By Danielle Towle
In which season should you get married?
If you’re newly engaged or planning to get engaged you may be wondering when you should have your wedding in the first place! There may be a reason September and October have taken over as the busiest months for weddings in the last few years. But does that mean those months are actually the ideal months for saying “I do”? I am here to tell you there are three main things you should consider when choosing the date of your wedding: weather, sunset time, and color aesthetic. Your wedding is not a one size fits all wedding. So, let’s talk about this in more detail.
As a Wedding Photographer who has photographed weddings all over Northern Virginia, Maryland, DC and New England, I have had the benefit of photographing in each season over many years and in different climates. I am going to take you through all three of these to help you choose the best possible timeframe for you and your soon to be spouse. I am going to do this by going through each season and talking about the weather, sunset time, and aesthetic.
Spring
Weather
Spring can be a beautiful time to get married in Northern Virginia and the DMV. The temperature is usually mild, the grass is getting green again, flowers are blooming and the pink and white trees are making their debut. For many, April and May are the perfect months to get married.
Weather can get tricky in the spring if you have allergies. If you or your fiance are always sneezing, have puffy eyes, or have other major allergy issues in the spring then this may not be the right time for you to get married. If your allergies are manageable with light medication then you may be fine but be careful when mixing allergy meds with alcohol on your wedding day!
Sunset Time
On April 15th the sunset is around 7:45pm. Why is this important? Because choosing the start time of your ceremony has to be planned around sunset. I usually recommend starting a ceremony 2-3 hours before sunset. This is especially important if you plan to take photos after your ceremony or you want to take advantage of the beautiful golden hour that happens about an hour before the sunsets.
Most ceremonies in the spring should start between 4-5:30pm.
Aesthetic
Spring brings lots of whites, pink, yellows, and greens. If those colors are your vibe then spring may be the perfect season for you. Colors like emerald green and jewel tones are better in the cooler months of the year.
Summer
Weather
The summer months in Virginia and the DMV can be HOT. July and August can be pushing 100 with high humidity that can make even a linen suit covered in sweat. If you want to do an outdoor wedding in the backyard or under a tent even air conditioned outdoor spaces are tough to keep cool.
If you are planning on an indoor air conditioned space then the summer months have nothing on you! You can enjoy the bright sun while dancing the night away on a cool indoor dance floor.
If you have outdoor photos or your ceremony is outside make sure to have bug spray, sunscreen, fans, and lots of water for your bridal party and guests.
Sunset Time
The sunset on July 15 in Virginia is around 8:30pm. That means you have a LOT of daylight hours and likely a later ceremony start time. I would recommend having your ceremony start between 5-6pm.
Aesthetic
With lots of daylight hours brings lots of sun, green grass and green trees. Bright and bold colors look best in the summer like hot pinks, lime greens, sunshine yellow and peach. If you want a colorful and fun aesthetic then the summer may be the right season for you.
Autumn
Weather
Autumn is my favorite season for weddings. I am not at all surprised they are the busiest months for the wedding industry and it’s hard to find vendors if you don’t book far in advance. Why? Warm days and cooler nights. You can enjoy the warmth during the day and have nice fire outside at your reception for s’mores or other fun fall things like hot cider. Just make sure to have bug spray especially during gnat season.
Sunset Time
Sunset on October 15 in Virginia is 6:30pm. BUT if you get married in November after the time change you may have sunset at 4:30pm! This will likely mean a 3-4pm ceremony start time and if it’s AFTER the time change a 2pm ceremony. Make sure to pay attention to the time change and google search the date and location for your exact sunset time.
Aesthetic
This is the time for warm earth tones. Bright colors are fading and shades of orange and browns are taking over the landscape. If you love burgundy, rust, orange, mustard yellow or creamy shades then this is probably the best season for you!
Winter
Weather
As you may have expected, winter is cold. This means no outdoor weddings and all indoor spaces. It could also mean snow as well! You never know in Virginia. So, if you love the winter months, love the Christmas season, or want a fun New Year’s wedding then this may be the season for you.
Sunset Time
4:49pm is the time of sunset on December 15th in Virginia. Oof. This means your ceremony will likely be between 1:30-2:30pm. If you’re not a night owl this may be the perfect season for you!
Aesthetic
The winter months usually have barren trees and earthy toned grass. Cloud coverage usually increases as well which means you may have cooler looking outdoor photos that look more like shades of blue than shades of gold. Jewel tones, blues and purples, and shades of white look beautiful this time of year.
Whatever month you get married in you can capture something absolutely beautiful. Each season brings something new and brilliant to give your wedding a unique and fun look that is perfectly you. So, get after it and enjoy the wedding planning!
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If you are planning a wedding in Roanoke Virginia, Richmond Virginia, Fredericksburg/Northern Virginia, The Shenandoah Valley, Coastal Virginia or in Charlottesville/ Lynchburg Va. we can help with your wedding planning and ideas.
