Fall weddings in the Midwest offer some of the most beautiful backdrops of the year: vibrant leaves, golden skies, and crisp air that make for dreamy portraits. It can be simply stunning to get married this time of year. However, in order for you and your photographer (me!) to take full advantage of the season, your wedding day timeline needs to be designed with light and weather in mind. We want to highlight the best parts of the season to really make your day shine. After all, there is a reason you chose to get married in the fall!

Here’s how to plan your day-of timeline for a smooth, photo-friendly fall wedding from start to finish.

Morning: Getting Ready On-Site, if possible.

Ideal start: 7:00–9:00 AM
Getting ready at your venue or nearby reduces travel stress and ensures your team has everything they need.
Choose a well-lit space (ideally with windows) for natural light in your getting-ready photos.
Hair and makeup should be completed at least one hour before your first look or ceremony.

Photography begins around 10:00–11:00 AM with detail shots (flat lays, attire, invitation suite) followed by candid moments with your bridal party.

This should stay pretty standard no matter when you get married, but fall can be more overcast than spring or summer, so keep that in mind! It may still be a bit dark in the early morning.

Late Morning / Early Afternoon: First Look & Portraits

Recommended time: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
A first look ensures time for intimate portraits and wedding party photos before the ceremony.
Fall light can be harsh at midday if it isn’t overcast outside, so you can opt for shaded spots or indoor areas if the sun is strong.
If your venue has fall foliage, this is a great time to capture it without being rushed.

This is really when you can show off the season! Use your venue and location to your advantage at this time.

Mid-Afternoon: Ceremony

Ideal ceremony time: 3:00–4:00 PM
This allows enough time for:

Great natural light during the ceremony
Pre-Sunset and Sunset portraits after the ceremony
A seamless transition into cocktail hour and reception

Pro tip: If you’re having an outdoor ceremony, keep backup heaters available as it can cool down quickly in late fall.

Golden Hour Portraits

Plan this window carefully: Typically 30–45 minutes before sunset
In the Midwest, fall sunsets can range from 5:30–6:30 PM depending on the date.
Work with your photographer to carve out 15–20 minutes during this time for just-married portraits in that golden glow.

This is the moment for dreamy, romantic images with warm light and fall colors. Think fall leaves in the background and gorgeous golden-hued images.

Evening: Reception

Cocktail hour: 4:30–5:30 PM (indoors or under covered patio with heaters if needed)
Reception start: 6:00 PM
Fall evenings get dark early, so plan to add:

Twinkle lights
Uplighting in your reception space
Extra candles for a cozy ambiance

Final Thoughts:

The right timeline doesn’t just make your day run smoothly, it makes your photos better, too. Fall weddings are all about natural beauty, and by planning around the light and seasonal quirks, you’ll get the most out of every moment.

Trust my guidance on timing and location, and don’t be afraid to let me build your day around the golden hour. You won’t regret it when you’re looking through your album. I am so well-versed in capturing this time of year, and I can’t wait to talk about your special day. Inquire about working with me below.

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