Why Golden Hour is Pure Gold for Portraits

If you’ve ever scrolled through dreamy wedding photography or romantic engagement photos and thought, “How is the light this perfect?” chances are, you’re looking at golden hour magic.

Golden hour is the short window of time just after sunrise or before sunset when the sun is low in the sky, casting warm, soft, glowing light. For wedding photographers, it’s the holy grail of natural lighting. For couples, it’s a chance to look absolutely radiant. It’s why we only book our sessions around these hours, especially in Nebraska!

Here’s why golden hour is pure gold for your wedding portraits:

Soft, Flattering Light

Golden hour light gently wraps around you, smoothing skin and reducing harsh shadows. It’s basically nature’s airbrush: no extra editing is needed.

Romantic Vibes

The warm tones and dreamy glow set the perfect mood for intimate, emotional portraits. Whether dancing in a field or stealing a quiet moment together, everything feels more magical.

Backdrop Perfection

Skies turn pastel, the light catches on your face, and everything around you starts to glow; golden hour turns even a simple location into a work of art.

Built-in Break

Scheduling portraits during golden hour also gives you a breather. It’s a calm, quiet moment together amid the whirlwind of the day, and it shows in the photos.

Pro tip: Ask your wedding photographer to build golden hour time into your timeline — usually 45 to 60 minutes before sunset. It’s one of the easiest ways to guarantee those frame-worthy, romantic photos you’ll love forever.

Got questions about timing or locations for golden hour portraits? Let’s chat! I’d love to help you plan for the dreamiest light on your wedding day.