The perfect wedding timeline for every season in Portland, OR

Planning a wedding in Portland means embracing a little bit of unpredictability — especially when it comes to light and weather. But with the right timeline, you can soak up the best parts of your day without feeling rushed, stressed, or squinting into direct sunlight at your ceremony.

Let's dive into realistic, season-specific timelines to help you structure your wedding day for the best light and photos. With photographer-backed advice on when to schedule your ceremony and portraits for the best golden hour magic.

Spring (March–May)

Portland in the spring is lush, romantic, and a little unpredictable — which is kind of what makes it perfect. The city blooms with cherry blossoms, wildflowers, and soft green backdrops, but there’s also a chance of rain (and let’s be honest, maybe hail).

Weather: Unpredictable but lush; cherry blossoms, moody light.

Golden Hour: ~6:30–8pm by late spring

Ceremony Tip: Plan for 4–5pm, portraits after (umbrella plan in place).

Ideal Portrait Time: 5–6:30pm, especially in parks or under cover if raining.

Pro Tip: Build flexibility into your timeline. Spring weddings do best when there’s a weather backup plan — like a venue with both indoor and outdoor spaces (like a wedding at Castaway or a Blockhouse wedding on film). Bring a stash of cute umbrellas or colorful ponchos. Bonus: moody skies look incredible on film.

Summer (June–August)

Summer in Portland is what wedding dreams are made of: long, golden evenings, dry skies, and that soft, glowy light that makes everyone look like a movie star. But here’s the thing — you don’t want to schedule everything too early or you’ll be shooting in harsh midday sun.

Weather: Bright, dry, long golden hours.

Golden Hour: 8–9pm

Ceremony Tip: 5:30–6pm to avoid harsh sun and still leave time for portraits.

Ideal Portrait Time: 7–8:30pm for golden light

Pro Tip: It’s a long day — build in intentional downtime. A shaded moment before the ceremony or a slow hour after dinner makes the whole experience more relaxed. Also, film photography during golden hour? Chef’s kiss.

Fall (September–November)

Fall is my personal favorite in Portland. The colors are rich, the light is soft, and the city glows with cozy, romantic energy. The only caveat: the sun sets fast, especially as you move into late October and November.

Weather: Crisp air, golden leaves, soft light

Golden Hour: 5–6:30pm

Ceremony Tip: 3–4pm to catch warm fall light

Ideal Portrait Time: 4–5:30

Pro Tip: Choose a ceremony space with tons of natural light or plan for a lighting setup — indoor ceremonies get dark quickly. Fall also pairs beautifully with flash photography if you want those bold reception vibes.

Winter (December–February)

Winter weddings in Portland are moody, intimate, and wildly underrated. With early sunsets and dramatic overcast skies, it’s all about leaning into the vibe — think candlelit receptions, cozy indoor spaces, and editorial-style flash portraits.

Weather: Overcast, cozy, moody

Golden Hour: 3:30–4:30pm

Ceremony Tip: 1–2pm to leave time for portraits

Ideal Portrait Time: 2:30–4pm (before it gets dark)

Pro Tip: Lean into the mood — candlelit receptions, flash photography, and rich tones look incredible this time of year. If you're feeling adventurous, lean into the chance of rain and have an end-of-the-night dance in the drizzle.

As a Portland OR wedding photographer (who shoots both digital and film), I’ve photographed couples in every season. Whether you're planning a big celebration or deciding between a micro wedding vs an elopement, here's how to make the most of your day, any time of the year.

The secret to a stress-free, photogenic wedding day? Building a timeline that works with you, not against you. If you're planning your Portland wedding and want help making it all flow beautifully, reach out for a quote and consultation.