Sunsets & ‘I Do’s’: A Month-to-Month Wedding Planning Guide

I know, I know—you’re probably thinking I’m a little crazy for starting with December. But hear me out! December felt like the perfect place to begin my wedding timeline blog series. For one, it’s part of winter, and my OCD simply wouldn’t allow me to start with January and leave December hanging. And starting with March? Absolutely not. December just makes sense, and I’m sticking with it!

December

December feels like such a dreamy time to get married, especially if you’re a Christmas nut like me! The twinkle lights, cozy vibes, and festive spirit are hard to beat. That said, the sun isn’t always on our side when it comes to December weddings. During this month, sunset typically sneaks up on us between 5:30–5:45 PM, which is something extremely vital when planning your timeline.

January

January feels like such a magical time to say “I do,” with its cozy winter tones and fresh-start energy to kick off the new year. While the Christmas décor has faded, the season still offers a beautifully romantic atmosphere. The good news? That said, the sun isn’t quite on our side just yet. In January, sunset still arrives fairly early—typically between 5:45–6:15 PM—making it an important factor to consider when building your wedding-day timeline.

February

February feels like such a romantic time to cherish the first kiss and more, think soft winter light, cozy elegance, and all the love-filled vibes of the season. I mean, why not? February is the month of LOVE! While it may not have the festive sparkle of December, it brings its own kind of charm. That said, the sun still isn’t quite on our side yet. In February, sunset typically falls between 6:15–6:45 PM, it's still not as short as December, but something to be mindful of when setting your timeline.

March

March feels like such an uplifting time to not ditch the alter, think the first hints of spring, soft natural light, and a fresh, airy vibe all around. It’s the perfect season for couples ready to welcome new beginnings! While it doesn’t have the cozy winter charm of February, it brings its own bright and cheerful energy. The good news? The sun sticks around a bit longer! In March, sunset typically falls between 6:45–8:15 PM, giving you more daylight for outdoor imagery and a little extra breathing room in your wedding-day timeline.

April

April feels like such a magical time to say "in sickness and in health", spring is in full swing, with blooming flowers, fresh greenery, and soft, radiant light everywhere. It’s the perfect season for couples who want a bright, cheerful, and romantic atmosphere. The best part? The sun lingers even longer! In April, sunset typically falls between 8:00–8:30 PM, giving you plenty of daylight for the perfect outdoor photos, opportunity for a later ceremony, and extra flexibility in your wedding-day timeline.

May

May feels like such a gorgeous time to tie the knot, spring is in full bloom, with vibrant flowers, lush greenery, and warm, golden light filling the day. It’s the perfect season for couples who want a bright, joyful, and romantic atmosphere. Even better? The sun sticks around even longer! In May, sunset typically falls between 8:30–9:00 PM, giving you plenty of daylight for dreamy outdoor photos, warm late night ceremony, and more flexibility in your wedding-day timeline.

June

June feels like such a beautiful time to get married, summer is in full swing, with long, sun-filled days, lush greenery, and golden light that seems to linger forever. It’s the perfect season for couples who want a bright, warm, and joyful atmosphere. Even better? The sun hangs around even longer! In June, sunset typically falls between 9:00–9:10 PM, giving you plenty of daylight for stunning outdoor photos, a warm evening ceremony, and the most flexibility in your timeline compared to all the other months.

July

July feels like such a vibrant time to elope and exchange your vows! Summer is at its peak, with long, sun-soaked days, lush greenery, and golden light that stretches well into the evening. It’s the perfect season for couples seeking a warm, joyful, and energetic atmosphere. The sun even gives you a little extra time! In July, sunset typically falls between 9:10–8:50 PM (yes, the timing can feel a bit quirky with the later days of the month), giving you plenty of daylight for stunning outdoor photos, a glowing evening ceremony, and plenty of wiggle room in your wedding-day timeline.

August

August feels like such a perfect time to elope and say “til' death do us apart”! Summer is still in full swing, with long, sun-filled days, lush greenery, and that warm, golden light that makes everything feel magical. It’s the ideal season for couples who want a bright, joyful, and relaxed atmosphere. The sun still gives you plenty of time! In August, sunset typically falls between 8:55–8:15 PM, giving you ample daylight for gorgeous outdoor photos, a radiant evening ceremony, and flexibility in your wedding-day timeline.

September

September feels like such a beautiful time to elope and say “for better, for worse"! Summer is winding down, but the days are still warm, the light is soft and golden, and the start of fall brings a cozy, romantic atmosphere. It’s the perfect season for couples who want a mix of bright, joyful energy with a touch of autumn charm. The sun still gives you plenty of daylight! In September, sunset typically falls between 8:15–7:30 PM, giving you plenty of natural light for beautiful outdoor photos, a warm evening ceremony, and a relaxed pace for your wedding-day timeline.

October

October feels like such a magical time to elope and enjoy the attention of you and your significant other! Fall is in full swing, with crisp air, vibrant foliage, and soft, golden light that makes everything feel cozy and romantic. It’s the perfect season for couples who want that classic autumn charm mixed with warmth and joy. The sun still gives you plenty of daylight! In October, sunset typically falls between 7:30–6:50 PM, limiting the amount of flexibility within your timeline!

November

November feels like such a cozy and romantic time to get married—think crisp autumn air, rich fall colors, and a warm, intimate atmosphere. While it doesn’t have the twinkle lights of December, it brings its own charm that’s hard to resist. A perfect month to share gratitude with your best friend! That said, the sun isn’t always on our side for November weddings. During this month, sunset typically arrives between 5:50–5:35 PM, making it a crucial detail to keep in mind when planning your wedding-day timeline.

Maximizing Your Day: Ceremony Timelines

Remember, I’m by no means an expert! The seasonal timeline suggestions below are intended specifically for couples who choose not to do a first look. Couples who choose to do a first look have a greater opportunity for later times!