Imagine this: You and your partner stand beneath a sky of emerging stars, the soft flicker of candlelight casting dancing shadows as you walk down the aisle. The sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in breathtaking hues while you exchange vows in front of your closest family and friends. Then, as twilight settles in, you capture some of the most stunning wedding photos you’ll ever see.
Sounds dreamy, doesn’t it? Twilight weddings are quickly gaining popularity in Canada as couples look for unique, romantic, and budget-friendly ways to celebrate their big day.
Planning a twilight wedding isn’t drastically different from a traditional daytime ceremony, but there are a few key decisions that will make all the difference. From choosing the perfect time and venue to navigating potential challenges, every detail plays a role in creating an unforgettable evening. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan the perfect twilight wedding.
What is a twilight wedding?
A twilight wedding is a wedding that is held during the latter half of the day – specifically any time after 3.30pm – though is usually timed to coincide with sunset. Whereas traditionally weddings take place over an entire day, twilight weddings start much later to take advantage of the enchanting and romantic atmosphere that builds as the sun goes down.
To take advantage of the setting sun, twilight weddings are often held outside, in locations that accentuate the natural beauty that comes with that time of day, for example on the beach or in a landscaped garden. But, we’re all too painfully aware of the unpredictability of the weather in Canada, so venues that are covered but allow for a creative use of lighting also make for a great choice.
How popular are twilight weddings?
Twilight weddings are growing in popularity, especially with outdoor ceremonies being legally recognized. Today’s couples have more freedom than ever in choosing where to say “I do.” Many venues across Canada are now offering twilight wedding packages, a clear sign that interest in these romantic, atmospheric celebrations is on the rise. Yet, twilight weddings remain somewhat uncommon, meaning that if you choose to have one, your ceremony will be a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
What time is a twilight wedding?
Twilight weddings take place in the evening, usually around the time the sun begins to set. This means the time the ceremony takes place can vary depending on the season, but will always be some time after 3.30pm.
If you’re planning a twilight wedding for the spring in the lower Canadian latitudes, you may expect your order of service to look a little something like this:
- 4pm – 5pm – guests arrive and enjoy some pre-ceremony canapés
- 5pm – 5.30pm – guests are seated
- 5.30pm – 6.30pm – the ceremony takes place
- 6.30pm – 7.30pm – photographs and drinks
- 7.30pm – 1am – evening reception including drinks, dancing and food
During the ceremony and later into the night as it starts to get much darker, additional lighting will help to keep the magical atmosphere alive, especially if it’s taking place outside. Torches, candles, fairy lights and even bonfires ensure warmth and beauty if the temperature starts to drop.
What’s the best venue for a twilight wedding?
To make the most of the fabulous light and colors brought by the setting sun, twilight weddings are usually held outside at venues that accentuate the natural beauty. However, outdoor weddings aren’t for everyone, and many indoor venues can work just as well. Below are just a few options for you to consider:
- Outdoor venues – beaches, gardens, parks, fields or vineyards are already beautiful outdoor venues, with that beauty accentuated further as the sun sets.
- Rustic venues – barns, cottages, halls, courtyards and farms make for stunning rustic venues, especially when well lit using fairy lights and candles.
- Rooftops and terraces – what better way to make the most of the twilight than by being up high high enough to take in sweeping views that stretch for kilometres.
- Historical sites – wonderful historical sites, such as the grounds of a manor house, make for jaw dropping backdrops, especially into the evening.
What are the benefits of having a twilight wedding?
We’ve already covered how magical a twilight wedding can be, but there are plenty of other benefits that might make it a better choice for you than a traditional wedding.
- Cost because the ceremony and reception only take place during the evening, the costs involved can be much less.
- Unique while growing in popularity, twilight weddings are still not as common as daytime weddings.
- Romantic and intimate – sunset is already an enchanting time of day, add a stunning wedding into the mix and you have a recipe for a magical wedding.
