The best season to get married in Northern Virginia

Summer weddings

Most people think of Summer when they envisage a wedding, especially as June is traditionally the “wedding month.” According to the Real Wedding Study1, almost half of all weddings in Northern Virginia were in the Summer.  Spring and Fall were just under 25% each, with Winter picking up the rest.

Be prepared that everything will be more expensive as prices increase due to demand.  Also, plan a Summer wedding date at least a year in advance due to the popularity of this season.  Venues book up quickly, and you might need to be flexible with your date to fit in with availability at the venue.

Summer can be hot and sticky and muggy and sweaty, and Northern Virginia is notoriously humid.  This can be unbearably uncomfortable for some of your guests; I’m thinking of Auntie Pat and Aunt Lisa here.  Ensure your venue has air conditioning if you are inside and lots of shade outside.  On the plus side, you have long evenings and beautiful sunsets with the song of the cicadas to serenade you.

Vacations are usually during the summer, so people are already planning to take off time, which means they are more readily available, especially if travel is involved.  Ensure you send your Save-The-Date notices well in advance so they can plan accordingly.

Fall weddings

More couples are choosing Fall for their wedding day due to its more comfortable weather.  Some of this was the fallout from COVID-19, but the trend seems to sustain its popularity.  

Yay!  Less bugs!  People are realizing that this season offers the most comfortable and reliable weather and lower prices than in the Summer.  If you are planning a destination wedding or honeymoon, avoid the Caribbean at this time due to hurricane season. 

Northern Virginia in the Fall rivals New England with its glorious Fall foliage.   The explosion of color is in its full splendor over the rolling hills and provides an exquisite backdrop to wedding vows. 

Travel and accommodation for guests are less expensive during this season, although prices will go up for the Thanksgiving weekend.  

Sporting events can affect when you choose to get married.  Many football games are played in the fall, and you don’t want to compete with them if your guests are ardent supporters of their team.

Winter weddings

Winter is not a popular season due to its cold and windy weather; however, if you are planning an inside wedding, it might be just the ticket.  

With the evenings drawing in early, a cozy fireplace setting with twinkling candles and even festive decorations can add a delightful backdrop to your wedding.  And those snowy photoshoots are a dream. 

This is a great time to gather people together, especially if your guests range from far and wide.  People are already in a holiday mood, and festive occasions are pre-loaded with joy and good tidings. 

Winter is not a popular time of year for weddings, so venues are more likely to be available, and their prices are more affordable and negotiable than the rest of the year.  While you may compete with end-of-year holiday parties in December, you are less likely to battle with other wedding couples for those weekend dates. 

When booking your venue and vendors, check their contingency plans for inclement weather. Also, determine if heating is available at your venue.

Spring weddings

Springtime provides a spectacular display of floral colors, and with cooler temperatures than the summer, many couples take advantage of what the Spring season has to offer. 

Couples often choose Spring for symbolic reasons equated with new beginnings.  After the chill of winter, this is a time to release the soul in the airiness of warmer days and longer evenings.  Bear in mind that April Showers are so named because of the rain that comes with Spring.  It can be quite cool in early spring, and with the weather being somewhat unpredictable, some couples hold off until later in the season.  With this, you can see prices begin to increase.

With Ramadan, Passover, Easter, and Mother’s Day in Spring, you must carefully consider whether you want to take advantage of or avoid those dates.

Choosing the best season for your wedding

Planning your wedding is a long and stressful process, and it begins with you selecting the date and venue.   Having a better idea of what each season offers can alleviate some of the anxiety and solidify your thoughts about what your wedding will look like.  Taking into account not just the weather but also the availability of venues and the environment of your venue can hone your vision for your perfect wedding day.

Are you still needing some help deciding between seasons? Our What do you need to know for a Winter Wedding article goes deeper into what we went through here, but in a more concise form with suggestions and advice.