.

A golden hour photo of the bride and groom walking together, as the bride turns to smile back at the camera.

Venue Tips for Golden Hour

Not every venue is golden hour-friendly. Here’s what to look for:

Open horizons (beachside, vineyards, hills).
Elevated points (balconies, staircases, rooftops).
Natural elements (trees, gardens, ocean).
West-facing ceremony spots for direct glow.

The San Diego Botanic Garden is a golden hour dream because of its mix of open lawns, pathways, and tree-filtered light. You don’t need to travel far for variety (which this photographer LOVESSS!)

The groom talks with guests next to a white trailer bar during the cocktail hour at golden hour photos.

A wide shot of the wedding reception, showing guests mingling while a little girl sits on a black and white checkered dance floor.

A guest in a yellow dress talks with the groom during the outdoor reception at golden hour photos.

A beautifully set long table with green napkins and white floral arrangements during golden hour photos.

Golden Hour Photos Aren’t Just “Posed”

I get it, some couples hear “golden hour portraits” and worry it’ll mean stiff poses or staged looks, but not with me!

Golden hour is a chance for me to blend documentary-style candids with soft portraits. Lindsey & Tim spent most of their golden hour just walking, laughing, and holding hands. The best images came from moments where they forgot the camera was there!

A beautiful close-up of the bride and groom kissing, with her white bouquet visible.

A black and white photo of a newlywed couple walking away from the camera, holding hands along a lush garden path.

How Golden Hour Adds to the Memories

Golden hour photos aren’t just beautiful, they’re grounding and so romantic! It’s one of the only times on your wedding day you two get to step away, breathe, and really soak it in.

For Lindsey & Tim, this was the first time they were able to pause and soak up the joy and emotions of their wedding day. It wasn’t about the photos (though they turned out stunning).

A wide view of the wedding reception, showing the outdoor dance floor and bar trailer as guests socialize.

The bride playfully smashes a piece of cake on the groom's face after cutting the cake.

The bride and groom smiling as they prepare to cut their wedding cake.

FAQs About Golden Hour Photos

What are golden hour photos?
They’re photos taken during the soft light right before and after sunset.

Why is the golden hour important?
It’s the most flattering and natural-looking light, and it gives couples a chance to sneak away together.

When to take golden hour photos?
Plan for 30–60 minutes before sunset, depending on your venue and season.

How long does golden hour last?
Usually 30–60 minutes, shorter in winter, longer in summer.

What time is golden hour photography in San Diego?

It depends on your date and location. Coastal venues = longer golden hour. Hills and trees = shorter.

A soft-focus, sunlit photo of the bride and groom kissing, a classic example of golden hour photos.

A black and white photo of the bride and groom posing and smiling together on a garden path.

A candid and intimate moment between the bride and groom as they embrace, showing the groom's joyful expression.

Ready to Book Your SoCal Wedding Photographer?

Lindsey & Tim’s wedding shows why golden hour is worth planning into your timeline. Even 10 minutes can give you some of your favorite photos, and it doesn’t take away from your reception if you plan it right!

If you’re planning your own SoCal wedding and want golden hour wedding photos you’ll love forever, reach out here. I’ll help you plan the timing, location, and all the little details so it actually works on your day!

If you want more golden hour photo inspiration, you can check out my Pinterest board, Sunset Engagement, for more, or check out my Pinterest here!