What's the best time of day to elope? Sunrise or sunset? This is an *incredibly* common questions that many couples will have during the planning process. The thing is, it's not always a simple answer! Choosing between sunrise and sunset may vary depending on your location (such as east versus west facing locations), what you had envisioned for your day (did you want a slow, easy morning? Or rather a cozy snuggled in evening?). Additionally your timeline and hours of photography coverage can change which direction you choose to go! Keep reading to learn more about helping you gain a *general* understanding of choosing sunrise versus sunset, and reach out for more location specific questions!
Understanding the Terms
In your search for finding your elopement photographer or looking at inspiration photos, you may have come across the terms "golden hour" (the hour after sunrise or the hour before sunset, which can create a warm, golden glow and warmth to your photos) or "blue hour" (a brief period of time just before sunrise or after sunset, typically 15-20 minutes, can provide cool tones such as blues and purples), and of course those beautiful sunrise and sunset elopements. Photographers like me tend to prefer taking photos just prior to/at/just after sunrise/sunset due to the more gentle, softer light these times of day tend to provide, giving us more flattering photographs! Let's go through the timeline of light that happens throughout the day.
Blue Hour > Sunrise > Golden Hour > Daylight > Golden Hour > Sunset > Blue Hour
And that's it! It's important to remember that, depending on where you are getting your photos done at, the timing of lighting changes! Talk to your photographer about their recommendations in optimal timing.
Sunrise Elopements
A sunrise ceremony may be the best choice for you if:
- An early morning wake-up call is not a problem for you! If hiking is involved, this may also include hiking in the dark.
- You want the rest of your day to go on an adventure, without the anticipation of your ceremony later in the day- just spend the whole day as a married couple!
- You value more of a secluded, intimate, private ceremony- with the early hours, many popular places will be less busy at sunrise versus sunset.
- Potential for better weather...
- ...but on the flip side, if you're looking for that moody, low clouds or foggy vibes, sunrise may be for you!
A sunrise ceremony may NOT be the best choice for you if:
- You don't want to wake up early and value a slow morning with each other and your guests (if you have any!)
- Guests are attending your elopement and you are concerned about needing everyone to wake up early
- You dislike hiking in the dark
- You dislike the cold, as sunrise tends to be cooler, especially at higher elevations
Sunset Elopement
A sunset ceremony may be the best choice for you if:
- You want to sleep in and spend a slow morning together prior to your ceremony
- You like the anticipation and the build-up to your ceremony in the afternoon!
- You want warmer weather
- You don't mind having your dinner or reception later if these are planned after the ceremony
A sunset ceremony may NOT be the best choice for you if:
- You don't mind there being the potential of larger crowds at your location (this can vary greatly depending on the popularity of your elopement site)
- You want an earlier dinner for your guests, depending on your timeline choices
- You don't mind the possibility of weather rolling in (especially in the mountains in the summer- afternoon thunderstorms and rain are common)
Final Considerations!
Before making your decision about whether you want a sunrise or a sunset focused elopement, there are a few more things to take into consideration!
Time of Year
The time of year changes the location of the sun in the sky, intensity of light/height of light throughout the day, and, of course, timing of sunrise and sunset.
Timeline
Whether or not you are having guests in attendance, if you have an elopement adventure booked, or if you value having dinner at a "normal" time, slow mornings together, etc., these all affect your timeline and what you may be looking at for choosing between the two. OR! If you have trouble making up your mind, some photographers (like me!) may be willing to split their coverage between both sunrise and sunset, or get you set-up with an *epic* all day adventure elopement where you can get the best of both worlds.
Your Gut Instinct
Listen to your gut! If you know that waiting until the evening to share your vows with one another, opt to complete it in the morning so you can spend the rest of the day relaxed! On the flip side, if you value your sleep, or know your guests if you have any in attendance would struggle in the morning, don't rush and take your time throughout the day and choose to have your ceremony in the afternoon or at sunset.
Looking for an elopement photographer to help you choose the best time of day to elope and create a custom timeline?
Planning an elopement comes with a lot of decisions, and choosing between a sunrise or sunset elopement can have an impact on your experience! Between early morning wake-up calls for a sunrise elopement, or staying out with lanterns until the stars come out, I'm here to help you plan an intentional elopement day and help you make the planning process feel simple and stress-free. If you're dreaming of an elopement that feels true to you, I'd love to help you bring it to life!