Perth Wedding Photography: why we love golden hour

STUNNING SKIES, DIFFUSED LIGHT AND GLOWY AMBIENC

The Magic of Golden Hour Wedding Photography in Perth

Weddings are made up of so many small, magical moments that deserve to be treasured forever. And if there’s one time of day that offers the perfect backdrop for capturing those memories, it’s golden hour. That beautiful slice of time leading up to sunset and just after, creates warm, natural light that makes everything look dreamy and gorgeous.

If you’re planning a Perth wedding, here’s everything you need to know about making the most of it.

Jarrahfall Bush Camp Golden Hour

What Is Golden Hour?

Golden hour happens when the sun is low in the sky, casting soft, diffused light in warm tones. It’s the exact opposite of that harsh midday sunshine that creates unflattering shadows and makes people squint. Instead, this light gently wraps around you, giving your photos that glowing, timeless feel.

Imagine golden sunlight streaming through the trees as you walk hand in hand down the laneway of tall trees at Brookleigh Estate or how the final rays of sunshine light up the open field at Quarry Farm. Picture Matilda Bay at twilight with the soft pastel hues of the sky and the Swan River and yachts in the background. The kind of light that can come with this time of day can really elevate your wedding photos.

Coast Port Beach at Sunset

Timing Is Everything

To make the most of golden hour, you’ll need to plan around it. The exact timing changes with the seasons here in Perth, so figuring out when the sun sets on your wedding day is key to incorporating it into your timeline.

• Summer Weddings
  Long summer days mean later sunsets, usually around 7:00–7:30 PM. To hit that perfect light, most couples plan their ceremony for about 4:00 or 4:30 PM. This gives you plenty of time for portraits during golden hour while keeping your evening celebrations on track. Prefer to make your reception entrance earlier, you can always slip out for a quick 15 minute golden hour session while your guests enjoy cocktails.

• Autumn Weddings
  By May, the days are shorter, and the sun sets closer to 5:30 PM. If you’re planning a wedding around this time, starting your ceremony earlier, say at 3:00 PM, ensures you’ll have enough time for dreamy golden hour shots without feeling rushed. You do lose available light after sunset alot quicker at this time of year but your photographer will help you figure out the perfect schedule, balancing sunlight and the flow of your day.

Getting the timing just right may sound a bit technical, but it makes all the difference. A seasoned photographer will also know how to adapt if the light changes or your venue’s surroundings affect when the sun dips below the horizon.

Mandurah Coast at Dusk

There’s More to Golden Hour Than Sunsets

While we all love a good sunset, golden hour is way more versatile than just the sun dropping below the horizon. This light adds magic everywhere—from filtering softly through tree branches at Baldivis Farm Stay (Country Charm Weddings) to reflecting off the lake at Sandalford Winery or even bouncing warmly against a building’s architecture at UWA.
Another technique we can use during this time is using the sunset sky as a stunning backdrop to capture creative silhouettes. From a couple holding hands to a tender kiss, these images create dramatic contrasts, they have the ability to strip away distractions and focus purely on emotion and connection. These photos don’t just show what things look like; they tell a story.

Golden hour also offers a naturally dynamic environment for creativity. Whether it’s long, dramatic shadows cast by the setting sun or experimenting with light flares that peek through the spaces between you, the results are always stunning and unique.

Darlington Estate at Sunset

Why Golden Hour Makes Your Photos Shine

1. Flattering Light for Everyone
   Golden hour light works wonders on every skin tone, softening lines and creating a subtle, natural glow. It’s never harsh, so you avoid shadows and squinting. The result? Stunning portraits where everyone looks their best.

2. Depth and Emotion
   The warm, directional light gives your photos a natural depth—not to mention a whole lot of heart. It has a way of turning small moments, like an unprompted laugh or a quick glance between the two of you, into something cinematic and unforgettable.

3. It Highlights Your Location
   No matter where you’re getting married, golden hour light amplifies the beauty of your surroundings. Whether it’s a tree-filled estate, a sunlit field, or a waterfront venue, this light finds every little detail and makes it shine.

4. Timeless Quality
   Golden hour photos don’t just feel magical in the moment; they feel timeless. The warm tones and natural beauty ensure your images will be as stunning 10 years from now as they are on the day you say “I do.”

Quarry Farm After Sunset

Brookleigh Estate

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Golden Hour

• Plan Your Timeline in Advance
  Golden hour waits for no one, so chat with your photographer early about when and where to capture it. A bit of planning goes a long way toward ensuring everything runs seamlessly.

• Maximize Your Venue’s Charm
  Each venue has unique features that interact with golden hour light in its own way. Photographers familiar with Perth’s wedding spots will know the secret pockets of your location that will look breathtaking during this window of time.

• Enjoy the Moment
  It’s okay to forget about posing and just be yourselves. Some of the best golden hour shots come from natural, unguarded moments. Whether it’s a quiet kiss, a laugh, or simply looking out at the view together, your photographer will capture the authenticity of the moment.

Dusk at Ambrose Estate

The Unpredictability of Golden Hour

While golden hour can create stunning photos, it’s important to remember that nature has a mind of its own. Even with the best planning, we can’t guarantee perfect conditions. Some days the sky might be overcast, or it may rain. There’s also the chance that the sunset lacks vibrant colors, leaving the sky looking muted or even grey At the end of day we adapt to what nature offers. Even when golden hour doesn’t unfold as planned, there are still unique opportunities to capture beautiful moments in natural lighting. An experienced wedding photographer will know how to pivot and use their creativity to still deliver gorgeous photos from your day.

Sandalford Wines at Sunset

Wrapping It Up

Golden hour might not last long, but the memories it creates will. Thanks to its soft, natural light, this time of day has a way of turning even the simplest moments into something extraordinary.

If you want photos that feel warm, glowy and full of love, planning your wedding around golden hour is a great idea. With the right photographer, you can relax, enjoy the moment, and know they’ll capture every detail beautifully.

I’d love to hear about your vision for your wedding day. Whether you’re picturing twilight tones over the Swan River, golden light at a Vineyard in the Swan Valley or a chilled celebration at a Farm Stay. I’ll work with you to create the kind of timeless, heartfelt images you’ll cherish forever.

Twilight at Matilda Bay