Make room for sunset portraits at your destination wedding

You chose a place you love. A few minutes in the evening light can bring that place into your wedding photographs while giving you a quiet moment together. I encourage couples to plan this pause before the weekend begins, rather than hoping an opening appears during the reception.

Plan for the place, not just the published sunset time

A cliff, mountain, courtyard, or neighboring building can put your portrait location in shadow before the sun sets. Talk with your photographer about the particular view and season. A beautiful coastal setting may also be windy or a longer walk from the reception than it appears on a map.

Coordinate the departure and return with your planner, caterer, and emcee so a toast or first dance does not begin without you. About 15 minutes can be a useful starting point for nearby portraits; allow extra time for the journey. If the light or weather changes, choose a comfortable alternative rather than chasing a picture at the expense of the experience.

By then, you’ve said your vows. You’ve greeted the people you love. There is often a different feeling between you—less anticipation, more ease. Giving yourselves a few minutes away from the activity lets that feeling become part of your photographs.

Put it in the plan.

For a late-afternoon wedding, I suggest reserving about 15 minutes with your photographer around the evening light. Talk about it before the wedding, while your timeline is taking shape, rather than hoping a gap will appear during the reception.

Your photographer can help choose the timing for your location and the season. The view, nearby buildings, trees and weather all affect where the light will be. A sunset time is a useful starting point; the best moment for your portraits may come before it.

Keep everyone in the conversation.

Let your planner and the person leading your reception know when you may step away. You don’t want your first dance or a meaningful toast to begin while you’re outside.

Choose a nearby spot when possible. Fifteen minutes for photographs is different from fifteen minutes that also includes a long walk or a drive. Allow for the journey so a quiet break doesn’t become a hurried one.

Let the moment be yours.

You don’t need to arrive with another list of poses. Walk together. Hold each other. Take a breath. Your photographer can offer direction while leaving space for the way you naturally connect.

The photograph here is a reminder of what that pause can offer: the two of you, the place you chose, and the light at the end of the day.

Leave room for the unexpected.

A colorful sunset isn’t something anyone can promise. If clouds arrive or the schedule shifts, let your photographer help you make the most of the conditions. Beautiful photographs don’t depend on a perfect sky.

And if stepping away would interrupt something you want to experience, say so. These photographs should be part of enjoying your wedding. The point is to make room for a moment you’ll love remembering.