Answered by the very lovely Rachael – Hertfordshire wedding photographer at As You Are Photography

If you’re wondering what the best month to get married in is, you’re in the right place! I’m Rachael, the wedding photographer behind As You Are Photography. I’m based in Hertfordshire, and love to capture the wedding stories of couples who don’t feel totally comfortable in front of the camera. I built As You Are Photography because I believe that wedding photos should feel like you – honest, relaxed, and full of the moments that actually mattered.

First of all – huge congratulations if you’ve just got engaged! After the excitement of sharing your news, one of the first questions you’ll hear is: “When’s the wedding?” And chances are… you don’t have an answer yet. Because suddenly the reality hits – you have a wedding to plan.

Some couples want to tie the knot within a year (and yes, it’s absolutely possible to plan a wedding in under six months – I’ve even known it done in six weeks!), while others prefer to take their time, save, and plan things more slowly.

But no matter your timeline, one big question comes first: when?

The truth is, the “best” month to get married doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your finances, work schedules, family circumstances, and what matters most to you as a couple. There isn’t a universally perfect time – only the right time for you. I’m a big believer in doing what feels right for you, not what the internet says.

That said, if you do have the flexibility to choose – and you’re asking yourself “what is the best month to get married?” – then keep reading.

As a wedding photographer, I get to photograph weddings all year round and one thing I’ve learned over the years is the month you choose can really shape your wedding photos – not just the scenery and backdrops, but the light, the mood, and even the energy of the day.

Every month has its own charms, so I’ve put together this guide for you to help you choose your best month. Here’s my month-by-month guide, with real stories from weddings I’ve captured, some pros and cons, and some of the best venues around Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire for every season.

January & February – with examples from winter weddings in Hertfordshire

Winter weddings are always going to be intimate and romantic. January and February offer gorgeous winter light that photographs beautifully, and teamed with cozy interiors it’s always a win. If we’re lucky you might get outside for some frosty winter light portraits – my absolute fave images for marking this time of year! And of course, what could be more romantic than getting married in the month of Valentine’s Day?

From a photography point of view, January and February weddings come with some real advantages – but a few things to be mindful of too.

Why January and February might be the best months to get married:

Beautiful winter light – Soft, low winter sun is incredibly flattering and perfect for gorgeous portraits.
Frosty backdrops – Fingers crossed you might get a gorgeous frost, along with bare trees, and blue skies
Cozy atmosphere – Fairy lights, candles all around your wedding breakfast
Availability & value – Venues and suppliers often have more availability (and sometimes better rates).

Things to consider if you’d like a January / February wedding:

Shorter daylight hours – Planning an earlier ceremony helps make the most of natural light. 1pm or earlier is a good time for winter weddings.
Cold weather – You’ll want to plan layers, wraps, or indoor portrait options (faux fur shawls are both practical and gorgeous!).
Weather unpredictability – Frost is what we all hope for, but it’s worth having a flexible plan just in case it’s a rainy one!

Here are a few of my most favourite winter weddings…

Carl and Kirsten – A January Micro-Wedding at Hunton Park
One January, I captured the micro-wedding of Carl and Kirsten at Hunton Park. They planned this wedding in 6 weeks and despite the small number of guests, they didn’t miss a single feature of a full day wedding! The frost stayed on the grass all day, making the afternoon photos in the winter light absolutely magical!

Annabel and Phil – A Valentine’s Day Wedding at Ashridge House
Cozy fairy lights and candlelit photos are perfect for couples who love romantic vibes. I loved photographing Annabel and Phil’s Valentine’s Day wedding at Ashridge House – the perfect Hertfordshire winter wedding venue! The day was a wet one, but with Ashridge offering so many cozy rooms, it didn’t matter – and we were still able to sneak outside to some sheltered spots and get those views of Ashridge in the couple portraits.

March & April – Spring Wedding Photography

Could a Spring wedding be your best month to get married in? Spring weddings are all about new beginnings – the most perfect theme for a wedding! I love these months as everyone starts to make plans and find new energy after winter – days start to feel lighter and the gardens wake up. And don’t forget all the lovely signs of Spring – March brings daffodils, while April brings blossoms and bluebells.

From a photography point of view, March and April weddings are beautiful – but they do come with their own quirks!

Why March & April might be your best months to get married:

Spring flowers everywhere – Daffodils, blossom, bluebells, and fresh greenery add natural colour and interest to your photos.
Soft, flattering light – Spring light is often gentler than summer sun, perfect for natural, romantic portraits.
Comfortable temperatures – Cool enough to avoid sweaty guests, warm enough for outdoor photos (most of the time!).

