How to Time your Wedding in Cancun
If you are getting married in Cancun or the Riviera Maya it’s crucial to time your wedding properly. Too early and it could be too hot and too bright. Too late and you might not have enough time for photographs after your wedding. Once you understand the basics, it’s quite simple, so let me explain.
Timing is not all about photography, it’s also about you and your guests.
As a wedding photographer, it’s best to take your photographs in the best light of the day (i.e. the golden hour). However, this should not be the ‘only’ consideration. Rather, your guests (and you) must have a great time and enjoy the day as well.
One of the most important considerations is to avoid scheduling your wedding too early. An early wedding can be uncomfortably hot for you and your guests. Additionally, the brightness might require sunglasses, which isn’t ideal for your ceremony.
As a wedding photographer in Cancun, I’ve learned that scheduling your ceremony within 3 hours before sunset is most comfortable for you and your guests. If it’s earlier, consider providing parasols for shade.
The best light of the day for photography.
The best time for photography on the beaches of Cancun and the Riviera Maya is during the golden hour, which is 1 to 1.5 hours before sunset. By this time, most sunbathers have left, the weather has cooled, and we can walk on the beach without sunglasses or squinting.
Be mindful of sunset times.
A key point about sunset here is that it happens quickly. Unlike in Canada, where we could shoot for 30-40 minutes after sunset, in Cancun and the Riviera Maya, it’s usually too dark for photographs without a flash 10-15 minutes after sunset. Please consider this when planning your wedding timeline, and don’t rely on post-sunset beach or palm tree photos.
I am here to help.
If you’re getting married in the Riviera Maya or Cancun and need advice on timing your wedding, feel free to email me with any questions or concerns. I’ll provide a detailed explanation tailored to your needs.
You can reach me anytime at info@deansanderson.com .
Dean Sanderson
Cancun Wedding Photographer
