If you are getting married outdoors in Scottsdale between May and October this is the most important planning decision you will make.
Scottsdale summer heat peaks between noon and 4pm. Direct overhead sun creates harsh shadows across faces, washed out skies, and squinting guests. No amount of editing fixes midday Arizona sun.
Golden hour — the 60 minutes before sunset — is different. The light goes warm and directional. Shadows go long and soft. The desert landscape does things it simply cannot do at any other time of day.
In Scottsdale golden hour typically runs from about 6:45pm to 7:45pm in summer. That means if your ceremony ends by 6pm you have a window for couples portraits that will define the best photos from your entire wedding day.
Here is how to build your timeline around it:
- Ceremony: 4:30 to 5:30pm
- Cocktail hour: 5:30 to 6:30pm
- Couples portraits: 6:30 to 7:30pm
- Dinner and reception: 7:30pm onwards
This timeline keeps your guests comfortable during the hottest part of the afternoon indoors or in shade and puts you in front of the camera during the best light of the day.
Winter weddings in Scottsdale have more flexibility. Golden hour arrives earlier and the midday light is softer. But the same principle applies — build your portrait time around the light and everything else gets easier.
Golden hour by month in Phoenix and Scottsdale:
- January: 5:15 to 6:00pm
- February: 5:45 to 6:30pm
- March: 6:15 to 7:00pm
- April: 6:45 to 7:30pm
- May: 7:15 to 8:00pm
- June: 7:30 to 8:15pm
- July: 7:15 to 8:00pm
- August: 7:00 to 7:45pm
- September: 6:30 to 7:15pm
- October: 5:45 to 6:30pm
- November: 5:15 to 6:00pm
- December: 5:00 to 5:45pm
If you are not sure how to structure your timeline for your specific venue and date reach out. We have shot 150 weddings in Arizona and we know where the light is.