Timing Is Everything: Why Summer Weddings Shouldn’t Start at Noon
There’s something undeniably magical about a summer wedding. The bright skies, blooming flowers, and laid-back atmosphere make the season a favorite for couples tying the knot. But while summer brings warmth and charm, it also brings heat—and timing your ceremony during peak midday temperatures can create unnecessary discomfort for you and your guests.
If you're planning a summer celebration, there's one scheduling mistake to avoid: starting your wedding at noon.
Here’s why high-noon weddings in the summer often miss the mark—and how choosing the right time of day can enhance your overall wedding experience. In the end, we’ll also explore how Valley of the Eagles, a premier wedding venue in Elyria, Ohio, helps couples create perfectly timed, unforgettable summer celebrations with comfort and elegance in mind.
The Heat Is Real: Midday Temperatures Can Be Brutal
The biggest reason to avoid a noon wedding during summer is simple: it’s hot. In most regions, especially in the Midwest, noon to 3 PM is the hottest part of the day. This can cause several issues:
Overheating guests in formalwear
Wilting flowers
Unflattering lighting for photos
Increased risk of sunburn or heat exhaustion
The last thing you want is for guests to be fanning themselves uncomfortably—or worse, seeking shade instead of enjoying your vows.
Outdoor Ceremonies and the Sun
If you're dreaming of a garden ceremony or exchanging vows under the open sky, a midday slot puts you in direct sunlight with minimal shade. This affects more than just comfort:
Photographers will struggle with harsh shadows and squinting faces.
Makeup melts faster under a blazing sun.
Decor elements like candles, signage, or linens can suffer from heat damage or glare.
Consider pushing your ceremony to later in the day when the sun is lower, creating softer light and cooler temperatures.
Comfort for Your Wedding Party
Your wedding party is likely dressed in full formalwear—tuxedos, floor-length gowns, layered fabrics. Standing in the sun during a long ceremony or spending hours in 90-degree heat for photos can be exhausting.
By choosing a start time after peak heat, you’ll keep everyone more comfortable, energetic, and photogenic throughout the day.
Floral Arrangements and Décor Hold Up Better
Midday sun doesn’t just affect people—it can also take a toll on your flowers and décor. Bouquets, centerpieces, and arch florals can wilt quickly under intense heat, especially if they're sitting out before the ceremony.
Likewise, candles, paper goods, and edible elements like a dessert display or welcome drinks can degrade or melt. Hosting your event later in the day helps preserve your details longer.
Your Guests Will Thank You
Think of your guests’ experience. No one wants to sit through a ceremony in direct sun, sweating in their dress clothes. If the day includes long gaps between ceremony and reception, they’ll be seeking A/C relief instead of mingling and celebrating.
A well-timed wedding creates a flow that feels effortless and enjoyable. Your guests stay engaged, relaxed, and more willing to dance the night away when they’re not exhausted by the heat.
Ideal Timing for Summer Weddings
So, when should you schedule a summer wedding?
Late Afternoon (4 PM – 5:30 PM Start)
This allows for:
Cooler temps
Soft, golden-hour lighting for your ceremony and portraits
A natural flow into cocktail hour and dinner
Sunset Ceremony
Especially romantic in the summer, a sunset ceremony (around 6:30–7:30 PM, depending on location) creates a magical atmosphere and gorgeous backdrops for photos. It also gives you the flexibility to enjoy more of the day with your guests in the evening.
Early Evening Reception
If your ceremony and reception are all-in-one, an evening start (around 5–6 PM) offers a seamless experience without requiring a large midday break.
Tips for Staying Cool No Matter the Time
Even if you're set on a midday start for personal or logistical reasons, there are ways to keep cool:
Offer welcome drinks like infused water or lemonade
Provide fans, parasols, or custom sunglasses as favors
Ensure there is shade or coverage (umbrellas, tents)
Keep the ceremony short and sweet
Opt for lightweight attire for the couple and wedding party
Have sunscreen stations and consider using a misting fan
These thoughtful details show your guests you care about their comfort—and help preserve the festive mood.
Bonus: Better Lighting for Photos
Photographers love golden hour for a reason. Harsh sunlight around noon creates strong shadows, blown-out highlights, and squinting subjects. Later ceremonies offer softer, more flattering light, making for dreamy portraits and beautiful ceremony captures.
If you want to make the most of your wedding album, consider timing your ceremony and couple portraits when the sun is low in the sky.
Valley of the Eagles: Perfectly Timed Weddings in a Picture-Perfect Setting
At Valley of the Eagles, the magic of a summer wedding isn’t just about the season—it’s about how the day unfolds.
As one of the most scenic and flexible wedding venues in Elyria, Ohio, Valley of the Eagles offers couples multiple ceremony and reception options to accommodate the perfect schedule, from shaded outdoor ceremonies to elegant indoor receptions with full climate control.
Here’s why Valley of the Eagles is ideal for summer weddings:
Beautiful Outdoor Ceremony Spaces: Featuring wide open views of the golf course and Black River, with thoughtful placement to minimize direct sun exposure.
Golden Hour Photo Opportunities: Take advantage of soft, evening light with designated photo areas across the grounds.
Flexible Start Times: Work with the in-house coordinator to schedule your day when it works best for comfort and ambiance.
Shaded Patios & Indoor Lounges: Offer guests comfortable places to gather during cocktail hour and transitions.
Experienced Event Staff: The team helps plan your timeline with weather and guest comfort in mind, ensuring a smooth, stress-free flow.
Customizable Packages: Whether you want a later start or need to move things indoors due to heat or rain, the team at Valley of the Eagles ensures your wedding goes off beautifully.
By choosing the right timing—and the right venue—you create an experience that your guests will remember for all the right reasons.
Timing may not be the flashiest part of wedding planning, but it’s one of the most important—especially for summer weddings. Starting at noon might seem like a convenient choice, but it can lead to discomfort, disrupted flow, and missed photo opportunities.
Instead, embrace the season’s warmth by scheduling your day to beat the heat. Whether you opt for a golden-hour ceremony or an early evening reception, your guests—and your vendors—will thank you.
And with venues like Valley of the Eagles offering scenic beauty, flexible timing, and expert coordination, you don’t have to sweat the details. You can enjoy every moment of your summer wedding, from the first look to the final dance, knowing your day has been perfectly timed.