So you want to have your ceremony outdoors. A picturesque hilltop or maybe even a poolside ceremony? I’ve got some tips to make your outdoor ceremony a success. These tips will also help photographers, especially those just starting out, so let’s dive in!
First, let’s talk lighting.
1. Ceremony time: mid day (think BRIGHT white light)
Mid day light is the brightest and hardest to shoot in. With the light source directly overhead, it streams light hard and heavy down on subjects, darkening eye sockets and casting harsh shadows. If you are opting for a mid day ceremony, be aware that this does impact the way your images look. It might be exactly what you want (it isn’t bad at all!), you should just ask your photographer to explain the implications of choosing this time.
2. Ceremony time: early evening (think SOFT white light)
These images were shot at about 2:45 pm when sunset was at 5:30 pm. You’ll see the sun is still a bit high, but the buildings do a great job of diffusing a lot of harsh light. In this first image, take a look at the harsh shadows on the ground. If the bride and groom were to stand under the archway (the shadow), the photographer would be able to easily meter for the bride and groom and get nice skin tones. Their bridal party, would be standing mostly in direct sunlight, which would mean their skin would be over exposed compared to your bride and groom.
Another example of how the shadows are harsher mid-day/early evening.
You can see here how the Bride and Groom would be evenly exposed in the archway. If the Bridal party stood in a straight line on either side of the archway, in the shadow, it would mean the entire wedding party would be in even light.
In the left image, I’m using the arch to block some of the light from entering my lens.
On the right, I’ll allowing some of the light to hit the tip of my lens to create this sunflare.
This was photographed around 3:30.
You can see the light has moved – now the entire bridal party would be in even light.
But your guests? Half would be in shade, half would be in full sun.
But since the sun is coming from the side, this isn’t a problem!
Sun directly head on is what you want to avoid.
Look at the shadows – guests on the left (Bride’s side) are in the shade.
On the right, groom’s family, in sunlight.
But again, it’s coming angled from the side, so it isn’t straining on the eyes
like it would be coming from directly in front.
3. Ceremony time: sunset (think GOLDEN soft light)
Outdoor ceremony locations are often beautiful, placed near water or a scenic backdrop. For those wanting a sunset ceremony, sometimes this can be a bit tricky. If your venue has a static ceremony location and your heart is set on a sunset ceremony, consider this: without something blocking the sun, your guests will be blinded making it almost impossible to see you.The Nylo’s Poolside Ceremony location is perfect. As you’ll see, the candlelit, poolside ceremony has a romantic glow as the sun sets and illuminates the building behind the archway. Watch what happened between 5:10 – 5:45 pm (again, sunset was right before 5:30 pm). Candles look amazing during this time of day.
Because this is getting rather lengthy, I’ll quickly summarize my additional tips.
4. Warm weather ceremonies? Have bottles of water and fans handy. This is almost a necessity, especially in the South! You may even consider having bug spray and sunscreen available. Your guests will thank you.
I hope this helps with lighting ideas for your outdoor ceremony to give you the wedding of your dreams!
With gratitude,
Kate
Venue: Nylo Las Colinas
Event Styling: As You Wish Events
