Listen, bestie — if I had a dollar for every wedding photo ruined by bad lighting, I’d have… well, a lot of dollars, and probably my own lighting rental company by now. Lighting is everything. You can have the dreamiest dress, the Pinterest-perfect florals, and a photographer who charges more than your first car — but if the lighting is off? Those memories will live forever in the “why does my skin look gray?” folder.
The good news? You don’t need to become a lighting engineer to make your big day glow (literally). You just need to know the insider moves — the ones that make your photos look like they belong in a glossy bridal magazine, not your cousin’s Facebook album from 2011.
So, grab your mental notepad. Let’s make sure your wedding lights up in all the right ways.
1. Golden Hour Is Your BFF — Don’t Miss Her
You know that dreamy, warm glow that makes everyone look like they just walked out of a romance movie? That’s golden hour, and she only hangs around for about 45 minutes.
Schedule your couple portraits and any “wow” shots during this time — typically an hour before sunset. Ask your photographer to check the sunset time for your date and location, because trust me, sunset in Napa is not the same as sunset in New York. And yes, we plan around it — because golden hour is like free, natural Photoshop.
2. Outdoor Ceremony? Watch That Shade Situation
A patchy shade from a tree might feel cute in person, but in photos? Your forehead’s in the sun, your chin’s in the dark, and your makeup suddenly looks like contouring gone wrong.
If you’re outside, aim for full shade or full sun — no in-between. Full shade (like under a tent or open pavilion) keeps lighting even and soft. Full sun works too, but keep the sun behind you so you’re backlit and glowing, not squinting like you just saw your ex.
3. Indoor Ceremony? Two Words: Ambient Glow
Indoor spaces can get tricky — nobody wants fluorescent light vibes on their wedding album. Think warm, soft light sources like string lights, uplighting, or candles (yes, battery-operated works too).
Skip overhead lighting that casts harsh shadows. Instead, go for lighting that comes from the sides or below eye level. That’s how you get that “effortlessly radiant” look without editing every single shot.
4. Reception Lighting: Go for Layers, Not Spotlight
Unless you’re performing a Broadway solo, you don’t want one bright spotlight following you around. Layer your lighting instead — think fairy lights above, votives on the tables, and a warm wash across the dance floor.
Bonus tip? Ask your DJ or lighting vendor to avoid bright green or purple lights during special moments. Those colors will show up in your photos, and you’ll be wondering why your first dance looks like a rave.
5. Talk to Your Photographer and Your Lighting Vendor
Yes, I know — you already have a million vendors in a group chat. But your lighting team and photographer need to be on the same page. If your photographer is expecting warm tones and your lighting vendor sets everything to icy blue, you’ll be editing forever.
Pro tip: Have them test the lighting together during your rehearsal or setup time. Ten minutes now = years of loving your photos.
6. Don’t Forget the Candid Zones
It’s not just the altar and dance floor that need love — think about where guests will actually hang out. Cocktail hour spots, lounge areas, and even the photo booth corner deserve flattering lighting too.
Because let’s be real, those “caught in the moment” shots will end up in your album, and you want your friends looking like the best versions of themselves — not like they’re telling ghost stories around a flashlight.
7. Keep It Real (and Comfortable)
I know the vibe is “magazine-ready,” but remember, guests actually have to exist in this lighting. Avoid setups that blind people or make them sweat under heat lamps for hours. The prettiest lighting is the one that lets everyone relax and enjoy without squinting or overheating.
8. Bonus Mood-Setter: Play With Shadows
Okay, this is for my artsy brides. Shadows can make your photos look next level — think lace patterns from a veil, dramatic silhouettes against a sunset, or soft tree shadows in the background. Just make sure your photographer knows to catch these moments. It’s the kind of detail Pinterest boards are made of.
Lighting isn’t just about visibility — it’s about mood, atmosphere, and how your memories feel every time you look back. When you get it right, every single shot says, “Yes, this was the wedding of the year.”
So trust me on this one: plan your lighting like you plan your dress. Because in the end, you want to remember the joy, the laughter, and how you looked like you belonged in the pages of Vogue Weddings.
Girl, you got this — and your photos are about to prove it.
