Photographer: Ally Haley Photography

How to Plan Your Wedding Timeline Around Natural Light for the Best Photos

If you want your wedding to feel magical, romantic, and visually stunning, one of the most important elements to consider is lighting. From the soft, golden glow of the late afternoon to the enchanting sparkle of twilight, natural lighting has the power to elevate every moment and every photo.

At the Butterfly Pavilion, lighting isn’t just a technical detail—it’s part of the atmosphere. Here’s how to create a wedding timeline that flows beautifully and makes the most of the natural light at this one-of-a-kind venue. 

Photographer: Macy O’Connell Photography 

1. Schedule Your Ceremony Around Golden Hour

Golden hour–the hour just before sunset–is when the light is soft, warm, and incredibly flattering. This is a photographer’s dream and a couple’s best friend when it comes to capturing glowing, romantic portraits.  It’s perfect for:

• Couple portraits
• Wedding party photos 
• Candid shots with a romantic glow

At the Butterfly Pavilion, golden hour filters through the trees and the garden meadow, casting the venue in a soft amber light. If photography is a big priority for you, consider scheduling your ceremony to end about 60 – 90 minutes before sunset so you have time for dreamy post-ceremony photos in the magical golden light.

Photographer: Ally Haley Photography

2. When to Schedule Your Ceremony 

Timing your ceremony just right is key. For outdoor weddings at The Butterfly Pavilion, aim for: 

• Spring or Fall: Ceremony around 4:30 – 5:30pm
• Summer: Ceremony around 5:30 – 6:30pm 

This allows plenty of time for portraits while your guests enjoy cocktail hour. You’ll get the best of both worlds: soft daylight during your vows and golden hour shortly after to capture portraits that feel straight out of a fairytale.

Photographer: Kybo Studio

3. Use Twilight to Create an Enchanted Atmosphere

As the sun sets and dusk settles in, twinkle lights, candles, and lanterns transform your reception into something straight out of a fairytale. At The Butterfly Pavilion, the romance doesn’t stop after the ceremony. The venue becomes even more magical after dark–guests can mingle under soft string lights, enjoy cocktail hour by candlelight, and dance beneath the stars on the breathtaking starlight dance floor. It’s an unforgettable experience that feels intimate and dreamy. 

Lighting ideas to Elevate the Atmosphere:

• String lights draped across the Starlight Dance Floor
• Clusters of pillar candles glowing on guest tables
• Hanging lanterns around the Pavilion’s edges

Whether you’re dancing your first dance or soaking in a quiet moment together, the glow of curated lighting at The Butterfly Pavilion creates a warm, romantic ambiance you and your guests will remember forever.

Photographer: Russell Kowalske

4. Coordinate Your Timeline With Your Photographer 

One of the smartest ways to make the most of natural light on your wedding day is to coordinate your timeline closely with your photographer. Talk with your photographer early on to plan your wedding timeline based on light. Your photographer will know exactly when and where the natural light will be most flattering, helping you plan your ceremony and portrait sessions around those prime lighting windows. This ensures that every shot—from the intimate to the grand—captures your day in the most beautiful, natural way possible.

Photographer: Ardent & Elm Photo 

5. Plan Your Exit with Lighting in Mind

If you’re doing a grand exit, aim to schedule your exit during twilight or early evening darkness to take advantage of the soft, natural light fading into the glow of your chosen lighting accents. This timing allows your photographer to capture those enchanting, glowing images that make your send-off feel just as special as the rest of your day.

Photographer: Tori Turner Photography

Let Nature Elevate Your Day

Natural light doesn’t just make for beautiful photos – it makes your whole day feel magical. With wide open spaces, golden fields, and romantic twilight settings, The Butterfly Pavilion offers an ideal backdrop for couples wanting to embrace the beauty of natural light.

Contact Us

Ready to see the enchanting ambiance for yourself? Schedule a tour at The Butterfly Pavilion today, or Contact us here to learn more. We are ready to see the magic unfold! 

We are proudly locally owned and operated in Acworth, GA and can’t wait to work with you! Schedule a tour on our website at https://thebutterflypavilion.com/contact-us/ and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram