As a Scotland wedding photographer, I need to say something plainly. If you’re planning your ceremony during high sun times outdoors, please reconsider. If you’re planning it because it’s convenient or you “just want it done early,” understand this: you are choosing the worst lighting of the day.
I love what I do. I’m a cinematic photographer. I build atmosphere, emotion, story, and light into every frame. But even the best photographer can’t control the sun when it’s directly overhead, beating down without mercy. Not even a flash can save you.
Harsh light flattens faces, creates deep eye sockets, blows out dresses, and cuts lines across your cheeks. It makes detail work harder. It makes your guests squint. It’s not romantic. It’s not moody. It’s not soft or golden or magical. It’s just hot, bright, and unforgiving.
And I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve warned couples about this during planning, only to be met with, “Oh it’ll be fine,” or “We’ll be in Scotland, it won’t even be sunny.” And yet. It is. Especially in summer.
Then the gallery comes. The comments start. “Why are there so many shadows?” “Why does my face look weird here?” Because you got married at 1PM in direct sunlight on a cliff.
This isn’t a rant. This is your wedding photographer trying to help you get what you actually want. That Pinterest board filled with glowy light and soft, timeless portraits? Every single one of those was taken in golden hour light. Or inside, in controlled conditions. Not at peak UV index.
Better Times for Beautiful Photos in Scotland
Summer (May–August)
Scotland’s summer days are gloriously long, with golden hour arriving late and lasting beautifully.
- Ideal Ceremony Time: 5:30PM–7:30PM
- Golden Hour for Portraits: 7:30PM–9:30PM
- Sunset Range: 8:30PM–10:00PM, depending on location and date
Why it works: A ceremony starting between 5:30 and 7:30PM gives us soft, directional light. Then, we can take full advantage of the golden hour for portraits when the light is low, warm, and flattering.
Bonus tip: If you’re planning a first look, you could also schedule couple portraits around 3:00–4:00PM, when the sun starts to lower but isn’t quite golden yet.
Winter (November–February)
Days are shorter in winter, and the light is low and soft all day, but you still need to be careful not to run out of daylight.
- Ideal Ceremony Time: 11:00AM–1:00PM
- Golden Hour for Portraits: 2:30PM–3:30PM
- Sunset Range: 3:30PM–4:30PM
Why it works: In winter, light is limited. Holding your ceremony around midday ensures you have usable light for both the vows and a romantic golden hour portrait session before dusk settles in.
Important note: If you’re planning to elope to Scotland in winter, start early. Opt for a morning ceremony followed immediately by a couple’s session before the sun sets. As a cinematic photographer, I’ll help you maximise every bit of that beautiful winter glow.
Real Talk: Your Photos Reflect the Light
I can edit. I can adjust. I can remove some shadows and bring balance. But I cannot change the laws of physics. I cannot make a high noon sun look like golden hour. And it’s maddening, honestly, to pour hours of work into making the most of poor conditions only to be met with disappointment—because the ceremony time wasn’t taken seriously.
If you want cinematic wedding photos—the kind that make your heart skip, the kind that feel like film stills—you must think about the light. I don’t say this to be dramatic. I say it because it’s the difference between photos you like and photos you love.
Check out these galleries featuring golden hour light:
Rachel & Greg
Fiona and Ciaran
Rebecca & Iain
Olivia & James
Elope to Scotland—But Let Me Help You Plan It
If you’re choosing to elope to Scotland, let me help you pick the best light, the best time, and the best locations. Let’s hike early or linger late. Let’s get you married in a golden glen or beside a quiet loch at sunset. Let’s not stick your vows under the sharp sun on a treeless ridge at noon. Unless that’s what you really want. In which case, I respect the chaos—but you’ve been warned.
You hired a professional wedding photographer for a reason. Trust me. Listen when I talk about time and light. These choices matter. They shape the story of your day. So please, stop holding your ceremony at high sun. Stop getting upset when your photos reflect that choice.
I want you to have photographs that feel like poetry. I want your skin to glow, your dress to shimmer, and your love to radiate in every image.
Let’s work with the sun. Not against it.
Looking to book me as your photographer in Scotland or abroad?
If you’re getting married in 2026 or 2027, I want to hear from you! Whether you’re in the UK or abroad, I’d love to capture your special day. I travel all over Scotland, the UK, Europe, and the United States. My passion for cinematic and fine art photography shines through in every celebration. So, reach out to secure your date, and let’s create beautiful memories together! Click here to inquire!
