Best Month To Get Married: Pick Your Perfect Date

Couples ask us this all the time. Whether you are envisioning a sun-drenched garden party or a cozy candlelit winter celebration, the date you choose sets the stage for everything that follows.

Deciding when is the best month to get married shouldn’t be stressful. By narrowing down your seasonal preferences now, you can lock in your dream venue before the peak-season rush begins.

While there are objectively “best months” in terms of weather and popularity, the true best one depends entirely on your specific priorities as a couple.

The quick answer is that there is no single perfect date for everyone, but there is a perfect date for you. We promise that by the end of this guide, you will walk away with one or two months that perfectly fit your lifestyle, vision, and budget.

If you are still in the early stages and need proposal planning services or are scouting the best places to propose in Los Angeles, start here before diving into the calendar. Determining the best month to get married is the first step toward a seamless celebration.

Quick Links:

• Best Wedding Month: 3 Planner Questions
• Best Wedding Months: Planner Top Picks
• Best Time Of Year To Get Married: Pick Your Priority
• Wedding Season: Peak Vs Off-Peak
• Most Popular Wedding Months: What Data Shows
• Budget Tips: Make Any Month Work
• Wedding Timeline: Proposal To Pre-Wedding Events
• Best Month Choice: Next Steps
• FAQs

Best Wedding Month: 3 Planner Questions

To find the best month for a wedding, we always start by asking our couples three fundamental questions. Your answers will immediately eliminate half the calendar, making your decision much easier. Your best time of year to get married is hidden within these logistics.

• How much do you value weather comfort?
  Impact: This determines if you are limited to mild shoulder seasons or if you are comfortable with the risk of heatwaves or indoor-only backups.
• What is your budget flexibility?
  Impact: Choosing a high-demand month can increase venue rental fees by thousands, while off-peak months offer more room for negotiation.
• How does your guest calendar look?
  Impact: Consider major holidays, school schedules, and typical travel costs for your “must-have” guests to ensure a high attendance rate.

Remember that your choice of month and questions to ask a wedding venue are intrinsically linked; the venue’s availability often dictates the final date. Understanding how “wedding season” affects pricing will help you manage expectations from the very first site visit.

Best Wedding Months: Planner Top Picks

These are the best months to get married and book fast for a reason. They offer the most reliable balance of aesthetic beauty, comfortable temperatures, and overall guest experience.

However, keep in mind that you can still have an absolute dream date outside of these peak periods if you are willing to be creative with your venue and indoor styling. Finding the best month to get married is about matching the season’s energy to your own.

February Weddings: Cozy Value

February is often overlooked, but it is the best wedding month for budget-minded couples. Because it falls in the traditional “off-season,” many vendors have more breathing room in their calendars.

This translates to more personalized attention for you and often significantly better value for your investment. It’s the perfect time for a high-glamour indoor gala.

• Best For: Couples wanting luxury venues at a lower price point and those who love romantic, candlelit atmospheres.
• Watch For: Unpredictable winter weather, shorter daylight hours for photos, and potential travel delays for out-of-town guests.

May Weddings: Photos And Comfort

May is the ultimate sweet spot for many planners. The landscape is lush and blooming, and the temperatures haven’t yet reached the scorching heights of summer.

It is a top wedding month for outdoor ceremonies. Because the lighting is so soft and flattering during this time, questions to ask a wedding photographer often revolve around how to best capture the spring greenery.

• Best For: Garden weddings, outdoor cocktail hours, and couples who want vibrant, floral-heavy photography.
• Watch For: May is incredibly popular; venues and photographers often book out 18+ months in advance.

June Weddings: Classic Wedding Month

June is the classic choice for a reason. With long days and the start of summer vacation, it feels like a celebration from start to finish.

It is often cited as the best month to get married for those wanting a traditional summer bash. However, because demand is at an all-time high, planning timelines get much tighter. You might ask, “When is the best month to get married for maximum daylight?” and June is always the answer.

• Best For: Destination weddings and couples who want to party late into the evening while the sun is still up.
• Watch For: Peak pricing and limited availability for premium Saturday dates.

September Weddings: Fresh-Season Favorite

September is a favorite because it offers the warmth of summer with the crisp “new season” energy of fall. The best time of year to get married for many is right as the leaves start to turn, but the air remains warm.

The golden hour light in September is legendary among photographers, providing a stunning backdrop for outdoor portraits.

• Best For: Couples who want an outdoor wedding without the sweltering heat of July or August.
• Watch For: The start of the school year can make travel difficult for families, and travel costs can spike around Labor Day.

October Weddings: Peak-Season Star

In recent years, October has emerged as the most popular wedding month for many regions.

It offers a stunning aesthetic palette and reliable weather that avoids the humidity of summer. However, because it is so highly “wanted,” it can be a premium month for pricing. You are competing with many other couples for the same vendors.

• Best For: Fall-themed decor, outdoor mountain or vineyard settings, and comfortable evening temperatures.
• Watch For: Premium “peak” pricing and very limited venue availability for weekend dates.

Best Time Of Year To Get Married: Pick Your Priority

If you tell us your main priority, we can usually narrow it down to two or three months immediately. The best time of year to get married is the one that minimizes your stress and maximizes your joy. Use this guide to find the best wedding month for your goal.

Budget First

If saving money is the goal, look at the “shoulder” or off-peak months.

• Consider January, February, or March for the best venue rates.
• Look into weekday options (Monday–Thursday), which can often slash rental fees in half.
• Flexibility is your best friend; being open to a “last-minute” booking (within 6 months) can sometimes trigger discounts.
• Explore small wedding ideas to further stretch your budget, regardless of the month.

