3 Things To Consider When Selecting Your Wedding Ceremony Time

Does it really matter what time your wedding ceremony starts? Absolutely. We are giving you the Wedding Planner “inside scoop” on the three biggest questions we ask when creating the ceremony timelines for couples: There is no “wrong time” for a ceremony to start – as long as these three essential things have been considered. […]

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September 9, 2026

Hannah Sanders

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Does it really matter what time your wedding ceremony starts? Absolutely. We are giving you the Wedding Planner “inside scoop” on the three biggest questions we ask when creating the ceremony timelines for couples:

  1. What time is sunset? This is absolutely the number one question we ask when we start creating a timeline – but not for those dreamy sunset photos! It is imperative to have a full understanding of the season and timing of sunset in order to create a timeline which flows well and creates a great guest experience. We want to ensure that photographers/videographers have ample time and lighting throughout the entire day, and that revolves around sunset. In order to answer this question well, we Google search what time sunset was on that date for the past three years. 
  2. Where is the ceremony taking place? All venues are different, and some venues have rules. This plays a huge role in determining your ceremony start time. For example, if you are planning to hold your ceremony in a church the time options may be limited. If you are planning to hold your ceremony outside there may not be as many time regulations, but  lighting is a huge factor.
  3. What time do we want to serve dinner? This question is so important to ask, and varies per couple. Think about when you’d like all of your guests eating, and work backwards from there. 

There is no “wrong time” for a ceremony to start – as long as these three essential things have been considered. Discussing these questions with your Wedding Planner will guarantee a timeline that flows well and creates a wonderful guest experience!