Selecting the ideal time of year for your destination wedding is a pivotal decision that can influence the overall experience. Each month presents its own unique advantages and considerations, from weather conditions to costs and availability.

Which is the best month to get married?

In our annual couples survey for 2023 for couples planning their wedding September was the most popular month followed by May. January, February and March were the least popular months.

How to Decide Which Month to Get Married

Deciding on the perfect month for your destination wedding involves a thoughtful consideration of various factors. Here are some key aspects to include and consider in your decision-making process:

1. Personal Preferences and Style

Consider your personal preferences and the style of wedding you envision. Are you drawn to the idea of a snow-filled winter wonderland, a colorful spring ceremony, or a warm summer beach celebration? Your personal taste and desired ambiance will play a significant role in choosing the right month for your wedding abroad.

2. Weather and Season

Evaluate the weather and seasonal conditions in your desired wedding location. Research historical climate data for that time of year to understand what to expect. Consider whether you want sunny skies, mild temperatures, or specific natural scenery, and align your wedding month with the weather that complements your dream celebration.

3. Budget and Costs

Examine the budgetary implications of different months. Peak seasons often mean higher costs for venues, accommodation, and other services due to increased demand. Consider whether you’re willing to spend more for the convenience and advantages of a specific month, or if you prefer to save by opting for an off-peak season. Typically January and February, or October and November are cheaper months to get married.

Accommodation and flight costs need to also be considered, summer months will be cost considerably more than the same in the first few months of the year.

4. Availability of Venues and Suppliers

Availability is a critical factor when planning a destination wedding. Popular months might mean more limited options for venues and services, particularly in sought-after locations. If flexibility is essential, consider exploring off-peak months when availability might be broader, potentially providing more options to suit your preferences.

5. Guest Considerations

Think about your guests’ convenience and availability. Consider if they will be able to travel during your chosen month. A balance between your preferred time and their potential availability might be necessary. Off-peak months might offer more options for cheaper accommodation and flights, potentially making it easier for guests to attend.

6. Planning Time and Flexibility

Consider your timeline and flexibility in planning. Some months might require more extended planning due to higher demand, limited availability, or booking requirements. If you’re set on a specific month, ensure you have enough time for thorough planning and booking to secure your preferred suppliers and venues. For a destination wedding you would look to book at least 12 months in advance.

7. Overall Vision and Dream

Ultimately, your decision should align with the overall vision and dream you have for your wedding day. Visualise the atmosphere, ambiance, and setting you desire for your special day and choose a month that resonates with that vision, ensuring that it matches your dream celebration abroad.

Read – The Best Places To Get Married Abroad

Choosing the Perfect Time of Year to Get Married Abroad

The best month to get married abroad comes down to what you want, what’s important to you and where you are looking to marry. Every month has many pros and some cons, areas such as price can vary, availability and then there is the weather.

January

January, especially in the northern hemisphere, is synonymous with winter wonderlands. Countries in Europe, such as Austria or Switzerland, offer picturesque snowy backdrops, perfect for romantic winter weddings.

However, some regions may experience limited daylight and cold temperatures, so couples should prepare accordingly for indoor ceremonies. Considerations for cost may include high season pricing due to the allure of winter holiday destinations, however for sunshine destinations it could be considerably cheaper.

February

February boasts a romantic ambiance, ideal for weddings. Countries with milder climates, like Italy or Spain, offer enchanting settings for outdoor ceremonies, making it an appealing month for destination weddings. At this time of year certain regions might experience unpredictable weather, with occasional rainfall. Nevertheless, some couples find the potential for fewer tourists and off-peak pricing to be a significant advantage for February weddings.

March

March marks the arrival of spring in many parts of the world. March weddings often offer a balance between off-peak pricing and the emergence of beautiful natural scenery.

April

April brings blossoming flowers and a renewal of nature, making it an ideal month for picturesque outdoor ceremonies. Countries such as France or Greece offer pleasant weather without the intense summer heat, creating a charming ambiance for weddings.

Locations in Europe tend to be slightly cheaper than peak summer season and temperates are pleasant and not too hot.

May

May is favoured for its pleasant weather and longer days, making it an excellent choice for outdoor ceremonies. Before peak summer temperatures start May is a popular month for couples looking to wed in the first half of the year. While May signifies the start of the high season for certain locations, it also offers a vast array of choices and activities for guests to enjoy.

June

June is synonymous with the peak of wedding season in many parts of the world due to its warm weather and longer days. Countries like Italy or Croatia offer stunning coastal venues and delightful weather for beachside or vineyard weddings. However, it’s essential to note that with peak season comes increased costs and higher demand for venues and services.

July

July brings warm temperatures and long days, perfect for outdoor weddings in various countries. European destinations like Spain or France offer idyllic settings for romantic weddings. However, in popular tourist spots, July can be crowded, and accommodations might be pricier due to high demand and the heat can become intense depending on the location you are looking at.

August

August offers warm weather and ideal conditions for beach or countryside weddings. Countries like Greece or the Amalfi Coast in Italy provide stunning settings for memorable ceremonies. However, August can be the busiest and most expensive month in many popular destinations due to summer holidays and festivals, impacting costs and availability.

September

September marks the beginning of the shoulder season in various locations, offering the perfect balance between good weather and reduced tourist traffic. September is a popular month to get married abroad, the end of the summer season, with more availability and it tends to be more pleasant temperature wise as the summer heat cools slightly.

October

October is a beautiful month to exchange vows in various countries around the world, as it marks the transition from summer to autumn in the northern hemisphere and from winter to spring in the southern hemisphere.

With milder temperatures and fewer tourists, cities like Florence or the Amalfi Coast in Italy provide a dreamy backdrop for an autumn celebration. Islands like Santorini or Crete offer a more serene and romantic atmosphere with comfortable weather, beautiful sunsets, and a relaxed ambiance

November

November can be a quieter time for weddings in many destinations, making it a good choice for more intimate celebrations. Countries like Bali or Australia offer good weather, making it an appealing option for a destination wedding. However, in some locations, November marks the start of the rainy season, which might affect outdoor ceremonies.

December

December brings the magic of winter and festive cheer to many locations. Countries like Austria or Switzerland offer enchanting winter wonderlands, perfect for romantic ceremonies and festive weddings.

While not peak wedding season many venues will be booked for Christmas events so while weddings maybe cheaper at this time there maybe not as much availability wise from venues you are looking at.

What is the best time of year to get married?

Choosing the perfect time of year for your destination wedding involves weighing various factors, including weather, costs, availability, and the ambiance you desire. Each month presents its own unique opportunities and challenges, so take the time to consider the vision you have for your special day and how each month aligns with that vision in your chosen location.

Whether you prefer a snowy winter celebration, a blooming spring ceremony, or a warm summer beach wedding, finding the right time to say “I do” abroad will add a touch of magic to your love story.