Before you book your spring wedding, think about:

Unpredictable weather – April showers are very real, so having an indoor option and umbrellas is always a good idea.
Changing landscapes – Early March can still feel quite wintery, while April suddenly bursts into colour – this can be a pro or a con, so just pick the right time for you.
Ground conditions – Spring rain can mean muddy paths or soft grass, especially for outdoor portraits or receptions. Being a little more relaxed about the wedding attire getting muddy can still mean you get out to those best spots for portraits.

Here is one of my all time favourite Spring weddings…

Kristin and Simon’s March Wedding at Old Luxters Barn
Kristin and Simon were married in March at Old Luxters Barn, and were my first wedding of the year with an outdoor reception! With fire pits and festoon lights, guests were warm enough to enjoy drinks and canapés outdoors after the ceremony.

May & June – Early Summer Wedding Photography In Hertfordshire

An early summer wedding might be your best month to get married in. May and June weddings definitely have that summery excitement about them. The days are longer, the air is warmer, and everything feels a little bit carefree. Greenery is still lush, evenings are becoming all summery and golden, and I love a wedding where the outdoor celebrations stretch on into the night.

May and June are hugely popular months for good reason!

Why May & June wedding might be the best months to get married:

Longer daylight hours – More natural light means a more flexibility timetable for portraits, group photos, and golden-hour moments.
Fresh summer colours – Greens are still green, flowers are in bloom, and everything looks alive on camera.
Perfect golden hour – Evening light in late spring and early summer is warm, flattering, and gorgeous for couple portraits.
Outdoor-friendly weather – Great for garden ceremonies, drinks receptions outside, and relaxed summer vibes.

Things to consider:

Unpredictable weather (both ways!) – May can still surprise you with showers, and June can occasionally bring a heatwave, so having a plan B is essential.
Later sunsets – While amazing for photos, this can mean golden-hour portraits happen quite late in the evening – be prepared to timetable this in when planing evening speeches and dancing and when thinking about your photography coverage.
Busy wedding season – These months are very popular, so venues and suppliers book up quickly and can be more expensive.

Here are two of my fave early summer weddings…

Alicia and Peter’s Wedding at the Waterside Wedding Venue, Rickmansworth
Alicia and Peter enjoyed an outdoor ceremony at this relaxed pub venue in Rickmansworth. Alicia was lucky to have her amazing bridesmaids on hand topping her water up and keeping her cool on a very hot June day!

Becky and Tom’s Midsummer Wedding at the Barns at Dovecotes Farm.

One June wedding for Becky and Tom, on the longest day of the year, gave them extended sunshine hours and a stunning sunset to end the evening. They had an indoor wedding ceremony in the shade, but most guests spilled to the cooler outdoors towards the evening time. Their longer photography coverage package made sure I could stay until those golden hours at 9.30pm!

July & August – Summer Weddings

July and August are super popular for weddings! They come with those holiday vibes and I love the feeling of a summer wedding where the day and fun never seems to end. This is definitely festival wedding season and if you love the idea of a teepee and an outdoor party atmosphere.

Although July and August can be stunning I do think they do need a bit of thoughtful planning to make sure your guests stay comfortable and your photos are the best they can be!

Why July & August might be the best months to get married:

Better weather – These months are usually the safer bet for warmer weather and outdoor plans (but there is no guarantee!)
Lively atmosphere – Guests are relaxed, happy, and ready to enjoy the day, which always shows in candid photos.
Beautiful evening light – Later in the day, the sun softens and we might get those summer sunsets.

Things to think about:

Strong midday sun – Harsh overhead light can be tricky, so I always recommend scheduling couple portraits for later in the afternoon or evening. If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, consider venues where there is a bit of shade cover, especially over where you will stand!
Heat and comfort – Shade, water, and a relaxed timeline make a big difference for guests, especially the older and younger ones.
Venues get booked up quickly – this is the height of wedding season! If you are planning a summer wedding, allow yourself at least a year to plan.

Here are some of my favourite summer weddings…

Esme and Fraser – a back garden festival wedding
Esme and Fraser were determined to have that festival feel at their July wedding – following a church ceremony all their guests walked back through the village, beers in hand, to their parent’s back garden which was decked out in bunting, fairy lights, and a make-shift band stand for all day dancing! With cocktail making, a buffet lunch, and pizza and fire pits and marshmallows to finish the day, this day just proved that DIY at-home weddings are totally possible and totally achievable!

