The Most Affordable Months of the Year to Get Married

There is certainly truth to the idea that there's a peak wedding season-the busiest time of year for all big-day vendors-throughout the country: In general, most engaged couples tie the knot sometime between late spring and late fall, but June and September are the most popular months of all. That's because the weather is comfortable and predictable almost anywhere you go. As a result, weddings that take place during these months often come with a higher price tag. But there are still exceptions to this rule. While summer in New York is considered a great season to tie the knot, popular destination locales, like the deserts of Arizona and even the Caribbean, experience extremely warm weather, thus making their demand lower. That's when you'll often find the lowest rates for venues, vendors, and guest accommodations.

So, if you're looking for the most affordable time of year to tie the knot, thinking beyond typical wedding season dates is a good start, but you should also consider what it's like in your dream locale, too. Here, we break down affordability by season, plus offer tips to help you get the most for your money throughout the year.

Winter Months

If you're not scared of cold temperatures and a chance of snow, consider setting a date in December, January, or February. But if you were thinking of hosting a destination wedding in somewhere that's popular in the winter (like Vermont or Colorado) know that this is their busy season, which means higher rates at venues and hotels. If you're looking for somewhere that's experiencing low-season during the winter, anywhere in the middle of the country or the east coast is a good bet. The weather may not be perfect, but it'll be a quiet time of year to get married.

Spring Months

As a fringe month with less predictable weather, March is a great time of year to book a wedding, as you'll find lower venue fees almost anywhere. April and May are considered peak season in much of the country, though you may be able to find affordable venues in regions that have a longer winter.

Summer Months

June, July, and August bring wild weather to the tropics, with hurricane season in full swing. While summer may be peak wedding season on the coasts and in places like Cape Cod or Seattle, it's not considered a great time of year for a wedding in California, the Bahamas, or Mexico. More affordable hotel rates and flights are almost guaranteed during the summer.

Fall Months

Fall is probably the most expensive time of year to get married since autumn wedding dates are extremely popular. It's also the time of year when weather is at its finest across most of the country. If you're looking to have a destination wedding in the Caribbean or elsewhere, late October into November could be your most affordable option outside of the hurricane danger zone.