I am getting married at the Divi Phoenix in May and I was curious in knowing what the best time was to get married. We would like to have really good pictures of the sunset but we dont want the pictures to be dark.

Thanks!

I would recommend to start with the ceremony 1 hour before sunset, then there is still enough time to take some family pictures and candids on the beach, when the sun is down it is dark within 20 minutes.

Regards,
Robert

Robert Arenz Professional Photographer
http://www.photographyaruba.com

Yes, Robert is correct. The best time for a wedding ceremony is 1 hour before sunset depending upon the time of year. Sunset is much earlier in the winter then the spring and summer. The wedding ceremony lasts around 15 minutes and is followed by certificate signing, possibly champagne toast and wedding cake cutting. Many times if it is a large wedding group the toast and wedding cake cutting takes place after the cocktail reception prior to dinner reception.

http://www.cayenaweddingsandevents.com
Your Aruba Wedding Planner

If you go to http://www.timeanddate.com/worldcloc...omy.html?n=689 you can determine the approximate time of sunset/sunrise in Aruba in May 2008 (i.e. between 6:54 and 7:02 PM depending on the date). That being said I would make sure that you leave enough time to take pictures before the sunset as well (i.e. save your sunset photos for last - you don't want to end up with just sunset photos). Your wedding organizer in Aruba would probably have a better idea when to start the ceremony to make sure you are able to get both pre-sunset/sunset photos.

Having been to a tropical wedding in the past, I would also recommend having your ceremony at the beginning of your trip as opposed to the end of your trip. A wedding can be very stressful and a ceremony at the beginning of the week would allow more time for rest and relaxation.

TALK TO YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER! They really know best, I know a few who would actually check the sunsets a few days before and then adjust the timing if necessary!

I have to agree with the other replies on here. Talk to your photographer. We had a wedding at 5 and even though it had been raining all day...the sundown pictures came out picture... not too dark not too light...just perfect. The picture to the left is one of our photos.

ZB