Golden Hour vs. Blue Hour: What’s Best for Wedding Photos and Video?

If you’re planning your wedding, you’ve probably heard the terms “golden hour” and “blue hour,” but may not be sure what they actually mean — or why they’re such a big deal for your wedding photo and video coverage.

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to choose one over the other. Both create stunningly different moods. And throughout this post, we’ll use real wedding examples to show you exactly how each can bring your love story to life.

🌞 What is Golden Hour?

Golden hour is the dreamy time just after sunrise or right before sunset when the sun sits low in the sky. The light is soft, warm, and oh-so-flattering.

📸 Visual Example:

Why Couples Love It:

Skin glows, tones are creamy and warm
Perfect for intimate moments and romantic portraits
Feels natural, organic, and effortlessly magical

Perfect For:

Outdoor ceremonies
Beach or field portraits
First looks and sunset elopements
Cinematic highlight videos

🌌 What is Blue Hour?

Blue hour happens just before sunrise or after the sun sets — when the sky turns a rich, dusky blue and city or string lights begin to glow.

📸 Visual Example:

Why Couples Love It:

A dramatic, artistic edge
Unique editorial feel
Looks amazing with twinkle lights or cityscapes
Adds visual contrast to golden hour photos & videos

Perfect For:

Rooftop or urban weddings
Post-reception sneak-away shots
Coastal cliffs and nighttime elopements
Emotional, story-driven wedding films

💬 So... Which Is Better?

Honestly? There’s no wrong answer. It all comes down to your vibe, location, and how much variety you want.

🧡 Our favorite timeline trick: Start your portraits during golden hour... then sneak away for a quick blue hour session. That combo gives you the warm glow and the moody magic — and your photos and film will thank you for it.

📸 Before & After Comparison Gallery:Add a swipe-through or stacked photo layout showing one couple during both lighting conditions.

💡 Pro Tip: Plan Ahead for the Perfect Light

Golden and blue hour don’t last long, so timeline planning is key. We help every couple map out their day to make sure these lighting windows are perfectly timed into your portraits, video coverage, or first look.

🗓 If you're getting married in San Diego, we’ve got the sunset timing dialed in — whether it’s beachside, clifftop, bayside, Balboa Park, or downtown.