I breed Goldens, although am in Ireland, and not planning a litter for some time now, so no use to you. However, if you want to run any breeders by me, I can tell you if I have heard of them or can suggest someone in your area I know of. (what area are you in?)
Colour makes absolutely no difference to temprement. What does make a differnce is the fact that Goldens are a popular breed and so highly back yard bred and puppy farmed, and these people do not car eless about the breed, nor temprement or type. I have seen some awful looking badly bred Goldens.
A lot of breeders are breeding paler Goldens these days, and show lines (which tend to be calmer and make better pets in general to working lines) tend to be paler. That said, you can get pale working dogs and Golden show dogs, but more often than not you see pale dogs in the show ring. I personally don't like them too pale, and prefer mid gold, but am not keen on very dark gold dogs.
A good breeder won't mind how far away you are, but will probably want to meet you several times before agreeing you can take a pup.
Do be prepared to go on a waiting list for a well bred Golden. They are suprisingly hard to find! Expect parents to be a minimum of hip scored (less than 18 unless a really ggood reason for otherwise!) and eye tested clear. Also, younger dogs should also be elbow scored, although this is a fairly recent development and a lot of breeders haven't caught up with it yet. I wouldn't discount a breeder soley on the fact they hadn't elbow scored, but would if they hadn't had hips or eyes done.
If you want to run the breeder by me, or me ot reccomend anyone (just seen you are South East ish, and I know or know by reputation quite a few breeders in that sort of area) then email me at [email protected]