Twilight Weddings

We are getting married at “sunset” - works out at guests arrive from 7pm with ceremony at 7.30pm. The reception, meal, dancing can go on until 1am. This is because our venue (the Roman Baths in Bath) only offer sunrise and sunset as they’re open to the public during the day (and no way am I getting out of bed for 5am on my wedding day!). The reaction of our guests so far has been very positive, as this means those travelling have more time, and people can have a more relaxed day ahead of time (and I have more time to get ready, less rushing!).

if that’s what suits your budget and you want it, go for it. The one thing to be aware of will be the day - we have opted for Sunday on a bank holiday, so it doesn’t make it cheaper than a Friday or Saturday, but we want to carry the party on elsewhere afterwards. I’ve been to a few evening weddings that were on weekdays or normal sundays and the one thing to be aware of is if people are working the next day they’re unlikely to keep the party going to late. If you want the dancing and the party, it’s worth finding a band who will get the dancing going early and possibly play in between courses (this was very successful at one wedding I went to, and we’ve chosen to do the same). Of course you could go very casual and have it festival style without a formal sit down meal, and that might be more conducive to a party atmosphere, if that’s what you’re after.

I did go to one evening wedding where there was the ceremony late afternoon, drinks and canapé reception, followed by the meal before the band started. Given the time and the day, it was around 9pm before the meal was over and there was very little dancing as people finished their drinks and went home, as most had to work the next day. That was much less enjoyable (imo) than the wedding where the band started early, played in between courses and really got the guests going so that, even though it finished around a similar time and many guests were leaving because they were working the next day, they had had a great time and didn’t feel like they’d missed out on the party.Of course, if you’re having it on a Friday and Saturday that’s less of a concern.
But go for it, and enjoy not having to get up crazy early and to take your time getting ready ☺️

I have shot quite a few twilight weddings just like yours that start between 4 and 5.

With a summer wedding for a 5.00pm wedding people will be out by 5.30 for drinks and photos then about 7.30 an evening buffet followed by a first dance around 8.15, works really well.

Hi Chole,

Have you found a venue? I'm really interested in a Twilight wedding too, A full day wedding is filling me with dread at entertain people all day. Have you come across any blockers or found any nice venues in and around Manchester?

Janie