How to Plan a Sunset Wedding

From exchanging vows to sharing your first kiss as newlyweds, the wedding ceremony is arguably one of the most romantic parts of your big day. What will make it even more magical is saying “I do” during sunset. When the sun sinks into the sky, the phenomenon creates a medley of gold, orange, and pink and casts a warm glow over your evening, which is perfect for evoking a dreamy ambiance. Not to mention, the way the light hits will generate the most flattering photos. Although sunsets vary depending on the time of the year and the location—as early as 4 p.m. in the winter or as late as 10 p.m. in the summer—they tend to take place later in the day, which leaves ample time to get glam, snap portraits, and rest, according to Neillie Butler of Mariée Ami.

If you’re thinking about hosting a ceremony during sunset, we asked an experienced wedding planner to give us the lowdown on the process. From the best time and location to beautiful decoration ideas, here’s a complete guide to planning a sunset wedding. 

The Best Time and Location for a Sunset Wedding

The last thing you want is to miss the sunset, so one of the most important steps in planning a sunset wedding is choosing the right time and location. The sunset takes place on the earlier side in the fall and winter and on the later side in the spring and summer, so make sure you check the scheduled sunset time based on your wedding date and region. For instance, the earliest sunset in New York City is 4:28 p.m. during the winter solstice in late December, and the latest sunset is 8:31 p.m. during the summer solstice in late June. The best time for your ceremony will depend on when and where you tie the knot.

The length of your wedding ceremony also impacts the start time. Since most services tend to last between 20 and 30 minutes, Butler advises planning your vow exchange 30 minutes prior to the scheduled sunset. So, if the sun sets at 7:32 p.m., tell your guests that the event will begin at 7 p.m. If your ceremony will last longer than 30 minutes, you’ll want to start even earlier. “We love when the ceremony ends just as the sun is setting, so guests exit in a beautiful afterglow,” she says. Since the average duration of a sunset in the United States is 33 minutes, according to WorldData Info, selecting a start time 30 minutes before the sunset will give you enough time to take a few portraits after you trade vows and provide enough light for your guests to travel to the cocktail hour.

As for the location, an outdoor setting with open views is your best bet, whether it’s on the beach or at the top of a mountain. After you’ve chosen your landscape, Butler recommends considering your venue’s orientation in relation to the sunset, noting where the sun will set in the sky, and acknowledging how you’ll want to position your altar. The planner mentions that you’ll probably want to recite your promises facing the sunset, so none of your guests will have to stare into the blinding sun. Plus, you and your partner will look like you’re glowing with the sun in front of you.

Planning Tips for a Sunset Wedding

Once you’ve selected the exact time and place of your ceremony, there are some other details you’ll need to keep in mind. For one, Butler encourages you to touch base with your photographer about the photos you’ll want to take before and after the ceremony, so you can plan your photoshoot around the best lighting. You’ll also want to check with your venue about any restrictions, such as noise ordinances or power needs, at that time to ensure your sunset wedding goes as smoothly as possible, Butler says. 

Another priority is enhancing the guest experience. Consider putting a pair of sunglasses on each chair, so your friends and family won’t have to squint in order to watch your ceremony. To aid in your loved ones’ comfort, take note of how the temperature changes once it turns dark. If the air gets cooler at night, perhaps you’ll want to provide pashminas or blankets to keep your guests warm.

Ideas for Sunset-Themed Decorations

The decorations you choose for your sunset wedding will largely depend on the aesthetic, season, and location. However, if you want the sunset to be the focal point, opt for minimal adornments at your ceremony to avoid overshadowing the view. Maybe you want the sunset itself to be the main overarching concept on your big day. If that’s the case, then deck out your celebration with sunset-themed décor. 

To channel the vibrant hues of a sunset, consider a color palette of orange, pink, and gold. You can also work blue into the mix to mirror the sky backdrop. For instance, line your aisle with lanterns and flowers in those striking shades to recreate the sunset. Then, exchange vows in front of a coordinating floral arch for a cohesive setup. At your reception, wrap your tables in blue linens and scatter a mix of orange and pink vases with the same color flowers down the center. You’ll definitely want to play up lighting, such as taper candles placed on your tablescape and string lights suspended from the ceiling. We also love the idea of adding illustrations of the sun to your invitations, welcome signs, ceremony programs, seating charts, and menus.

How to Create a Romantic Ambiance

The sunset’s soft glow will already generate a magical atmosphere at your nuptials, so you don’t have to lift a finger to bring the romance. However, if you want to up the ante, Butler suggests decorating the space with ample lighting, such as a collection of candles on the perimeter of your aisle or a cascade of string lights on the ceiling of a tented reception. 

To produce a more romantic ambiance, you’ll want to make sure your guests are as comfortable as possible. “Consider a plush cushion or a mix of elegant vintage chairs, so your guest can embrace the intimate vibe,” Butler says.

Suggestions for Choosing the Right Photographer

One of the main reasons why couples choose to host a sunset wedding is to capture gorgeous photographs, which means hiring the right photographer is an essential step. First and foremost, Butler recommends reviewing the vendor’s portfolio to discern whether their style resonates with your vision and to check if they have any experience shooting sunset weddings. If you can’t find a blog or gallery of a sunset wedding, ask the photographer to send you one. 

Next, Butler advises reading testimonials from previous clients to get a feel for the talent’s professionalism, communication, experience, and skills, especially working in different lighting. If you find a vendor who checks all of the boxes, schedule a call with them or shoot them an email. “Make sure you have a list of questions to ensure they fit within your budget, the hours you need them, the specific offerings you’re looking for— like whether you want film photography or an heirloom photo album—and how many photographers they’ll bring,” Butler says.