Best Wedding Ceremony Time in Richmond, VA for Golden-Hour Photos (2026)
What time should a Richmond, VA wedding ceremony start for the best photos? Sunset shifts every month, so the ideal time does too. The photographer trick: start ~90 minutes before sunset so the ceremony ends as golden hour begins. Month-by-month for Richmond, VA, 2026 (local time):
| Month (2026) | Sunset | Ideal ceremony start |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5:16 PM | 3:46 PM |
| Feb | 5:50 PM | 4:20 PM |
| Mar | 7:17 PM | 5:47 PM |
| Apr | 7:45 PM | 6:15 PM |
| May | 8:12 PM | 6:42 PM |
| Jun | 8:32 PM | 7:02 PM |
| Jul | 8:30 PM | 7:00 PM |
| Aug | 8:01 PM | 6:31 PM |
| Sep | 7:16 PM | 5:46 PM |
| Oct | 6:31 PM | 5:01 PM |
| Nov | 4:58 PM | 3:28 PM |
| Dec | 4:52 PM | 3:22 PM |
Computed from NOAA solar formulas for Richmond, VA. Golden hour = ~60 min before sunset.
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How to use these times
A June Richmond, VA wedding has sunset near 8:32 PM (ceremony ~7:02 PM); December drops to 4:52 PM โ go mid-afternoon with a candlelit reception. Find sunset, count back 90 minutes, get ready at the venue, keep a morning buffer, go unplugged for the ceremony.
Frequently asked questions
What time is golden hour in Richmond, VA?
Roughly 8:32 PM in June and 4:52 PM in December.
What time should my Richmond, VA ceremony start?
~90 minutes before sunset; a June Richmond, VA wedding is around 7:02 PM.
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