Best Months to Get Married in Virginia | Weather, Light & Budget Tips
Best Months to Get Married in Virginia | Weather, Light & Budget Tips
Planning your wedding in Virginia? One of the first (and most important) decisions you’ll make is choosing your wedding date. While Virginia’s four-season beauty offers wedding-worthy charm year-round, certain months offer ideal combinations of weather, lighting, scenery, and cost. In this guide, we’ll explore the best months to get married in Virginia—whether you’re planning a mountaintop elopement, a vineyard celebration in Charlottesville, or a coastal ceremony on the Chesapeake.
Why Your Wedding Month Matters Your chosen date doesn’t just impact your guest list—it affects everything from your budget to your wedding video’s lighting. Here’s what’s influenced by your wedding month:
Venue availability and cost
Seasonal weather and risk of rain or snow
Natural light quality (especially golden hour)
Florals, decor, and scenery
Vendor availability and travel costs
Let’s break it down by season.
Best Months to Get Married in Virginia (By Season)
🌸 Spring: April & May
Pros:
Blooming landscapes (great for outdoor ceremonies and video backdrops)
Mild temperatures (60s–70s in most regions)
Ideal for garden weddings and vineyard venues
Cons:
Higher risk of rain showers, especially in April
Peak season for venues—book early!
🌞 Summer: June & Early September
Pros:
Long daylight hours for extended photo/video coverage
Easier travel for out-of-town guests
Perfect for lake, coastal, or backyard weddings
Cons:
Heat and humidity, especially in July and August
Afternoon thunderstorms are common
May require tents, shade, or indoor plans
🍂 Fall: Late September & October
Pros:
Foliage season! Stunning golden tones in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Cool, comfortable temperatures (50s–70s)
Amazing lighting for video and photography
Often lower prices than peak summer
Cons:
High demand for popular venues and vendors
Need to check sunset times for timeline planning
❄️ Winter: December – February
Pros:
Off-season pricing and vendor availability
Cozy indoor wedding options with fireplaces and candlelight
Great time for elopements or micro weddings
Cons:
Risk of snow or icy weather (especially in the mountains)
Short daylight hours (sunset can be as early as 5PM)
May require earlier ceremony start times for video coverage
Top 3 Months for Virginia Weddings
October – Peak foliage, crisp weather, and soft golden hour light make this the most popular month.
May – Floral abundance and pleasant temperatures offer a romantic spring vibe.
September – Warm but manageable weather with summer scenery and early fall rates.
Lighting Tips for Your Wedding Video
Golden hour in Virginia ranges from 6:00–7:30 PM in spring/fall and 7:30–8:30 PM in summer.
Avoid noon ceremonies if possible—sun is harsh and shadows can be unflattering.
Ask your videographer about the best light for your specific venue and season.
🎥 For more insight, explore our Virginia Wedding Videographer page.
FAQs: Wedding Months in Virginia
Q: What’s the cheapest month to get married in Virginia?
A: January, February, and early March tend to be the most affordable, as they’re considered off-season by most venues and vendors.
Q: What’s the busiest month for weddings in Virginia?
A: October is by far the most popular, thanks to the fall foliage and mild temperatures.
Q: Should I avoid summer weddings in Virginia?
A: Not necessarily—June and early September can still be beautiful. Just plan for shade and hydration if you're outdoors.
Q: What month is best for vineyard weddings in Charlottesville?
A: May and October are ideal—lush vines in spring and golden hillsides in fall.
Final Thoughts:
Choosing the right month for your Virginia wedding is about more than weather—it’s about creating the right experience, energy, and memories. Whether you want a fall color palette, a spring garden, or a cozy winter vibe, Virginia offers something for every couple.
No matter your month, Shoreline Weddings is here to capture it all.