Planning your wedding? Don’t overlook the importance of natural light in your photos! ☀️ Natural light is a photographer’s dream because it can truly transform ordinary wedding shots into extraordinary shots! In this post we just wanted to highlight why natural lighting matters and how you can make the most of it on your big day.
What is Natural Light Photography?
Natural light photography is as simple as it sounds, it uses sunlight as the primary light source, rather than using artificial lighting like flash or studio lights. Of course things like flash come in handy but there is definitely a time and a place for them. We love getting artistic with flash on the dance floor and at night time (especially if it’s raining! ☔️) but regardless, many professional wedding photographers including ourselves prefer natural lighting for its ability to create soft, flattering, and authentic images.

Why We Think Natural Light Matters for Your Wedding Photos
1. Creates a Timeless Look
Natural light gives your wedding photos a real timeless quality. As the light changes throughout the day, it adds so much depth and dimension to your images. This is especially true during the “golden hour” – just after sunrise or before sunset – when the light is warm and diffused, creating a hazy, dreamy atmosphere. We always try to time our couples portraits for sunset! 🌅
2. Flatters Skin Tones and Details
When we refer to ‘shooting people in their best light’ this really is exactly what we mean! One of the biggest advantages of natural light is how it enhances skin tones so beautifully. It helps soften features and reduces harsh shadows, making everyone look their best. Natural light also brings out the intricate details of your wedding – from the lace on your dress to the petals of your bouquet. 💐 Trying to capture these smaller details with the use of flash is much more difficult!
3. Captures Authentic Moments
For couples who prefer a documentary-style approach, natural light is essential. It allows photographers to capture candid moments of everyone without the disruption of bright flashes. The result are photos that feel genuine and full of life.

How to Maximise Natural Light on Your Wedding Day
Choose the Right Venue
In our opinion, alongside cost and size, natural light is so important when choosing a venue. So, when selecting your wedding venue, consider the available light and look for features such as:
- Large windows
- Outdoor spaces
- Beautiful landscapes
Halls, elegant manor houses, and modern glass venues often provide ample opportunities for natural light photography.
Plan Your Timeline Around the Light
Work with your photographer to schedule key moments when the light is at its best:
- Early morning for prep shots 💅🏼
- Late afternoon for the ceremony 💍
- Golden hour for couple portraits 🌅
Avoid midday sun if possible, as it can create harsh shadows and unflattering light (the infamous racoon eye shadows 🦝). Ultimately in this scenario, our lovely British weather is quite useful as if often comes with plenty of clouds which help soften midday sunlight!
Communicate with Your Photographer
Choose a photographer experienced in shooting with different light techniques as they will know which angle to shoot from in relation to the direction of light. Discuss your preference for natural light and ask about their approach to working with it.

Tips for Different Wedding Scenarios
Outdoor Weddings
Take advantage of beautiful open spaces and natural backdrops. Consider using sheer fabrics or natural elements like trees to diffuse harsh sunlight if needed. The reason we often position people underneath trees is because of what we refer to as ‘open shade.’ 🌲This light is typically very even and flattering on all people!
Indoor Ceremonies
If possible, try to position yourselves near windows or glass doors during the ceremony for the best lighting. If your venue has limited natural light, ask your photographer how they’ll adapt or find a work around.
Reception Lighting
While natural light is ideal for daytime events, don’t forget about lighting for evening receptions. Combine natural light with soft artificial lighting as the day progresses. 💡Spaces that have lots of small lights dotted around the room create a lovely, soft ambience unlike large ceiling spotlights which will create the same issues as midday sunlight (again…the infamous racoon eyes).
Another tip we always recommend is placing your top table on the opposite side of the room across from the windows. This will depend on the room and other factors such as the venue’s preferences but placing the table this way will give you the best light in the room. We often find top tables are placed directly against the windows which in person looks absolutely fine. However, the downfall of this is that once you’re sat down your faces are now turned completely away from the light. 💔 This is certainly a very small detail but the difference in the depth of photos taken opposite windows vs against windows is pretty significant.
Natural Light is Very Demure. Very Mindful.
Planning for the best use of natural light on your wedding day is probably the last thing on your list to worry about! But we hope this post helped shine light (😉) on the difference that prioritising light will make in your wedding photos. It really is the best tool for capturing flattering photos that have a clean, timeless look.
If you’re planning a wedding for 2025 and fancy reading more tips then have a look at our blog or pop over to our Instagram @natandlizzyweddings for more helpful advice.
Happy planning!
Nat & Lizzy x