Choosing the perfect time for your wedding ceremony isn’t just about logistics — it’s about creating the perfect moment. At The Bridge Lemont, couples love the soft natural light that pours into our ceremony spaces and the chance to capture stunning golden hour photos. But timing it right takes a little planning — and that’s where we come in!
Why Timing Matters
Light sets the mood — it affects photos, ambiance, and even your guests’ comfort.
Sunset time impacts when you’ll want portraits, whether before or after the ceremony.
Flow matters — choosing the right start time helps keep the day smooth and stress-free.
Should You Do Photos Before the Ceremony? (Hint: We Think Yes!)
At The Bridge Lemont, most couples choose to do a first look, followed by pre-ceremony portraits — and it works beautifully with our venue layout.
Here’s why:
More time together: You’ll get to enjoy the majority of the day side-by-side.
Better photo flow: You’ll capture couple, wedding party, and even some family shots before guests arrive — no post-ceremony rush.
Enjoy cocktail hour: No disappearing for portraits after the ceremony means more time celebrating.
Bonus golden hour: You can still sneak out for a few dreamy sunset shots during dinner or cocktail hour.
With two elegant bridal suites designed for relaxing, getting ready, and sharing that intimate first-look moment, everything is set up to make this timeline effortless.
Golden Hour = The Photo Sweet Spot
Golden hour is that soft, golden light right before sunset — perfect for portraits. It typically starts 30–60 minutes before the sun dips, and it’s a major reason couples choose later ceremony times.
If you’re not doing pre-ceremony photos, plan your ceremony so it ends just before golden hour begins.
Spring Weddings (March – May)
Sunset range: ~6:00 PM in March | ~8:00 PM by late May
Recommended ceremony time: 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Why: You’ll avoid cooler late-night temps and catch golden hour just in time.
Summer Weddings (June – August)
Sunset range: ~8:30 PM in June | ~7:45 PM by late August
Recommended ceremony time: 5:30 – 6:00 PM
Why: Later light lets you beat the heat and enjoy golden hour after dinner if needed.
Fall Weddings (September – November)
Sunset range: ~7:15 PM in early Sept | ~4:30 PM by late Nov
Recommended ceremony time:
Early fall: 4:30 – 5:30 PM
Late fall: 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Why: Fall golden hour is warm and romantic, but it gets darker fast, especially in November. Earlier ceremonies give you plenty of time for portraits before sunset.
Winter Weddings (December – February)
Sunset range: ~4:20 PM in December | ~5:30 PM by late February
Recommended ceremony time: 3:30 – 4:30 PM
Why: With early sunsets and chilly evenings, an earlier ceremony ensures you make the most of natural light for your vows and portraits — then, once the sun sets, you can capture magical night photos under Downtown Lemont’s holiday lights, just steps from the venue.
Let’s Plan Your Perfect Ceremony
Whether you’re dreaming of a sunlit golden hour “I do” or a candlelit winter vow exchange, we’ll help you pick the perfect ceremony time to match your vision. Our planning team at The Bridge Lemont is here to walk you through it all.
Contact us today to schedule a tour!