How to Choose the Right Wedding Date for Your Dream Photos in Orange County & Los Angeles
Picking your wedding date is one of the first and biggest decisions you’ll make as an engaged couple. While availability, venue, and family logistics are often top of mind, one thing that’s just as important (but often overlooked) is how your wedding date affects your photos, especially in areas like Orange County and Los Angeles, where lighting, seasons, and local events can have a major impact.
As a Southern California wedding photographer, I’ve helped dozens of couples plan their photography timelines to capture beautiful photos of their wedding day. If capturing stunning, natural-light wedding photos is a top priority for you, here are the key things to consider when picking your date.
Consider the Light & Time of Year
In photography, light is everything. Southern California offers gorgeous natural light all year, but the quality of light changes seasonally.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Spring (March–May): Soft, flattering light, lush greenery, and blooming florals. Sunsets are a little earlier (6–7 p.m.), which is perfect for a golden-hour ceremony or portraits.
- Summer (June–August): Long days and golden sunsets that don’t hit until after 8 p.m. It can be hot inland (especially in OC or LA canyons), but coastal venues stay cooler.
- Fall (September–November): Warm tones, mild weather, and dreamy golden hour. Sunsets shift earlier — ideal for couples wanting a cozy vibe with rich color.
- Winter (December–February): Earlier sunsets (around 4:45–5:15 p.m.), but crisp, moody light that can be romantic and unique. Great for indoor or early afternoon ceremonies.
If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony at venues like Franciscan Gardens (San Juan Capistrano), Coyote Hills (Fullerton), or The Ebell of Los Angeles, timing your wedding around the best natural light can help you get better photos.
Know When Golden Hour Happens
Golden hour is that magical window of time just before sunset when the light is soft, warm, and incredibly flattering — it’s a photographer’s dream.
To schedule portraits or your ceremony around golden hour, you’ll need to know when sunset happens on your wedding date. Here’s a general breakdown for SoCal:
| Month | Approx. Sunset Time |
| January | 4:50–5:15 p.m. |
| April | 7:15–7:30 p.m. |
| July | 8:00–8:15 p.m. |
| October | 6:15–6:30 p.m. |
| December | 4:45–5:00 p.m. |
If dreamy golden-hour portraits are a must, pick a date when sunset lines up with your portrait time or ceremony. A quick note here: If you plan to have a sunset ceremony, you’ll want to incorporate a first look into your wedding day so that you can get photos together, with your bridal party, and family before it gets dark. While I often photograph my couples after dark, I find that the formal group shots tend to look best while the sun is still shining!
Think About Seasonal Vibes & Colors
Every season in Southern California brings a different mood. Your wedding date helps set the tone of your photos through:
- Florals & foliage
- Color palettes (warm neutrals in fall, coastal pastels in spring)
- Wardrobe choices
- Lighting mood (bright and bold in summer vs. soft and muted in winter)
Want a soft and romantic feel with fresh blooms? Try late March or April. Prefer rich tones and golden light? Late September to early November is perfect.
Avoid High-Glare Dates
Believe it or not, some dates are harder to photograph than others. In summer, midday ceremonies (especially at 12–2 p.m.) can mean harsh shadows, squinting guests, and washed-out colors. Instead, opt for:
- Later ceremony times (4:30–5:30 p.m. is ideal in summer)
- Shaded or indoor ceremony spaces
- Split portrait sessions (some before and some after the ceremony)
If your venue is in downtown LA or an open space like Giracci Vineyards, ceremony timing becomes even more important due to open-sky lighting.
Factor in Local Events & Peak Seasons
Orange County and Los Angeles are popular destinations, which means traffic, hotel rates, and vendor availability can be affected by:
- Tourist season (June–August)
- Major events (music festivals, marathons, award season)
- Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, etc.)
Venues like Ole Hanson Beach Club (San Clemente) or Calamigos Ranch (Malibu) can be extra busy in the summer and around holidays. If you’re looking for more flexibility and quieter weekends, consider shoulder seasons like March–May or late September–November.
Talk to Your Photographer Early
The sooner you involve your photographer, the better. We can help you:
- Pick a date that works for your dream lighting
- Plan a timeline that maximizes golden hour
- Avoid scheduling pitfalls
- Choose venues and ceremony spaces that photograph well
Most photographers (myself included!) are happy to help you strategize the timing once you’ve narrowed down your season or venue short list.
Your Dream Wedding Photos Start With the Right Date
Choosing the right wedding date is about more than what’s available – it’s about creating an experience and gallery that reflects your vision. Whether you’re saying “I do” on a sunny hilltop in Orange County or under historic arches in downtown Los Angeles, the timing of your day can make all the difference in your photos.
Need help figuring out when to book your venue or how to structure your timeline around the light? I’d love to help. Reach out [here] to chat about your vision and how we can make sure your wedding photos are everything you’re dreaming of.
