Picking out a ceremony date can seem like an overwhelming task. How do you know what is the best time of year for a wedding? Some of it depends on your personal preferences. Whether you and your partner prefer a winter wonderland ceremony or exchanging vows by a scenic oceanside location can help determine which months are ideal for you. There are some other factors to consider too, such as which seasons are the best for traveling and which ones promise more predictable weather. As you begin brainstorming which date suits you and your partner, explore our compiled list on some of the best times to get married and why some months outshine others.
The best time to get married in summer: June
For couples who prefer sunny days or sandy destinations, a summer wedding can be the perfect photo opportunity in the making. June in particular is a popular time for a wedding as it marks the beginning of warmer weather. From the season’s vibrant shades to an homage to tradition, below are a few reasons why June is a peak season for weddings.
Cheery color palette
Summer offers an array of vibrant shades you can easily incorporate into your ceremony theme. Adding in some light pastels from springtime’s color palette can effortlessly complement the beginning of summer. Alternatively, picking out bridesmaid dresses in a collection of fuchsia or golden yellow suits the season’s dynamic hues while creating a memorable bridal party.
Adheres to tradition
The name ‘June’ comes from the term ‘Juno’, which is the name of the Roman goddess of marriage. Traditionally, couples getting married during this month were thought to have been blessed. Whether you believe in the old wives’ tale or simply prefer the time of year, putting an excerpt of the month’s significance on your wedding invitation is a fun way to add a traditional element into your nuptials.
Popular for beach weddings
June is also a popular time of year for an oceanside ceremony. Gathering friends and family to on a picturesque sandy coast can be the best way to start the summer season. Ensure you strike the perfect combination of comfortable and stylish oceanside attire by exploring how to dress for a beach wedding.
The best time for a wedding with mild temperatures: September
For many parts of the US, the weather can change drastically during the transitional seasons while some areas remain too extreme during peak summer and winter months. If you’re hoping to find a date with reasonably mild temperatures, September may be the best time for a wedding with slightly cooler temperatures. For couples who love the idea of a summer marriage ceremony but are worried about the heat, picking a date at the beginning of the month allows you to close the summer season with your celebrations. The availability of venues also tends to be more flexible compared to June, making your bridal checklist easier to manage by booking a place earlier.
The best time to get married in fall: October
Love the aesthetic combination of warm reds and golden hues? If so, a fall wedding with a picturesque backdrop may be the best season to get married. October provides the best time to coordinate with striking palette while remaining early enough to miss the first snowfall.
Stunning wedding theme
Coordinating with October’s shades allows you to incorporate deeper hues into your ceremony. Pick out white roses to pair with orange chrysanthemums and sunflowers for a colorfuly striking wedding bouquet. Alternatively, opt for bridal makeup with a deep plum lip and sparkling eyeshadow to pay homage to the time of year of your ceremony.
Romantic fall foliage
For those located in the northeast, select a date in early October to exchange vows in a mountainous location before the first snowfall. The region is known for breathtaking foliage across the ranges and though it can vary from year to year, typically earlier in the month is better. The cascading colors of deep plum, red, orange, and yellow provide for a romantic, unique backdrop ideal for celebrating your special day.
The best time of year for a winter wedding: December
December is filled with holiday celebrations and a ceremony during the snowy season can effortlessly capture a winter wonderland wedding. Select a date earlier on in the month so guests can coordinate traveling between Thanksgiving and holiday season. Line the aisle with candlelight for a soft glow to heighten the romance of your special day. Slip on a long-sleeved wedding dress for extra insulation as you take photos in the snow, opting for one with lace detailing lining the bodice as an unforgettable finishing touch.
The best day of the week to get married: Saturday
Once you’ve picked the best time of year for your wedding, selecting an exact date becomes easier. Saturdays can be the best day of the week to get married, for they allow guests from out of town enough time to travel to and from the ceremony. For destination weddings, Saturdays also give guests the choices of which days to take off before and after the ceremony to fully enjoy the picturesque location of your choice.
The least popular time of year to get married: January
While deciding on the perfect month for your wedding, it is also wise to consider the wedding off peak season. One of the least popular times of year to get married is January. The month marks the end to the holiday festivities throughout November and December and it can be the time of year where most people slowly get back into their routine. The weather during this time can also be unpredictable with more severe storms, making traveling out of town more difficult. However, many wedding venues will have more availability after New Years so it can allow you more flexibility in the planning process. If the idea of starting out the new year with your ceremony appeals to you, ensure you check-in with guests traveling from afar to ensure everyone arrive in time to celebrate your love story.
Knowing what is the best time of year to get married depends on you and your partner’s preferences as well as each season’s unique appeal. Whether you're hoping for a winter wonderland wedding or love the cozy atmosphere of a fall ceremony, our list of some of the best and least popular times of the year can help you narrow down your choice and bring you one step closer to the big day.