Golden Hour Couple Portraits in Devon & Somerset | Photoomey Photography
Updated: Sep 23
Golden Hour Couple Portraits in Devon & Somerset
The short answer: golden hour is the soft, warm light just before sunset, and it's lovely for couple portraits. It usually only lasts a few minutes at its best, so I'll pop you outside for around 10 minutes, then you're straight back to your guests. It's always completely up to you, and if the weather doesn't play along, that's okay too.
What is golden hour?
It's the time just before the sun sets, when the light turns warm, soft and glowy. It's really flattering, and it makes everything look bright and golden without any harsh shadows.
The timing changes a lot through the year. In the middle of summer it can be quite late in the evening, and in autumn and winter it can be during your wedding breakfast or even earlier. I'll always check the sunset time for your date so I know when to keep an eye out.
How long does it take?
Not long at all! The best golden light usually only lasts about five minutes, so I'll take you out for around 10 minutes at the most. You won't be missing much of your evening, and honestly, a lot of couples love it because it's a little bit of time just the two of them after a busy day :)
If golden hour happens during your wedding breakfast or speeches, I'll quietly check in with you first to see if you'd like to pop out. There's no pressure at all. If you'd rather stay with your guests, that's completely fine.
Real golden hour moments
Kristie and Damien at Rockbeare Manor
Kristie and Damien's autumn wedding at Rockbeare Manor was quite cloudy for most of the day. Then during their wedding breakfast, the sky suddenly cleared and the sun came out. I checked in to see if they fancied popping outside, and we got some gorgeous golden hour portraits before they headed back in to carry on celebrating. I'd heard Rockbeare was a lovely spot for sunsets, and it definitely didn't disappoint!
You can see more from their day here: Kristie & Damien at Rockbeare Manor.
April and Tom at Holsome Park
April and Tom's wedding at Holsome Park was cloudy and rainy for most of the day. Then right at sunset, the clouds cleared, the sun broke through and everything turned golden, with the most beautiful sunbeams. It was such a lovely surprise at the end of the day, and a good reminder that even rainy weddings can have a golden moment!
What if there's no golden hour?
Unfortunately I can't control the weather! If the sun doesn't come out, then golden hour just doesn't happen, and that's okay.
Soft, cloudy evening light can be really lovely too. At Charlotte and Ethan's wedding at Harefield Barn, we used the soft evening light instead of golden hour, and their portraits still look beautiful.
If the sun is out but the timing doesn't quite work, it's sometimes possible to warm the light up a little in editing. That isn't always possible though, so I'd never promise it.
Tips for golden hour portraits
Check your sunset time when you're planning your timeline, and I'll help you work it in.
Don't plan anything big for that moment if you can help it, but don't stress either. I'll keep an eye on the light and the weather throughout the day.
Be flexible. If the sky clears unexpectedly, even 5 minutes outside can be enough.
Enjoy it! You don't need to know how to pose. I'll give you some gentle prompts and let you just be together.
Planning your wedding in Devon, Somerset or the South West?
If you'd love relaxed, natural and colourful photos of your day, golden moments included, I'd absolutely love to hear from you. You can check if I'm free for your date here or pop me a message on Instagram :)
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