What’s The Most Popular Month To Get Married? Why?

Most couples in the U.S. get married in August, May, June, September, and October. However, the popularity of these months doesn’t mean that they’re perfect for your wedding.

Of course, getting married in the peak wedding season has its benefits, but it also has drawbacks. Plus, the climate in northern and southern states differs drastically, affecting specific wedding season popularity by region.

Consider the weather, your preferences, guest vacation schedules, public holidays, and vendor prices when choosing your wedding date.

August

August is one of the best wedding months, and this isn’t surprising. August is the prime time for many gorgeous blooms and a popular vacation time, so the wedding guests are more likely to escape their offices and travel.

Furthermore, August is a transitioning time from hot summer to romantic autumn.

There’s something magical about the realization of the soon arrival of fall – you start appreciating the sunshine more and want to get the most out of every day.

Many couples fantasize about an outdoor ceremony. August may seem like the perfect time for a wedding on the beach or in the woods.

Couples from the east coast should be careful, though, because August marks the start of the hurricane season.

Overall, be aware of the weather in your area. August tends to be the hottest time of the year, which is excellent for temperate climate zones. But in subtropical regions, the heat may be too intense, causing severe discomfort.

August is ideal for mountain weddings because the high altitudes ensure comfortable temperatures, and the snowmelt doesn’t cause problems as in spring.

May

Spring carries a unique romantic appeal, and May is the most buoyant, warm spring month. May opens the peak wedding season, which lasts until October.

Late spring isn’t as hot as late summer and is ideal for outdoor receptions. May couples have a vast seasonal flower selection, and the air is filled with a feeling of rebirth and renewal.

Furthermore, May weddings don’t conflict with any major holidays. For instance, March and April weddings may clash with Easter and Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations, but the wedding guests’ May calendar is likely uncluttered.

Couples from Alabama, Kentucky, Kansas, and Texas especially favor May, perhaps, due to perfect weather conditions in these states. Mid-summer is way too hot for an outdoor wedding in a southern state.

June

June weddings are even more common than August and May affairs. The day length reaches its peak, the nights are getting shorter and warmer, the flowers are in full bloom, and you still have an entire summer ahead.

June temperatures are typically milder than August or July but still warm and favorable for outdoor receptions. With the abundance of fresh fruit and seasonal flowers, organizing a beautiful June wedding is simple.

Like August, June is a popular vacation time, so the wedding guests are more likely to travel. However, the couple must make sure that their wedding doesn’t clash with their guests’ already planned trips.

June is especially favored by couples from northern states, including Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, and Oregon.

September

You may be surprised, but spring and summer aren’t the most popular wedding seasons – it’s fall, early fall, to be precise. Thanks to the warm weather and cozy feeling, September is the second-best wedding month.

Nature boasts many colorful hues, and the fruit and vegetable harvests allow for delicious seasonal wedding menus. However, like in August, couples getting married in September on the east coast run the risk of hurricanes.

Another point in favor of a September wedding is the lack of any major holidays. The wedding guests likely won’t have anything important booked for the month, but the beginning of September can be busy for young parents.

October

October tops the most popular wedding month list. There’s so much to love about this fall month – colorful foliage, moderately warm weather, crisp air, an abundance of gorgeous blooms, and rich harvests.

Mid-fall nature creates a beautiful photo backdrop, especially when it comes to rustic and bohemian weddings.

Furthermore, many couples like the idea of getting married in the Halloween season, incorporating pumpkins and dark motifs into the venue décor.

Check the football match schedule in advance if you’re considering an October wedding. However, even if your guests are football fans, they will likely be happy to skip a match to attend your wedding.

October is a great month for local weddings because it isn’t the peak travel time. The wedding guests will likely be in town, and the couple doesn’t have to work around vacation schedules.

A Special Date

Many couples don’t care about the month as much as about a nice date. For example, palindrome dates that are the same forwards and backward, such as 9/1/19, tend to be the most popular wedding days every year.

Dates consisting of the same numbers seem even more special to some couples – think 2/2/22. They are pretty rare, so getting married on such a unique date makes a wedding feel extraordinary.

If you don’t believe in the magic of numbers or don’t care about a nice date on the marriage certificate, avoid such dates because the demand for vendors and venues is immense.

As a rule of thumb, it’s best to avoid getting married on major holidays such as New Year’s Day, Saint Valentine’s Day, or Halloween because the wedding guests may have plans and want to spend the day with family or friends.

Still, many couples admire the idea of getting married on the most romantic day, Saint Valentine’s Day, or starting a new married life on the first day of the year.

Creative couples with a good sense of humor often get married on April Fool’s Day.

Any dates that fall on bank holidays are ideal for extended wedding celebrations. For this reason, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Independence Day weekends tend to be the busiest for wedding vendors.

The Least Popular Wedding Months

Now that you know the most popular wedding months, you may wonder which months are considered off-season. Unsurprisingly, couples rarely choose December, January, February, and March for their weddings.

Weather often is the deciding factor in wedding season choice, and cold winter months aren’t the best time for an outdoor ceremony.

Snowfalls in northern states may even hinder the wedding plan execution, making vendors and guests run late because of the traffic.

Winter is also rich with celebrations. Holidays are generously sprinkled across the winter calendar, and many venues and vendors are closed on public holidays.

Furthermore, the selection of seasonal winter flowers isn’t extensive. Overall, most couples prefer colorful weddings and find sleepy winter nature too dull for such a special day.

However, getting married in January or February is a perfect way to ward off winter blues.

The snowy weather creates a magical atmosphere, making any wedding venue appear cozier. December is an ideal time for a winter wonderland or holiday-themed wedding.

Interestingly, ancient Greeks considered January the best wedding month because Zeus and Hera, the primary Greek gods, married in January. Perhaps, winter weather in Greece is more bearable than in the U.S.

Should You Get Married in a Popular Month?

You’re likely wondering whether you should get married in the peak wedding season. There’s no universal answer – on the one hand, certain months became popular for weddings for a reason.

If you imagine your wedding ceremony outdoors, in a blooming garden or tropical island, spring, summer, or early fall months are undoubtedly your best bet.

On the other hand, getting married in a popular month has one significant drawback – increased demand. Finding a wedding venue becomes harder, the best vendors get booked early, and all wedding features come at an extra fee.

If you’ve engaged in fall or winter, planning a spring or summer wedding may be already too late unless you’re ready to wait for another year.

If you’re on a budget, getting married in off-peak times will allow you to organize a better overall event.

Off-peak doesn’t necessarily mean February – March, April, and November offer decent weather but aren’t as popular as September, May, or August.

Even if your budget is big, you may still consider a winter wedding due to better vendor availability. After all, you can host a destination wedding in Hawaii or the Bahamas if you’re dreaming of an outdoor reception.

The popularity of a specific month doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best time for your wedding.

Think about whether any month has a special meaning for the two of you. Perhaps, you met in February, or you both admire the Christmas season?

Every month is beautiful in its unique way, and there’s no right or wrong when it comes to wedding date choice. Pick a date that suits your budget and perception of the event.