Wedding Portraits Guide: Timing, Light & First Look
Your wedding photos are about capturing your connection, your joy, and for me, this is one of my favourite parts of the day.
It’s where I can truly let my creativity flow, capturing the essence of you both in a way that feels like art. My goal is that these portraits don’t just sit in an album, I want you to proudly hang them on your wall, images that would feel at home in a fine art museum.
But many couples wonder: How much time do we need? When is the best time of day? Should we do a first look? And how do we look natural in front of the camera?
As a wedding photographer, I’ve guided countless couples through this part of the day, and here’s everything I recommend.
How Much Time Should You Allow for Wedding Portraits?
The short answer: more than you think, but less than you fear.
Couple portraits: Ideally 30–45 minutes. This gives enough time to relax, breathe, and capture a mix of candid, editorial, and romantic images without feeling rushed. This can be broken up into portraits earlier in the day and 15-20 mins of golden hour photos.
Group photos: Allow around 30 minutes, depending on family size. A good photographer will keep this flowing smoothly.
Buffer time: Always add a little extra. It’s amazing how quickly the day runs away, and a rushed portrait session can feel stressful.
Think of portraits not as a long photoshoot, but as a chance to step away together, reset, and be present.
What Time of Day is Best for Wedding Portraits?
Light changes everything. The same venue looks entirely different at noon versus sunset, and your portraits will too.
Golden Hour: The hour before sunset is pure magic, soft, warm, and endlessly flattering. There is nothing like it.
Midday: Stronger light, but it can still be beautiful if we use shade, architecture, or trees to soften it.
Evening: Candlelight, sparklers, or moody shadows create intimate, atmospheric images that feel like paintings.
Seasonal Considerations for Light
In Ireland (and much of Europe), the changing light across the seasons plays a huge role in photography:
Spring (April–May): Sunset is between 8 and 9.30pm. Perfect for slipping out after dinner or speeches for portraits in soft evening light.
Summer (June–August): Sunset as late as 10pm. Golden hour falls after dinner, so plan a short portrait session in the late evening. Earlier in the day, cocktail hour light can also be lovely.
Autumn (September–October): Sunset between 6 and 7.30pm. Portraits often work beautifully right after the ceremony or before dinner, with golden skies and rich colours.
Winter (November–March): Sunset around 4–5pm. This makes early portraits essential. A first look is often the best choice if you want natural light portraits.
The key is to plan your portraits around the light – not just the clock.
Should You Consider a First Look?
First looks aren’t for everyone, but they can be transformative.
Time together: You get to see one another privately, away from the crowd, and soak in the moment.
Calm nerves: Many couples feel more relaxed after sharing that first glance before walking down the aisle.
Better light: For winter weddings, a first look often ensures you’ll have portraits before the daylight fades.
Editorial flow: It frees up your timeline, giving more space later in the day to enjoy your guests without disappearing for long.
For couples who want both natural light portraits and an uninterrupted cocktail hour, a first look is the perfect balance.
How to Feel Confident in Front of the Camera
Almost every couple I work with says the same thing before the wedding: “We’re awkward in front of the camera.” And almost every couple is surprised at how natural it feels on the day.
Here’s why:
Connection over posing: The way I direct portraits isn’t about stiff smiles. They’re about your connection, the way you laugh together, the way you hold hands.
Gentle direction: A good photographer won’t leave you stranded. I’ll guide you with subtle prompts so you never feel unsure of what to do.
Practice helps: Engagement sessions or even a pre-wedding shoot can make a huge difference. Think of them as a rehearsal for portraits – but more fun.
Presence, not performance: Focus on each other, not the lens. Always be touching throughout the whole thing. That’s where the magic happens.
Final Thoughts
Wedding portraits aren’t just a box to tick on your schedule – they’re a chance to slow down, connect, and create the images of the two of you that you’ll treasure most. With the right timing, the right light, and a photographer who makes you feel comfortable, they become some of the most meaningful moments of your day.
If you’re planning your wedding and want portraits that feel timeless, editorial, and effortless, I’d love to hear from you →