Weather First

For those who refuse to let a raindrop ruin their day, timing is everything.

• Target late spring (May) or early fall (September/October) for the most temperate outdoor conditions.
• Always have a solid indoor backup plan if you choose a month known for “June Gloom” or summer thunderstorms.
• Adjust your ceremony time based on the sun; a mid-day July wedding is much hotter than a sunset ceremony.

Guests First

If you want every single person on your list to attend, you must plan around their lives.

• Avoid major holiday weekends like Thanksgiving or Christmas, where travel is expensive.
• Check school calendars if you have many guests with children.
• Consider the local “busy season” of your destination to ensure guests can actually find hotel rooms.

Wedding Season: Peak Vs Off-Peak

In the industry, we define “wedding season” as the period of highest demand. According to The Knot 2025 Real Weddings Study, peak season typically runs from late spring through early fall, with a massive concentration in the autumn months.

Knowing when the wedding season is helps you understand why your favorite venue might be double the price in October versus January.

Peak season usually means:

• Higher competition for top-tier vendors and venues.
• Stricter booking timelines and less room for negotiation on pricing.

Off-peak season usually means:

• Greater availability and more flexibility with “minimum spend” requirements.
• A higher likelihood of vendors being able to offer personalized “extras” or upgrades.

While what months are wedding season can vary slightly by region (for example, Florida’s peak is winter), generally, when does wedding season start is around late April, hitting its fever pitch in June and October.

Most Popular Wedding Months: What Data Shows

Data from The Knot and Brides (referencing The Wedding Report) consistently shows that October, September, and June are the most popular wedding months. Specifically, October often takes the top spot, accounting for nearly 20% of all weddings in some years.

What the data says:

• Most popular month to get married: October.
• What month do most people get married? Traditionally June, but October has recently overtaken it.
• What month has the most weddings? October, followed closely by September and June.

What it means for your planning:

• You must book at least 12–18 months in advance for these months.
• To avoid the heaviest competition, consider a “micro-wedding” or a non-holiday Sunday.
• Expect that your guests may have multiple wedding invites for the same month, so get those save-the-dates out early.

Budget Tips: Make Any Month Work

Planner math is simple: demand drives pricing. Weekends will always cost more than weekdays, and October will almost always cost more than February. However, the best month to get married on a budget is the one you can book without rushing into expensive, last-minute decisions.

Money-saving moves for any month:

• Book the “Big Rocks” first: Secure your venue and photographer early to lock in current-year pricing.
• Be flexible on day and time: A Friday evening or Sunday brunch wedding can save you thousands.
• Floral Flexibility: Ask your florist what is in season. Knowing how much a bridal bouquet costs often depends on whether you are forcing out-of-season blooms.

Booking order for success:

• Venue first (this sets the date).
• Planner (to manage the budget).
• Photographer and Videographer.
• Catering and Entertainment.

Wedding Timeline: Proposal To Pre-Wedding Events

Your choice of wedding month dictates the entire timeline of your engagement. If you are wondering when to propose, consider that most couples spend 12 to 18 months planning. Your wedding month choice should also influence your pre-wedding celebrations to ensure they fit the season’s vibe.

• 12–18 Months Out: Choose your month, book the venue, and start your bachelorette party planning.
• 9–12 Months Out: Finalize your bachelorette party themes and guest list.
• 6 Months Out: Plan the smaller details, like bachelorette party games.
• 3 Months Out: Host a luxury picnic setup for a bridal shower or engagement party that matches your wedding season’s aesthetic.

Best Month Choice: Next Steps

To recap, your choice comes down to your primary goal:

• For Comfort: Choose May or September.
• For Budget: Choose February or a weekday in November.
• For Attendance: Avoid major holidays and mid-summer heatwaves.

Deciding what the best month to get married is just the beginning of your journey. Once you have a season in mind, it’s time to start looking at the logistics that bring your vision to life.

If you want to take the stress out of the calendar and ensure every detail is perfect, we are here to help with professional wedding planning in Los Angeles.

FAQs

What is the best month to get married?

The “best” month is subjective, but planners generally recommend May, September, or October for the best balance of weather and aesthetics. We suggest using a “planner filter”: weigh your desire for outdoor space against your budget to find your specific winner.

When is the best month to get married for good weather?

For the most temperate, reliable weather, May and October are the top picks. Always consider your ceremony time; an early afternoon wedding in July will be significantly hotter than one in late September. If you go with an outdoor venue, always ensure there is an indoor backup.

When is wedding season?

The wedding season is the period of highest demand, typically running from late April through October. This is when venues are most expensive and vendors are most likely to be fully booked. Off-peak season usually falls between November and March.

What month has the most weddings?

According to recent data from The Knot, October is currently the month with the most weddings. This popularity means you should expect higher prices and should aim to book your key vendors at least 15 months in advance.

What month do most people get married?

Most people choose to get married in October, September, or June. To avoid the competition that comes with these popular months, try looking at “shoulder” dates in early April or early November, which can offer similar weather with more availability.

What is the best time of year to get married on a budget?

The winter months of January, February, and March are the best for those on a budget. Combining an off-peak month with a Friday or Sunday date is the most effective strategy for reducing venue and vendor costs.

How far ahead should we book a venue and key vendors?

If you are aiming for a peak-season month like October or June, you should book 12 to 18 months in advance. For off-peak months, you may have more flexibility, but 9 to 12 months is still the standard for ensuring your first-choice vendors are available.