There are about 2 million marriages in the United States annually, with weddings occurring at all times of the year. While some wedding trends come and go, spring, summer, and fall are consistently the most popular seasons for nuptials. 

That said, choosing the best season to get married really comes down to your personal preferences and the availability of your desired venue. If you’re still trying to decide when to tie the knot, here’s a closer look at what each season has to offer couples, including the peak wedding season months and the less popular but equally romantic winter season. 

Spring

Springtime is often viewed as the start of the wedding season. The flowers are blooming, the trees are budding, and the entire season is a beautiful symbol of the new beginnings and fresh start that the couple is embarking on. Perfect for the ideal butterfly release to commemorate this new beginning.

Spring weddings are often picture-perfect and full of color and life, and the temperatures are still relatively mild before the peak heat of the summer. 

One downside to the season is that the weather can be a bit unpredictable, especially in more Northern regions. There are also a number of holidays that occur during the spring, such as Mother’s Day, Easter, and Passover. This means the other holiday-free weekends can be in high demand among engaged couples, so it may be tricky to book your confirmed venue. 

Summer

Summer is a great time of year to get married. People often have more flexibility in their schedules during the summer months, so it’s easier for the couple to plan and guests to attend wedding ceremonies this time of year. 

There are certain elements couples can incorporate into their ceremonies this time of year that are not possible in colder months, like a butterfly release. 

However, just as with the spring, it’s a popular season for weddings, so it’s a good idea to book your vendors and venue plenty of time in advance to make sure you get one of your first picks for each. 

Depending on where you’re getting married, the summer heat might be more of a burden than anything. In some areas, the summertime is simply too hot to comfortably host an outdoor wedding, and you never know when an afternoon storm will roll in and foil your plans. 

Fall

Fall has quickly become one of the most popular times of year for weddings. Especially earlier in the season when the weather is still relatively warm, couples can take advantage of the changing leaves, fall foliage, and charming atmosphere of autumn as the backdrop for their nuptials. 

According to The Knot, the most popular wedding date for 2024 was in September. So, even though the season is busy with back-to-school season and fall sports, couples continue to choose fall wedding dates over all other seasons.  

Winter

Though generally not as popular as the other seasons, a winter wonderland wedding can be a truly breathtaking event. Often held indoors to accommodate for the cooler weather, a winter wedding can feel cozy and intimate. 

It’s also a more unique time of year to get married since it’s less common, which may make it easier to secure your top-choice wedding venue and vendors for your special day — and maybe even at a discount. 

Of course, there are some restrictions that couples might face with a winter wedding. This includes not being able to host any portion of the ceremony outdoors or engage in meaningful practices like outdoor butterfly releases, as it’s too cold for the little critters to take flight. 

So — Which Season is Best?

Taking all this into consideration, each season has its own advantages and drawbacks for couples looking to get married. 

All in all, there’s a reason the warmer months tend to be the consistent peak time of year for weddings; however, couples who choose the winter can have just as memorable of an event as anyone else.