Chelsie and Jack’s August Pub Wedding at The White Horse, Hertingfordbury
This laid back pub wedding was held on the August bank holiday weekend, and it had that relaxed holiday vibe about it from start to finish. Although Chelsie and Jack had an indoor ceremony and reception, the pub had a beautiful courtyard that guests made use of throughout the day right into the evening.

 

September & October – Autumn Wedding Photography

So officially these are my favourite months of the year (I’m a Libra – October birthday – so a little biased!). Early autumn weddings just offer the best of both worlds and are often overlooked by couples thinking about when to get married. There’s still warmth in the air and the light is beginning to soften. September and October are definitely a much missed sweet spot of the wedding season!

Why September & October are the best months to get married:

Variety of light – Soft daylight, golden-hour sunsets, and darker evenings all in one day create incredible storytelling opportunities in your photos.
Comfortable temperatures – Warm enough to enjoy the outdoors without the intensity of high summer heat.
Autumn colours – From late-summer greens in September to rich autumn tones in October.
Earlier sunsets – Perfect timing for golden-hour portraits without keeping couples away from their guests for too long.
Cosy evening atmosphere – Fire pits, candles, fairy lights, and blankets photograph beautifully as darkness falls.

Things to consider:

Shortening daylight – Especially in October, planning your ceremony time carefully helps you make the most of natural light.
Autumn weather changes – Cooler evenings and the occasional shower mean layers and flexibility are key.
Hour change – remember the clocks move forward at the end of October so always plan for this depending on your chosen date.

Here are two gorgeous Autumn weddings from last year….

Felix and Ellie – The Barns at Redcoats (and the neighbouring field of sunflowers!)
Felix and Ellie’s end of September wedding at The Barns at Redcoats marked the start of autumn. Whilst they had a warm, indoor barn wedding, they held their reception outdoors with garden games made by Felix, and guests stayed outside long into the evening helped by fire pits and marshmallows in the darkness. And we found a field of sunflowers next to the Barns for some glorious portraits.

Alice and Chiko – Chenies Manor in October
Although Alice and Chiko chose to hold most of their wedding indoors, the gardens at Chenies Manor were absolutely bursting with dahlias and the colours couldn’t have complimented Alice’s hot pink theme any better! We got some stunning shots and some beautiful October light for their evening golden hour portraits, plus guests enjoyed marshmallows and fire pits outside into the evening.

November & December – Festive Weddings in Hertfordshire

Late autumn and early winter weddings are all about being snug and cozy indoors, and of course my favourite season of all – Christmas! These months are perfect for couples who love a touch of seasonal magic!

Why November & December might be your best months to get married:

Winter light -Soft daylight and early sunsets make light that is beautiful for portraits.
Seasonal colours – Deep reds, greens, browns, and metallic tones photograph gorgeously.
Candlelight and fairy lights – you can’t have enough fairy lights at a winter wedding!
Festive touches – December weddings especially benefit from subtle Christmas décor to get everyone in the mood.

Things to consider:

Short daylight hours – Planning an earlier ceremony (around midday) helps you make the most of natural light.
Cold weather – Layers, wraps, and cosy indoor spaces make a big difference for comfort and relaxed photos of your guests. Pick your venue wisely!
Limited availability in December – I only take on a small number of December weddings each year, so if you’re dreaming of a festive winter celebration, it’s worth booking early.

Here is one fun and festive wedding I captured from November:

Katie and Will – a November wedding at Islington Town Hall
Just as the clocks rolled forward, Katie and Will planned their winter wedding at Islington Town Hall. Surrounded by close friends and family, they opted for gorgeous winter colours and we squeezed all the elements into their micro-wedding photography package. Even though it was dark when they wrapped up, we still managed an epic confetti shot outside the steps on the town hall.

So, What’s the Best Month to Get Married?

Hopefully if you’ve read this far you now know, it’s what suits you! It depends on the vibe you want and the kind of photos you dream about – and what works for you. No matter the month, every season has its own charm. And as a photographer on a mission to capture real and genuine moments, my job is to capture your story and your season in all its light, colour, and emotion.

If you’re still unsure which season feels right, you can explore real weddings from every month in my portfolio, or get in touch to talk through your date ideas. I love helping couples plan their weddings and making sure their day – and their photos – feel completely true to them.

~ Rachael, As You Are Photography
Covering weddings in Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, London and all over the UK https://asyouarephotography.co.uk/