If there’s one insider tip that transforms wedding photos, it’s this: plan your portraits around golden hour. That warm, soft, glowy light in the hour before sunset makes everyone look their best. But golden hour in Ottawa moves a lot through the year, so here’s how to time it right.
What is golden hour?
Golden hour is roughly the last hour before sunset (and the first after sunrise), when the sun is low and the light is soft, warm, and flattering — no harsh shadows, no squinting. It’s the light photographers quietly build entire timelines around.
Sunset times in Ottawa by season
Ottawa’s sunset shifts dramatically across the year, so your golden-hour window does too:
- Summer (June–July): late — sunset after ~8:30 p.m., so golden hour is a lovely late-evening treat.
- Fall (October): earlier — sunset around 6:00–6:30 p.m. and dropping fast.
- Winter (December): very early — sunset as early as ~4:20–4:30 p.m., so golden hour is mid-afternoon.
- Spring (April–May): sunset around 7:30–8:15 p.m. and climbing.
(These are seasonal ballparks — ask us for the exact sunset time on your specific date and we’ll build your timeline around it.)
How to plan photos around it
The move is simple: figure out sunset on your date, count back about an hour, and protect a ten-to-fifteen-minute window there for couple portraits — even if it means briefly stepping away from your reception. In summer that’s a late-evening escape; in winter it might fall before your ceremony even ends, which changes your whole plan. This is exactly why a photographer who knows the light matters. (See how it fits the full day in our timeline guide.)
FAQ
What time is golden hour in Ottawa?
It’s the hour before sunset, which shifts a lot by season — after 8:30 p.m. in summer, around 6 p.m. in October, and as early as mid-afternoon in December.
When is sunset in Ottawa?
Roughly: after 8:30 p.m. in June–July, 7:30–8:15 p.m. in spring, around 6:00–6:30 p.m. in October, and as early as ~4:20 p.m. in December.
How do I plan wedding photos around golden hour?
Find sunset on your date, count back about an hour, and reserve 10–15 minutes there for couple portraits. Ask your photographer for your exact time.
Why is golden hour good for photos?
The low sun gives soft, warm, flattering light with no harsh shadows or squinting — ideal for portraits.
Want your portraits in the prettiest light of the day? We’ll time your day around it.
