By a Hampshire Wedding Photographer Who Loves the Light
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What is Golden Hour?
Golden hour is the dreamy time of day just after sunrise or just before sunset, when the sun is low in the sky. The light during this time is soft, warm, and flattering — think glowing skin, golden tones, and beautifully backlit portraits. It’s nature’s filter, and it’s incredibly romantic.
For most weddings, the evening golden hour is the one to watch. In the summer, this might fall between 7–9pm, while in spring or autumn, it could be a bit earlier. As a wedding photographer in Hampshire, I always check the exact sunset time when planning your photo schedule so we can catch that perfect window.
Why Golden Hour Photos Are Worth It, trust your hampshire wedding photographer
If you’re dreaming of relaxed, romantic, and cinematic portraits, golden hour is your best friend. Here’s why I always recommend setting aside a little time for it:
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Flattering Light: The low-angle sun gives everything a beautiful glow. It smooths skin tones and eliminates harsh shadows.
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Emotional Vibes: There’s just something about that golden glow that brings out the intimacy and connection between couples.
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Stunning Backdrops: Whether you’re getting married in the rolling countryside, a garden venue, or near the coast, golden hour enhances every setting. As a wedding photographer Hampshire couples trust, I can say with confidence — this is when your venue looks its most magical.
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Quiet Time Together: Golden hour photos usually happen after the meal and speeches, giving you a chance to slip away for a few quiet moments just the two of you.
Golden Hour at Iconic Hampshire Venues
🌾 Clock Barn
Clock Barn is one of the most photogenic venues in Hampshire — and golden hour takes it to another level. The surrounding countryside offers open fields, long grass, and that iconic barn silhouette, which looks breathtaking with the setting sun behind it. If you time it right, we can capture soft golden light streaming through the trees and a beautiful, warm glow on the barn’s rustic exterior. It’s perfect for romantic, editorial-style portraits.
As a Hampshire wedding photographer, I love slipping away with couples here for 15 quiet minutes as the sun dips low — it’s always a highlight of the day.
🏛️ Combe Manor
Combe Manor, with its elegant stonework and sweeping views across the valley, is equally stunning at golden hour. The light gently wraps around the Georgian-style façade and spills beautifully across the gardens and rolling hills. Whether we’re capturing candid laughter on the lawn or a quiet stroll toward the fields, golden hour here adds a timeless, storybook feel to every shot.
The key at Combe Manor is timing — because the sun sets just beyond the distant hills, we can make the most of that magical soft light while keeping the manor house glowing in the background.
How to Plan for Golden Hour on Your Wedding Day
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Check the Sunset Time: I always help my couples plan around the expected sunset on their date.
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Talk to Your Photographer Early: Let’s chat during the planning stages so we can carve out 15–20 minutes for golden hour photos without disrupting the flow of your day.
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Stay Flexible: Sometimes the best light lasts only a few minutes. Trust your Hampshire wedding photographer to guide you when the light is just right.
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Keep It Simple: You don’t need to go far! Often, we can step just outside your venue and capture stunning shots in minutes.
A Final Thought from Your Hampshire Wedding Photographer
Golden hour is a gift from nature — and I love using it to create timeless, beautiful images that you’ll treasure forever. If you’re in the early stages of wedding planning or finalising your timeline, don’t forget to include space for this special time of day.
Let’s make your golden hour glow as unforgettable as the rest of your day.
💌 Thinking about golden hour portraits for your Hampshire wedding? I’d love to help you plan the perfect timing and locations for your dream photos — get in touch here or check out my portfolio!
