How to choose your perfect wedding month

Congratulations on your engagement! Before you start shopping for dresses or viewing venues, the first thing you need to do is choose your preferred day of the week, season, and year. The month you choose influences not only how your venue looks, but how your day feels – for both you and your guests. But with twelve months of possibilities, how do you choose the right month for your wedding? 

We’ve put together this helpful guide on how to choose your wedding month, so you can select the season that feels right for you as a couple and reflects your story.

Before you start thinking about who you want to invite, consider what atmosphere you want to create on your wedding day. Are you picturing your guests drinking cocktails on the lawn on a balmy summer’s day at an outdoor wedding, or partying indoors in a warm and cosy barn reception space?  

How your wedding feels will naturally shape how your guests experience it too. Summer days tend to unfold slowly, with more time outdoors and longer evenings; while winter celebrations often feel more intimate and centred around being together indoors.

Questions to ask before choosing a wedding month:

• Do you want an outdoor ceremony, or does an indoor setting appeal to you more?
• How important is natural light for your photographs?
• Are there specific florals or colours you love that are seasonal?
• Will your guests be travelling or working around school holidays?

Once you have a sense of how you want your day to feel, the next step is to choose a season that can bring your vision to life. Here are the pros and cons of getting married in each season:

Spring weddings (March, April, May)

Why get married in spring?: Spring is the perfect choice if you want a wedding that feels light, fresh, and offers a sense of new beginnings without the intensity of peak summer. You can enjoy both indoor and outdoor moments, without needing to commit to one or the other.

Things to consider: You can only marry outside in the UK during British Summer Time. Spring can be a little chilly, especially in March and April, so make sure your wedding venue offers indoor spaces. You should also have a wet weather wedding plan in place to ensure the day runs smoothly, whatever the weather.

Summer weddings (June, July, August)

Why get married in summer?: Summer is the most popular season for outdoor weddings in the UK, thanks to the longer days and higher temperatures. You can plan an outdoor-focused day, and you’ll have more daylight hours to celebrate with your guests and grab those golden hour moments.

Things to consider: Summer is traditionally the most in-demand wedding season, so dates book well in advance (18-24 months in advance). As a result, venue pricing can be higher during this period. It’s also worth planning for warmer weather, ensuring your guests remain comfortable and cool should temperatures rise.  

Autumn weddings (September, October, November)

Why get married in autumn?: Autumn offers a beautiful balance between seasons, bringing rich colours and softer lighting. Early September can still feel like summer, often offering greater availability and better value, while October allows for outdoor ceremonies in softer light. By November, the focus naturally turns to warm, cosy indoor celebrations.

Things to consider: The evenings draw in more quickly in autumn, which can impact your timeline, so we always recommend choosing an earlier ceremony time (i.e. 1pm or 1.30pm). The temperatures can begin to drop in the evenings, so make sure you keep your guests comfortable whilst outdoors by providing blankets with charming slogans like “Wrap Yourself in Love”.

Winter weddings (December, January, February)

Why get married in winter?: Winter offers a quieter, more intimate atmosphere for couples who want a deeply personal celebration. Wedding venues usually have more availability during the winter months and pricing is often more accessible.

Things to consider: The majority of your wedding will take place indoors, so make sure your venue has a stunning indoor ceremony space. You’ll also need to plan your timeline carefully around the shorter daylight hours to make sure you have time for those outdoor couple shots before sitting down to your wedding breakfast.

The final step is to choose a venue that truly complements your chosen season. The right venue should be able to make the most of the light, the surroundings, and the atmosphere that the season naturally brings.

Solton Manor offers the ideal blank canvas to embrace the beauty of all seasons. With nine acres of picturesque gardens, five distinct ceremony areas (three indoor and soon to be three licenced outdoor spaces) to choose from, and a beautifully converted barn reception space, the estate provides everything you could possibly need to bring your wedding vision to life. 

Whether you’re planning a spring garden ceremony, a relaxed summer soirée, a cosy autumnal woodland wedding, or an intimate winter celebration with all your guests staying on site, we can make all your wedding dreams come true here at Solton Manor. We offer endless possibilities for personalisation as the seasons change, allowing you to design your special day in your own unique way. Discover how to embrace the beauty of every season at Solton Manor in our blog post.

FAQs

What is the most popular month to get married in the UK?

June, July, and August are traditionally the most popular months to get married in the UK. However, May and September are also growing in popularity, offering a similar seasonal feel with a little more flexibility in both availability and investment.

What is the best month for an outdoor wedding in Kent?

May, June, July, and September typically offer the most reliable weather for an outdoor wedding in Kent; not too hot but not too cool. However, we always recommend having a wet weather wedding plan as a backup in case the weather is not on your side.

Is it cheaper to get married in winter in the UK?

Yes, it is usually cheaper to get married in winter in the UK. January and February often provide greater availability and more flexible pricing, making them an appealing choice for couples seeking an off-peak wedding.

What is the best time of year to get married?

Honestly, there is no single best time of year to get married – it all depends on your vision. Summer lends itself to outdoor celebrations, while autumn and winter are cosier and more intimate. At Solton Manor, the best season is the one that feels most like you as a couple, and we will help bring your vision to life.

Benjamin Toms Photography
Dover Media Group