Fall weddings in central Illinois: Capture golden hour & timeline.

Central Illinois in fall. The time is slipping --- and so is that sun!

Capturing the “golden hour” at a fall wedding is one of the most magical ways to get glowing, romantic photos. Don’t miss the chance to get some of the best-looking photos, by making sure that you know the “good spots” on property!

Check out other couples’ photos or ask the venue manager to show you their best locations. Make sure your photographer knows the venue well. Otherwise, you may not be able to maximize your photo opportunities.

Photo areas you can choose from on our property to include the sunset are a stone wall, fields of corn and/or beans, and a beautiful fence line.
But the sun goes down just as fast as it comes up, so make sure your photographer is quick and organized.

After the ceremony, things are exciting, people are talking & then before you know it, people are mingling away. That’s common. So, to be proactive (and because I am overly paranoid about time efficiently) I recommend family members know the picture set ups in advance. Take advantage of everyone getting together at the rehearsal and go over it with them at that time. It’s not about memorizing the photo set up, but more about keeping on the timeline.

And, because we are entering fall, I am including a good timeline if you are wanting to capture that beautiful sunset!

 Timing is Everything

• Golden hour = about 1 hour before sunset.
  In fall, the sun sets earlier (sometimes as early as 4:30–6:30 pm depending on location).

• Check the sunset time for your exact date and location using apps like Timeanddate, Golden Hour Calculator, or PhotoPills.

• Plan to be ready 15–20 minutes before golden hour starts, since light changes quickly.

 Planning Ahead

• Build it into your timeline: Ask your planner or photographer to block out 20–30 minutes for portraits during golden hour.

• Communicate with your photographer: Let them know it’s a priority so they can scout the best spot.

• Keep it flexible: Sometimes golden hour light is softer behind clouds; your photographer will adjust.

Choosing Locations

• Open fields, vineyards, lakes, or tree lines are ideal — they let the light spill through.

• Avoid dense shade or tall buildings that block the horizon.

• Look west-facing for that dreamy backlight glow.

Style & Details

• Fall colors pop in golden light — the oranges, reds, and yellows will look richer.

• Outfits with light, neutral, or warm tones reflect golden hour beautifully.

• Consider accessories like veils, shawls, or hats — the light will highlight textures.

Photography Tips

• Backlit portraits: The sun behind the couple creates halos of light and soft glows.

• Lens flare & silhouettes: Fall foliage plus flare can create a cinematic feel.

• Candid moments: Walking hand-in-hand, twirling, or sharing a toast look extra magical in this light.
  
  
  

 Pro tip: In fall, the window of golden hour is short — often just 20–30 minutes of truly dreamy light. Have your photographer, bouquet, and bridal party ready to move quickly when it’s time.

 Fall Wedding Timeline with Golden Hour

Morning / Getting Ready

• 9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Hair & makeup, bridal party getting ready

• 12:00 – 12:30 pm: Bride/groom getting dressed

• 12:30 – 1:00 pm: First look (if doing one)

Early Afternoon

• 1:00 – 2:30 pm: Wedding party + family portraits

• 3:00 pm: Guests start arriving

• 3:30 – 4:00 pm: Ceremony (perfect timing for afternoon glow and before the chill sets in)

Golden Hour Window (Priority Time)

• 4:15 – 4:45 pm: Cocktail hour begins (guests entertained)

• 4:30 – 5:15 pm: Sneak away for golden hour portraits

• Bride & groom portraits

• A few romantic/candid shots (walking, twirling, veil toss, champagne pop)

• Maybe quick bridal party shots if time allows

Note: Golden hour is approx. 4:30–5:30 pm with a 5:30 pm sunset.

Evening Reception

• 5:30 pm: Grand entrance + first dance (sunset glow coming through windows if indoors)

• 6:00 pm: Dinner served

• 7:00 pm: Toasts & cake cutting

• 7:30 pm: Dance floor opens

• 9:30 pm: Last call / late-night snack

• 10:00 pm: Send-off (sparklers, lanterns, vintage car, etc.)

With this schedule:

• You get portraits in soft afternoon light (family & wedding party).

• You keep the golden hour just for couple shots, so they feel extra magical.

• Guests won’t even notice you’re gone because they’ll be mingling at cocktail hour.
  
  This timeline is strictly optional and does not need to be followed in the slightest. But, it’s a good way to gauge your time with the central Illinois sun, in fall. Just make sure to get those beautiful photos!!!
  
  

Pole Barn Chic is locally owned and operated. We hope to encourage engaged couples to consider choosing a locally owned wedding venue. We go to great lengths to exceed expectations, and you will find that locally owned wedding venues have far less turnover and that leads to better communication! We love shouting out and supporting our locally owned wedding venue and wedding business colleagues. Here are a few locally owned wedding venues across the US:

Maidenwood: www.maidenwoodevents.com
The Barn at Magnolia Farm: www.thebarnatmagnoliafarm.com
The Barn at Greengarden Farm: www.thebarnatgreengardenfarm.net
Little Tennessee Farm: www.littletennesseeeventfarm.com
Caribou Bay Retreat: www.cariboubayretreat.com