Ideal Seasons to Have Interstate Weddings
Choosing the right time of year for your out-of-state wedding can really make a difference in guest count, budget and even the vibe of your celebration. The best season for your wedding will be determined by considering weather, budget, guest convenience and if there are any local events to consider at the location. Here we break down each season so you can determine when is the best time of year for an out of state wedding:
Spring (March to May)
Pros:
Mild Temperatures: Spring is one of the best seasons in many parts of the country for good temperatures, so outdoor ceremonies and receptions are more enjoyable.
Blossoming flowers and greenery providing stunning backgrounds for wedding photos
More Accessibility: Spring can be a popular choice for weddings but it is far less competitive than summer so you get the best of both worlds availability wise.
Cons:
Rain Showers: While springtime is lovely in some parts of the country, if rain showers pop up where you live it may not be ideal for outdoor venues. Plan for a backup.
Travel Pricing During the Easter Season: Travel costs may rise for Easter and spring break dates because families tend to travel, so try to avoid these times.
Ideal Locations:
Southwest & Southeast: The states of Arizona and Texas, along with Florida, have beautiful weather (with the exception of summer blistering heat).
Pacific Northwest: Regions such as Oregon and Washington have lush green scenery and spring colours that burst out in bloom.
Tips for Spring Weddings:
If your wedding is around Easter or spring break, book flights and accommodations for guests early.
Choose outdoor-friendly spaces that have covered areas, or a tent if you think it might rain.
Summer (June to August)
Pros:
High travel season: Summer offers less resistance for guests to arrive, especially for families with school-aged children.
Longer Days: It brings longer days, which means your ceremony can start late into the evening with plenty of light for photos.
Holiday Vibe: Summer means vacations for many and therefore guests could be more prone to turning your nuptials into a holiday.
Cons:
Higher Costs: Because summer is peak wedding season and vacation time, flights, hotels and venues can be costly and difficult to reserve.
Heat and Humidity: Some of the locations reach extreme summertime heat and humidity, creating less than ideal outdoor ceremonies or receptions.
Ideal Locations:
Mountain Areas: Colorado, Montana or the Adirondacks provide cooler temps and gorgeous scenery.
Northern Coast: For a cooler, scenic alternative to southern summer destinations, consider places like Northern California, the New England coast or the Pacific Northwest.
Tips for Summer Weddings:
Have cooling choices (fans, shaded regions or indoor sites when temperature elevations) available.
Scheduling your wedding for a weekday will not only ensure that guests do not have to pay the peak travel prices, but also opens up even more venue possibilities.
Fall (September to November)
Pros:
Pleasant Weather: The fresh, cool air of early autumn makes a nice climate for outdoor weddings.
Beautiful Colourful Dry Leaves: Foliage can be magnificent during the Autumn season which opens up stunning photo opportunities. particularly in areas with fall foliage.
Reduce some travel costs: Fall is the break from summer prices, so flights and accommodations tend to be cheaper.
Cons:
Conflicts with Back-to-School: When you have guests that can not take time off for a wedding in the fall because their kids are starting to go back to school.
Changeable Weather: The vagaries of late fall in some areas can mean storms, or cold. Early fall is usually quite temperate however.
Ideal Locations:
Best place to travel in OctoberNew England: Well-known for its fall colours, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and Maine are some of the best places to visit.
Midwest & Northeast: If bright fall foliage combined with moderate temperatures is your jam, top destinations like Michigan, Pennsylvania and New York should be high on your list of options to travel to this state.
Tips for Fall Weddings:
Send out save-the-dates early guests will need to plan around school schedules.
If your wedding falls later in the fall and there is a chance it may get cold then consider offering shawls or blankets.
Winter (December to February)
Pros:
Avoid Paying Full Price: Because winter is a slower season for travel and venues (excluding holidays), winter weddings are often cheaper.
Casual Vibe: The holidays can bring a relaxed, comfortable vibe to winter weddings. especially if you use seasonal decorations such as candles, wreaths or twinkle lights.
Limited Availability: not a lot of couples get married in the winter so your wedding can be special and have that ‘wow’ factor as well.
Cons:
Weather challenges: Snow, ice and freezing temperatures are perfect for a beautiful or elegant wedding but can hinder travel if you have more than just the 2 witnesses at your ceremony.
Holiday Conflicts: If you’re contemplating a December wedding, some families may not be able to travel for the holidays during that time; or early January dates can be complicated with guests who have drained resources due to holiday travel costs.
Ideal Locations:
Southern U.S.: If you do not want to hold a ceremony outdoors during the winter time, places like Florida, California and southern Texas will always have a mild climate that is ideal for either outdoor or indoor celebrations.
Mountain Resorts: For couples who want a winter wonderland, ski resorts in Colorado, Utah or Wyoming are perfect.
Tips for Winter Weddings:
Avoid all travel around a holiday, so schedule your wedding between the middle of January and early March.
Hold the ceremony and reception indoors, or have heated tents for those celebrations out of doors.
Suggestions for Weddings Across the States When Weather is Involved
Here are a few last-minute tips for planning your destination wedding, no matter the season:
Build a Wedding Website: Write out seasonal travel tips, attractions and the weather information your guests need on a wedding website!
Assist Guests in Finding Budget-Friendly Lodging: Whether it’s a quaint mountain cabin, an ocean escape at an Airbnb location, or an affordable downtown hotel; re[1]searching where to stay and working to lock down group rates can ultimately help guests save some dough.
Packing tips If you are hosting guests through a winter wedding, inform them to layer up. If the couple are having a fairytale wedding on the beach during summer, remind them to bring sunscreen and their thinnest outfit!
Provide Transportation: If your place is far away from everything, group shuttles can help guests spend less on car rentals and make getting around easier.
Final Thoughts
Your choice for when to have your wedding in another state is highly dependent on what you envision, your budget and where your priorities lie. Choosing the right season you want to get married (and helping your guests prepare for it!) can ensure your wedding day is a beautiful experience for all, whether you’re fantasising about a florid spring romanticised affair or a warm and intimate winter occasion. With this in mind, you can hold a beautiful wedding and one that is convenient for your guests to attend; no travel costs, weather issues or unavailability.
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