Timing is Everything

Photo by Dan Power Photography

When should you have your ceremony so you can take those gorgeous sunset shots afterwards?

My suggestion is to aim for a 4:30 PM start time, as you don't want to start too early, since the sun is going to be too intense and bright for photos. But you also don't want to start too late so you're in a rush. Remember that people have a tendency to slip into 'Tico Time' once they get here so weddings tend to begin a few minutes late (and honestly, it's usually the bride who is late so make note, ladies, to leave yourself PLENTY of time to get ready). 

It's dark by 6 PM (give or take 15 minutes, depending on the time of year) and the lighting doesn't soften enough for great photos until 5:15 PM. Starting at 4:30 PM gives you enough 'wiggle room' for a later start, a relaxed ceremony (most ceremonies clock in at 20 minutes tops and you really don't want anything longer) and time to kiss-kiss-hug-hug before starting the photo session in earnest.

If you have a very large wedding or long ceremony, you may even want to consider putting 4 PM as your start time, just to give you more 'breathing space'. I think it's always best to err on the side of caution, since you can always chill out waiting for the best light but if you're running late, the sun waits for no one. And no one wants to be rushed on their wedding day...