The most beautiful light of the day for wedding portraits.

Golden hour is the short window just before sunset when light becomes soft, warm, and incredibly flattering.

After photographing weddings throughout the Southeast, we often guide couples to step away for 10–15 minutes during this time. It can be during the reception once all of the first dances and toasts are completed. No one will notice if you slip out quickly while they are enjoying the reception.

Those few quiet minutes together often create some of the most beautiful and meaningful images of the entire day.

Sunset Timeline

The Ideal Portrait Window

Seasonal Sunset Guide ( for the Southeast)

Spring (March–May)
Sunset: 7:30–8:15 PM
Golden hour portraits: ~6:45–7:45 PM

Summer (June–August)
Sunset: 8:15–8:35 PM
Golden hour portraits: ~7:30–8:15 PM

Fall (September–November)
Sunset: 6:15–7:30 PM
Golden hour portraits: ~5:30–6:45 PM

Winter (December–February)
Sunset: 5:15–6:00 PM
Golden hour portraits: ~4:30–5:15 PM

PS — Even couples who choose a traditional ceremony timeline can usually step away for a quick golden hour portrait moment.

At the end of the day, your wedding isn’t something to perfect — it’s something to experience. When you put a thoughtful timeline together that allows room for experience and some of the beautiful, organic unplanned moments, you release the stress and instead stay present in what’s unfolding, the day becomes lighter, more meaningful, and deeply personal. That’s where the most timeless images live — not in rushed stress, but in presence.

If you’re drawn to a day that feels relaxed, meaningful, and uniquely yours, I’d love to guide you through that process, whether it’s in Hilton Head, Savannah, or the Southeastern Coast.

Hilton Head & Lowcountry Wedding Photographer
Editorial storytelling for couples who value presence over performance.

Let’s talk. Reach out to me if this interests you or if you have any questions www.lisastaffphoto.com and you can check out my blog that has lots of other resourses.