The Gulf gives us a front-row seat.
Sarasota and the islands face west over the Gulf of Mexico, so the sun sets over the water. That is a rare gift for a wedding. The last forty minutes of daylight are soft, warm and flattering, and the sky often keeps glowing for twenty minutes after the sun is gone. Build your day around that window and the portraits almost take care of themselves.
Approximate sunset times by month.
Times below are approximate for the middle of each month in Sarasota, including daylight saving time. Check the exact time for your date once it is set. I will confirm it when we build your timeline.
| Month | Approx. sunset | Month | Approx. sunset |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5:55 pm | July | 8:25 pm |
| February | 6:20 pm | August | 8:05 pm |
| March | 7:40 pm | September | 7:35 pm |
| April | 7:55 pm | October | 7:00 pm |
| May | 8:10 pm | November | 5:40 pm |
| June | 8:25 pm | December | 5:40 pm |
Where to place the ceremony.
On the beach, a ceremony that ends about an hour before sunset gives you bright, even light for the vows and leaves time for family photographs while everyone is still together. Then we can slip away for twenty minutes of portraits as the sun drops. A ceremony right at sunset can be beautiful, but the light changes quickly, and faces may be backlit. If that is your plan, we will talk through positioning in advance.
Keep the portrait window realistic.
Golden-hour portraits work best when they fit around dinner, speeches and your guests rather than competing with them. I usually suggest two short windows: one after the ceremony, and a quick ten-minute walk as the sky turns. It keeps you present at your own celebration and still gives you the sunset photographs.
Always have a weather plan.
Summer afternoons on the Gulf Coast can bring quick storms that often clear by early evening. Agree a covered backup with your venue or planner, and allow a little flexibility in the timeline. A passing shower does not have to spoil the photographs, and the light just after the rain can be beautiful.