The Best Time for your Wedding in Cancun
When is the Best Time for Your Wedding in Cancun?
If your ceremony is too early, it could be very hot for you and your guests. If it’s too late, you might not have enough time for photographs before sunset. The best time for your wedding ceremony in Cancun is 2 hours before sunset. Let me explain why.
Too Early
Cancun and the Riviera Maya can be very hot and humid. To avoid the heat and ensure everyone stays cool, opt for a time no earlier than 3-4 hours before sunset. Not only will it be too hot, but it will be too bright to open your eyes if you are on the beach.
Too Late
In Cancun and the Riviera Maya, it gets too dark for photographs without a flash about 15-20 minutes after sunset. Unlike in the United States and Canada, where it’s often the hour after, the golden hour here is the hour (or 1.5 hours) before sunset. Therefore, plan your ceremony early enough to allow for photographs after the ceremony and during the golden hour.
Sample Timeline
Quintana Roo no longer observes daylight savings time, so in the winter the sun sets at a reasonable 6:00.
For example, in early January, the sun will set shortly after 6:00 and the best time to have your ceremony so you are not too hot and have plenty of time for photographs after the ceremony during the golden hour is 4:00.
Here’s a suggested timeline for a 4:00 PM ceremony in early January:
- 2:30-4:00 PM: Getting ready photos
- 4:00-4:30 PM: Ceremony
- 4:30-5:00 PM: Group photos
- 5:00-5:30 PM: Bridal party photos
- 5:30-6:00 PM: Couple’s photos
- 6:00-6:30 PM: Entrance to reception and first dances
- 6:30 PM – Onward: Dinner, speeches, dancing, and party
A Couple of Notes
- Begin getting ready photos when the bride is 90% done with makeup.
- Start photographing the groom and groomsmen after they have their pants on.
- Err on the side of caution; for a 6:20 PM sunset, a 4:00 PM ceremony is better than 4:30 PM to avoid feeling rushed.
Resorts
Resorts have policies regarding ceremony times. Check with your resort to accommodate their schedule and the number of other weddings that day. Don’t worry, I’m flexible and will work with you to make any ceremony time work for beautiful photos and a perfect day.
If you have questions or concerns about timing, or if you’re like my wife and need help visualizing the day, please get in touch through the contact page. I’m here to help!
Thank you,
Dean
