Choosing a season for your wedding can be tricky. Popular dates in spring and fall fill up quickly and can be expensive. While saying “I do” in the cold of winter or the heat of summer has its own challenges.
So, when is the best time to get married? It all depends on your priorities when it comes to things like where you want to hold your ceremony, what you want to wear, guests you want to be there and more.
In this blog, we’ll provide some things to consider which can apply to weddings anywhere, but because we’re based in Las Vegas you can expect a lot of Vegas based info.
A discussion about which season makes the best time to get married in Vegas, or anywhere really, centers around the weather. Because Las Vegas is in a desert climate, temperatures will be the first thing you think about when considering getting married in Vegas.
But there’s no reason to be scared. Las Vegas has a season for everyone, and we’re here to help you pick the best one for you.
Weather Always Plays a Role
Weather is never not a consideration, no matter what location you choose. For instance, in places like Chicago, Minneapolis, Cleveland and Des Moines in the upper mid-western part of the United States, or in the Northeast, in places like New York, Philadelphia and Boston, a lot of couples choose to walk down the aisle in spring and fall because the weather is pleasant.
Months like September and October make up the transition into fall, the heat of summer has dissipated, yet it’s not close enough to winter that you have to worry about it snowing yet.
Same goes for April and May, only in reverse. You can get slammed with late spring snows or early fall blizzards of course, so if you’re in the Midwest or Northeast you’ll always be crossing your fingers to some degree.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that Las Vegas doesn’t have different weather in different seasons. It does. Las Vegas absolutely isn’t Buffalo, but it also isn’t the Northern Mariana Islands, where there is very little seasonal temperature variation.
Here’s what you can expect for temperatures in different seasons in Las Vegas.
Temperature Chart from Current Results
It rarely snows in Las Vegas’ winter, but that doesn’t mean it can’t or won’t. It does get cold (to us) during December, January and February.
If you want to enjoy the mild winter and still have a snowy wedding in Las Vegas, head to Mt. Charleston. There is snow at the mountain’s higher elevations and you can be back in the snowless valley within an hour.
At the other extreme, the heat of the Las Vegas summer is very real. Triple digit temps are the norm from June to early September.
But the good news is summer rain is super rare, there’s no humidity, it cools off nicely in the evenings and there’s always the ability to retreat into the air conditioning or cool off at the pool.
If you’re a heat-seeker, it doesn’t get any better than Las Vegas in the summer. The people on your guest list may not be as ready for it as you are, but it’s your wedding, so you do you.
If your dream elopement falls within September through November, we suggest booking as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
If you’re tying the knot in a region you’re unfamiliar with and are wondering when the “good temperatures” are happening, then do a little research.
We recommend checking out an almanac to see how the weather history has been there. Every city, state and country has different weather patterns, but you can get a good idea of how the region you choose will deliver in temperatures.
Location Matters
Whether you opt for an indoor or outdoor location, venues may be dressed and styled differently throughout the year to reflect the season and the weather.
This can include everything from holiday decorations for major holidays during the season of your choosing, or even things like what flowers will be blooming and if there are leaves on the trees or not. The part of the country you choose can make a difference as far as venue appearance during different seasons.
If you want an outdoor wedding with daffodils and tulips then spring in the Midwest or Northeast is a good bet. If you want the changing colors of fall but fear the threat of snow back east, then November and December in Las Vegas might be for you because fall comes later here but you still get the benefit of sunny skies.
If you’re thinking of tying the knot in your hometown, you probably already know what the area looks like throughout each season. For adventurous couples who opt for a destination wedding, taking time to research the different seasons for each location you’re considering is going to play a role in your wedding planning.
For example, couples who come to us here in Las Vegas, should be aware that many of our venues are outdoors, so the season can often play a factor.
But don’t worry — if you come when it’s supposed to be nice, and the weather doesn’t cooperate, we have a number of fabulous indoor venues we can switch you to if there’s a last minute weather situation.
Pick a location that you both feel would have sentimental value, that is ultra-comfortable to be in and is your ideal spot for getting married.
Travel Costs Vary
The season you say “I do” can affect the cost of travel, especially if you need to fly to your destination.
For instance, a summer wedding sounds dreamy and traditional, but in certain big cities, your date down the aisle could coincide with peak summer travel times that tie in with school holidays or festivals. As such, flights can cost more.
If you’re worried about ballooning costs, you might be surprised to learn that a destination wedding in Las Vegas can be pretty affordable!
Bear in mind that accommodation may also be at a premium during popular travel times. An example of this here in Vegas is the National Finals Rodeo, which draws a big crowd to town for several days each December.
A lot of places get booked up well in advance. But if it’s your thing, NFR is actually a great time to get married, even if it might cost a bit more for a hotel.
Just remember, when organizing a destination wedding, it’s polite to think about your out-of-town guests who probably want to easily find accommodation that’s affordable and comfortable.
Travel operators are usually good people to talk to if you want an idea of peak travel times. They may even be able to give you average prices for each season.
Additionally, you can check out a handy blog that lists major conventions, events and conferences in Las Vegas.
Vegas has something for everyone throughout the year. If you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place when trying to dodge major events that could raise prices, then it might be to your advantage to consider a weekday wedding so that you can still make it to your destination city of choice while avoiding the crowds.
Availability of Your Guests
If ensuring your friends and family can attend is a must for true wedding day happiness, then try to pick a season or time of year when people are less likely to be tied up with other commitments.
A December wedding can be gorgeous, no doubt, but if it’s close to the holidays, the time availability of your friends and family can be extremely limited. A lot of folks have corporate events on tap and holiday parties to go to, and they are tied up preparing for their own family traditions and get-togethers in between the shopping and merriment. Plus, bad weather can mess up schedules and travel plans.
In addition, school breaks are happening, and some families like to hop on a flight for a little vacation time themselves.
If thinking about trying to make arrangements for all your guests has your head spinning, you might be leaning towards eloping in Las Vegas. Going this nontraditional route is an easy way to eliminate the stress. There are many reasons why a Vegas wedding is a popular alternative.
Wardrobe Choices
Weather affects wardrobe choices. If a winter wedding is in sight, then you can have fun choosing layers for your ensembles. An elegant wrap, cape or jacket will enhance your look, and heavier weight fabrics may be optimal.
Weddings during wintertime don’t always mean that there’s snow falling. In Las Vegas, winter desert weddings are enchanting, especially if you choose a sunrise ceremony where drops of dew, sprinkles of frost and cool blue skies may greet you. Temperatures can drop as low as 40°F (4°C) and only reach highs of around 60°F (16°C).
You can even match the colors to your attire and every other wedding detail by the season. In fall, for example, inviting shades of rust, burgundy, deep purple, forest green or red can set the mood for your nuptials.
Plan Ahead
Whichever season you settle on, our advice is the same: schedule your dream date ahead of time to ensure it’s available, fits into travel times and doesn’t fall on a holiday.
No matter what season you’re considering it’s always a good idea to get a jump on your plans by booking your venue, photographer and vendors early.
Our most popular dates in the fall and spring fill up quickly. Get in touch today to find out if your preferred date is available!
