So, you’re planning a wedding in Sweden—congratulations! Whether you’re saying “I do” in Stockholm’s charming old town, on a windswept beach in Gotland, or under the mystical glow of the midnight sun in Lapland, one thing’s for sure: timing is everything when it comes to your wedding photos.
Let’s be honest: wedding photos aren’t just pictures. They’re time capsules. The golden light hitting your face just right, the way your partner looks at you under a dusky pink sky, the spontaneous laugh you share because your veil just flew into a tree. All of it is part of your story.
But when exactly should you plan your wedding portraits in Sweden? Let’s break it down!
Golden Hour: Sweden’s Most Romantic Light
If you’ve ever wondered why some wedding photos look straight out of a fairytale, the secret is usually golden hour—that magical time just after sunrise or before sunset when the sun casts a warm, soft glow.
Golden Hour Timing in Sweden:
☀️ Summer (May–August): Long golden hours, especially in the north, where the sun sets slowly and dramatically. Think 8 PM – 11 PM.
🍂 Autumn & Spring (September–April): Shorter golden hours, but the colors are stunning. Expect 4 PM – 7 PM.
❄️ Winter (December–February): The sun stays low all day, meaning you get a soft golden glow from sunrise to sunset (11 AM – 2 PM).
Why Choose Golden Hour?
✔ Soft, flattering light = no harsh shadows.
✔ Skin tones look warm and natural.
✔ Sky turns dreamy shades of pink, peach, and gold.
Pro Tip: If your wedding is in summer, plan your portraits later in the evening to catch the best light. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when you see the photos!
Blue Hour: A Hidden Gem for Moody, Cinematic Photos
Ever seen those deep blue, almost surreal wedding photos taken right after sunset? That’s blue hour, and it’s criminally underrated. It’s the time when the sky turns indigo, lavender, and dusky pink, creating a mystical, cinematic backdrop.
Best For:
💙 Couples who want an editorial, artistic feel.
💙 Weddings in historical settings (think: cobblestone streets in Gamla Stan or a medieval castle in Visby).
💙 Winter weddings, when blue hour lasts longer and snow reflects the colors beautifully.
Timing:
🔹 Summer: About 30–60 minutes after sunset.
🔹 Winter: Blue hour lingers longer, making it ideal for moody, snow-filled portraits.
If you’re not afraid to break tradition and want standout wedding photos, consider sneaking away for a quick blue hour session.
Midday Sun: The Bold & Dramatic Option
Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—midday wedding photos. Is it a terrible idea? Not necessarily!
Yes, midday sun is harsh. Shadows can be intense, and you might find yourself squinting like you just walked out of a dark cinema. But here’s the flip side: when used correctly, it can create bold, dramatic photos.
Tips for Midday Wedding Photos:
✅ Find shade – shooting under a tree, by a building, or in a forest softens the light.
✅ Use the light for high-fashion, editorial shots – embrace strong shadows and contrast.
✅ Wear sunglasses between shots – your eyes will thank you!
💡 Pro Tip: If midday is unavoidable, ask your photographer to use a reflector or diffuser to soften the light.
Midnight Sun: Nature’s Most Magical Spotlight
If you’re having a summer wedding in Swedish Lapland, congratulations—you just unlocked a wedding photographer’s dream. The midnight sun means the sun never fully sets, so you can have golden-hour-quality light all night long.
Why is this Amazing?
🌞 You don’t have to rush—your entire evening has that soft, glowy light.
🌞 It creates surreal, once-in-a-lifetime photos.
🌞 You can take photos at midnight and still have perfect lighting!
Best Locations for Midnight Sun Wedding Photos:
📍 Abisko National Park – Midnight sun + dramatic mountain backdrops. More info
📍 Luleå Archipelago – Peaceful beaches and pink skies.
📍 Kiruna – If you’re lucky, you might even get a faint Northern Lights glow in summer.
Winter Weddings: Snow, Sparkle & Soft Light
Winter in Sweden is pure magic—think snow-covered landscapes, cozy candlelit receptions, and the possibility of Northern Lights wedding photos.
Best Time for Winter Wedding Photos:
❄️ Daylight (10 AM – 2 PM) – The sun is soft and diffused, perfect for snowy fairytale portraits.
❄️ Blue Hour (2 PM – 3 PM) – The sky turns icy blue, creating an enchanted winter mood.
❄️ Night (after 6 PM) – If you’re lucky, the Northern Lights might show up!
Winter Wedding Pro Tip: Wear thermal layers under your dress/tux—you’ll look radiant, but stay warm!
Best Wedding Photo Locations in Sweden
Sweden is a wedding photographer’s paradise, but some locations stand out:
📍 Stockholm Archipelago – Coastal beauty & glowing sunsets. Visit Stockholm
📍 Gotland & Visby – Medieval charm meets golden-hour magic. Discover Gotland
📍 Lapland – Midnight sun in summer, Northern Lights in winter. Lapland Tourism
📍 Skåne Countryside – Rustic charm + dreamy sunsets. Explore Skåne
Quick Cheat Sheet: Best Time for Wedding Photos in Sweden
🌅 Love dreamy, romantic light? → Golden hour is your best friend.
💙 Want moody, artistic shots? → Blue hour is perfect.
🔥 Embracing bold, dramatic vibes? → Midday sun can work with planning.
❄️ Winter wedding? → Shoot between 10 AM – 2 PM for the best light.
🌞 Lapland wedding? → Midnight sun gives you golden hour all night!
Let’s Capture Your Perfect Wedding Moments!
Wedding photos aren’t just about capturing a day—they’re about freezing emotions, light, and love into timeless images. Whether you’re dreaming of golden-hour magic in Stockholm, blue-hour romance in Gotland, or a midnight sun adventure in Lapland, I’ll make sure your wedding story is told in the most breathtaking way possible.
📸 Check out my wedding photography stories: Your Happy Moments Blog
💛 Explore my wedding photography packages: Investment
📩 Let’s plan your dream wedding photoshoot! Contact Me
Can’t wait to capture your happiest moments in Sweden! ✨