- Flexibility it can be difficult for all of your loved ones to attend a daytime wedding, especially if it takes place during the week, and a twilight wedding helps more guests be with you on the day. You may also find it’s easy to secure your preferred vendors if they’re not committing to a whole day.
- Fewer formalities – if you’re keen on having a wedding but not looking forward to the formality of an all-day event, a twilight wedding condenses it, which relieves some of the pressure.
Should you consider a twilight wedding?
Whether or not a twilight wedding is right for you depends on your preferences and the time of year you’re looking to get married.
If you’re set on getting married during the winter, then you may want to think long and hard about an outdoor wedding – after all, your guests won’t be dancing at the reception if they’re still frozen to their seats. However, an indoor venue that allows for great views, or a covered venue where heaters can be used, also make for a great choice.
Certain aspects might have to be cut or trimmed down, such as the wedding breakfast and some of the speeches, so if you’re big into all the traditional parts of a wedding, then consider that there might not be time for everything. Remember, it will be difficult to squeeze every part of an all-day wedding into just five or six hours.
That being said, nothing can match the ambience of a twilight wedding, nor the photographs you’ll have thanks to the incredible lighting. As it gets dark and the candles, torches, and fairy lights begin to shine, it will transform an already beautiful venue into one that is truly breathtaking.
What are the risks involved with a twilight wedding?
If your twilight wedding takes place at an indoor venue then there are no more risks involved than there are with any other wedding – so you get all of the benefits with none of the stress.
However, if the ceremony is due to take place outside, then you’ll be checking the weather forecast obsessively for days and even weeks ahead of the day. So, in the event the dreaded rain cloud appears beside the date of your wedding, it’s best to have a backup plan to avoid heartache and disappointment. This could be something as simple as a tent or other indoor space that you could switch to if the skies threaten to open up.
How much does a twilight wedding cost?
Because you’re using the venue for a shorter amount of time and paying vendors for fewer hours, twilight weddings should be cheaper, right? Well, generally they are, yes. However, depending on your chosen venue, it might not be as significantly cheaper as you might hope. It’s important to remember that even though your wedding isn’t using the venue throughout the entire day, it’s stopping other weddings from taking place that may have done. That being said, you’ll still make savings elsewhere, which makes a twilight wedding an enticing option for couples conscious of their budget.
Do all venues offer twilight wedding packages?
Not all venues currently offer a twilight wedding package, but as they grow in popularity they’re becoming increasingly more common.
Tips for the planning the perfect twilight wedding
Excited to start planning your twilight wedding? Here are five tips to help you create a beautiful and unique day.
- Choose the venue carefully – the most stunning venue on paper may not be the most practical, especially if it’s outdoors. Make sure there’s a back up option available if the weather takes a turn for the worst, and the sun isn’t blinding your guests as it sets.
- The timing is everything – if sunset is at 6pm, then don’t start the ceremony at that time. To get the most out of the fading light, make sure the ceremony starts around 20-40 minutes before.
- Dress for the occasion – even if it doesn’t rain, the weather will still be a major factor, so dress accordingly — unless you don’t mind goosebumps showing up in your photos! You might also consider providing guests with blankets for their laps, which can double as unique wedding favors.
- Have the right light – your ceremony may start while it’s still light, but it will soon darken, and having the right lighting, such as candles and fairy lights, will add further delicate beauty.
- Use the darkness to your advantage – as it gets darker it’ll help you to introduce new and exciting ways to entertain your guests. You could consider glow-in-the-dark decorations, give guests colourful glow sticks to use for photographs, or have a bonfire burning so guests can make their own s’mores.
Start planning your twilight wedding today
Now that you know what to think about when planning a twilight wedding, why not start planning your own wedding with Bridebook today?
You Might Also Like…
- How to Plan a Forest Wedding Ceremony
- How Much Does Wedding Decor Cost in Canada?
- How Much Does a Wedding Tent Cost in Canada?
- How Much Does a Wedding Venue Cost in Canada?
- The Best Wedding Day Timeline
Happy Planning!
Related articles
