The Best — And Worst — Time to Get Married in 11 Top Destinations

If your dream is to get married in Wine Country and enjoy gorgeous vineyard views, there’s a few things to note before booking your venue. Traditionally, the most ideal time for a Northern California wedding is August through October. The weather is more mild, and the vineyards are in full bloom. However, wildfire season typically runs from June to October; and recent droughts have caused the season to start earlier in the year. Now, many couples are considering late winter or spring weddings. Regardless, you’ll want to work with your planner to come up with a contingency plan.

With its warm Mediterranean climate, Southern California hosts some of the most gorgeous weddings in the world. The most ideal time for a SoCal wedding is in October. The days are long and warm; however the nights can get chilly — so consider adding heat lamps if your reception is outdoors. You’ll also want to make note of the wildfire season which begins in late spring and can run through October.

If you’re looking to get married in the mountains of Colorado, then July and August are the best times. The trails are filled with greenery and wildflowers, so you’re guaranteed the most perfect photo ops. For a little cooler weather and peak fall colors, opt for an October date. Of course, there’s always ski season; but be aware, storms can impact travel and make guest arrival unreliable.

When choosing a Colorado wedding date, be mindful of the mud season which runs from April to May. While you’re likely to find great deals during the off-season, you’ll also find that weather conditions can make it difficult for wedding photographers to access remote locations for the perfecting wedding shots

When getting that perfect mountain shot, make sure you don’t go off path — this can cause erosion and affect wildlife. Moreover, make sure to work with your planner to ensure you have any necessary permits and licenses.

South Florida is an easy choice for many couples. You’ll find tropical palm trees, pristine beaches, and vibrant city life all in one spot. When choosing a South Florida wedding venue, keep in mind that March has near perfect weather and is ideal for all outdoor activities. 

If you opt for a summer wedding, be aware of the increase in bugs, heat, and humidity. Also, prepare yourself for an afternoon rain shower when making your day-of-timeline. Make sure to watch out for hurricane season from June to November.

PartySlate Tip: If planning a March wedding, prepare for the large spring break crowds. You’ll want to make sure you book your venue, hotel blocks, and transportations up to a year in advance.

While Chicago is known for its iconic skyline, landmarks, and delicious food — it’s also known for having some of the most unpredictable weather. If you’re looking to have an outdoor wedding, we recommend avoiding both winter and spring due to the high volume of snow and rain. Of course, you could always choose a weatherproof venue to avoid any weather worries. 

That being said, if you have guests flying in from out-of-town, you may want to consider avoiding a winter wedding altogether due to a high probability of snowstorms and freezing temperatures, which often cause flight delays. Luckily, summer and fall are beautiful times for a Chicago wedding.

Seattle, Washington offers idyllic backdrops for your celebration, so it’s no surprise to us that so many couples want to get married in this gorgeous city. To ensure that you have the best weather for an outdoor wedding, choose a date between May and October. If you opt for a wedding date outside of those months, be aware of flood risks. Seventy-five percent of the state’s yearly precipitation comes between October and March, with the wettest month being December.

Summers can not only be super hot in New York City, but it is also often a time of severe storms. Additionally, peak tourist season is June through August, so prepare for a high volume of people and price surges during these months. We recommend avoiding August for an outdoor wedding and hosting either earlier in the summer or waiting until fall for your nuptials. September, October, and November are beautiful months to marry in NYC as the weather is temperate, the leaves are changing, and the tourist rush has calmed.

With its dramatic sunsets and stunning ocean views, Hawaii offers couples a one-of-a-kind backdrop for their nuptials. Sadly, as we’ve seen recently, wildfires and hurricanes can affect these beautiful islands. While we know there is conflicting information about the recent Maui wildfires, the whole island is not closed, and many vendors are encouraging couples to consider hosting their celebration on the East side of the island or on one of Hawaii’s other picturesque islands.

Source your wedding décor from local vendors as much as possible, as this will help sustain the island’s economy and keep local businesses afloat. Make sure to work with your wedding planner to avoid reaching out to vendors who have been affected by the wildfires. 

Another thing to note is that peak travel times normally occur between mid-December through mid-January for the holidays, early March for spring break, and late April to early May for Golden Week. During these times it can be more difficult to find accommodations for your guests.

Remember, it rains almost every day in Hawaii, even if only for ten minutes. Be prepared with a weather-proof option like tenting. See some of our favorite wedding tent styles for ideas.

From Cabo to Tulum, Mexico’s tropical locale makes it a top destination for many wedding celebrations. October through July is peak wedding season due to the milder weather — but because of the high demand, you may experience higher fees. Be cautious of hurricane season, which happens between June and September. 

Any time you plan a wedding in a different country — especially locales with differing languages — there will always be challenges. Make sure to hire an experienced destination wedding planner to help you with all logistics.

Planning a wedding in Europe gives your family and friends the trip of a lifetime and makes for the most picturesque scenery. In terms of weather, summer is the most ideal time to get married in all of Europe. However, there are greater numbers of tourists, which means more crowds and higher resort costs. 

Popular destinations in Europe to tie the knot include France, Santorini, and Italy. When planning in France, avoid October and November, as they are notorious for getting a lot of rain. If choosing Italy, September and October are the most ideal. The heat is more bearable, there is low tourism, and you can expect more vivid colors in the surrounding foliage. If picking the gorgeous island of Santorini, May through October is not too hot, has low risk of rain, and also boasts lush foliage. Wherever you choose in Europe, make sure to hire an experienced destination planner to help avoid all weather worries.

When choosing a Caribbean wedding, you’re practically guaranteed warm weather year round. If you want the best weather — not overly hot or humid — you should book between January and March. However, that is also peak tourist season, so fares for hotels and flights will be at their highest. July through September has the lowest resort fees, but temperatures and humidity are high — plus, there’s a high probability of hurricanes. Make sure you work with your planner to find the best time for your seaside nuptials.