Planning a wedding involves a thousand decisions, and one of the most important is what time to start your wedding. The time you choose can impact everything—from lighting for your photos to your guests’ overall experience. Whether you’re planning an intimate garden ceremony or a grand ballroom celebration in Dallas, setting the right timeline is key.
As a Dallas Luxury Wedding Photographer and someone who works closely with top Dallas Luxury Wedding Videographers, I’ve seen firsthand how much timing can influence the outcome of your wedding day. Here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect time to say “I do.”
Consider the Season and Sunset Time
The season you’re getting married in has a big impact on lighting. In Texas, summer sunsets can stretch well into the evening, while winter ceremonies might need to start earlier to catch the golden hour.
Pro Tip: Look up the sunset time for your wedding day and plan your ceremony to begin 1.5–2 hours before. This allows plenty of time for natural light photos, creating that signature glow we all love in luxury wedding photography and video.
Don’t Rush the Pre-Ceremony Timeline
Make sure to build in enough time for hair and makeup, getting dressed, and first looks. Your photographer and videographer will need time to capture these intimate moments.
Ideal Start Time for a Late Afternoon Wedding:
- 12:00 PM – Getting ready begins
- 3:00 PM – First look + bridal party portraits
- 5:00 PM – Ceremony
- 5:30 PM – Golden hour portraits
- 6:30 PM – Cocktail hour + reception kickoff
This schedule gives your Dallas Luxury Wedding Photographer and Dallas Luxury Wedding Videographer the best lighting conditions and breathing room to deliver stunning, story-driven imagery.
Think About Your Guests
If you’re planning a weekday wedding or a celebration in a high-traffic city like Dallas, an evening start time (around 5–6 PM) allows guests enough time to arrive comfortably without rushing from work or dealing with midday heat.
Timing for Different Wedding Styles
- Morning weddings are great for brunch receptions and more casual, intimate vibes.
- Afternoon weddings work well in spring and fall and allow for natural light throughout.
- Evening weddings bring glamour, mood lighting, and a party atmosphere—perfect for a luxury ballroom wedding.
Final Thoughts
When in doubt, talk to your wedding planner, photographer, and videographer. They’ll help you create a timeline that fits your vision while making sure there’s plenty of time to capture every detail beautifully.
If you’re still searching for a Dallas Luxury Wedding Photographer or Dallas Luxury Wedding Videographer who understands the rhythm of a well-timed wedding day, let’s chat!
📸 Contact Hillery’s Photography today and let’s create a wedding timeline that’s as picture-perfect as your love story.
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