When scrolling Pinterest or Instagram have you ever noticed how some photos feel softer, warmer, and more cinematic than others? You’re not alone. One of the most popular searches right now is “what time is golden hour for photography?”, especially among couples planning their Montana engagement photos or wedding portraits. Golden hour has a reputation for making every image feel soft, romantic, and effortlessly beautiful.
But here’s the secret I’ve learned in the past 7 years of photographing, the magic doesn’t start at golden hour—it starts just before it.
What Is Golden Hour and Why Do Photographers Love It?
Golden hour happens twice a day—shortly after sunrise and just before sunset—when the sun sits low on the horizon. This is the prime window for golden hour photography because the light becomes warm, diffused, and incredibly flattering.
For Montana brides, this glow hits differently. Whether you’re standing in the rolling fields of Lewistown, the mountains of Red Lodge, the open plains of Billings, or the stunning views in one our national parks, golden hour brings out the natural beauty of our landscapes unlike any other time of day.
If you don’t have time to do a sunset session due to work or other circumstances, sunrise sessions are just as beautiful in my opinion! (Sunrise session pictured below.)
Photo taken by Hellroaring Road in Red Lodge, Montana.
Photographers love golden hour because:
- It softens shadows
- Smooths and warms skin tones
- Adds a dreamy glow to every backdrop
- Captures movement beautifully
- Enhances Montana’s dramatic skies and sweeping scenery
It truly is nature’s best lighting assistant.
The photo below is a prime example of the perfect golden hour photo. Notice how the light wraps softly around the subjects, adding warmth, glow, and dimension without harsh shadows. This is exactly why golden hour photography is so loved by both photographers and couples—the lighting does half the work for you.
Photo taken in Sunlight Basin, Wyoming.
Why I Prefer Starting 30 Minutes Before Golden Hour
While golden hour is incredible, starting before golden hour gives Montana couples even more variety—something that makes your gallery feel full, elevated, and iconic.
1. A Broader Range of Light for Your Gallery
The 30 minutes before golden hour offers bright, crisp light that pairs perfectly with big Montana skies, open fields, and mountain landscapes. Then as the sun drops, we transition into that warm, glowing light Montana photographers dream about.
2. Time to Settle In
Most couples (yes—even confident ones!) need those first few minutes to warm up. Beginning early means you’re comfortable by the time golden hour fully hits.
3. Flexibility With Montana Weather
Montana sunsets can change fast—cloud cover, smoky skies, or sudden shifts in light are common. Starting early gives us a buffer so you still get vibrant, glowing photos even if the sunset is unpredictable.
4. Perfect Iconic Montana Locations for Golden Hour Photos
Starting early works beautifully for sessions at places that shine in both bright pre–golden hour light and deeper golden hour glow. Below are just a few of the best spots for Montana brides:
- Flathead Lake — Stunning reflective water and open skies
- The Ranch at Rock Creek in Philipsburg — Wide meadows and big-sky backdrops
- Glacier National Park — Dramatic peaks, lakes, and alpine light
- The Beartooth Highway overlooks — High-elevation light that shifts beautifully
- Paradise Valley near Livingston — Iconic Montana riverlight and mountain silhouettes
- Makoshika State Park near Glendive — Badlands formations with warm, textured light
- Big Sky’s mountain meadows — Perfect for that elevated, airy, luxury Montana aesthetic
- The Judith Mountains in Lewistown — A local favorite with sweeping views, glowy light, and endless variety in scenery
Each spot gives a different look depending on the time of day—making pre–golden hour + golden hour the perfect pairing for a full, glowing, elegant gallery.
Photo taken at the Hart Ranch in Bozeman, Montana.
So… What Time Should a Montana Bride Plan Her Session?
The exact timing depends on the season, but golden hour in Montana varies from around 3:30 PM in winter to 9:00 PM in summer. This is why so many brides search “what time is golden hour for photography?” “what time of day is best for photos?” before picking their session time.
As a rule of thumb:
Plan to start 30 minutes before golden hour and shoot through it.
This gives you the perfect blend of bright, clean images and dreamy golden glow—ideal for Montana engagement photos, anniversary sessions, and wedding portraits.
If you’re ready to book your golden hour session, I would love to work with you.
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