When Is the Best Time of Year to Get Married in Texas?
When planning a wedding, there are two important points to consider — how to choose a wedding date and what is the best time of year to get married? The answers to these questions depend on where the nuptials will take place. For couples looking to tie the knot in Texas, the answers will vary from that of other locations in the U.S. Planning a wedding in Texas is very unique.
While gorgeous Texas landscapes make for stunning outdoor wedding locations, the humid subtropical climate can often complicate the planning process. To simplify the task of finding the best time of year to have a wedding, we’ve compiled information about all four seasons to see how they stack up against each other.
Keep reading to familiarize yourself with everything you need to know about the Texan seasons and discover the best times of year for a Texas Wedding.
Getting Married in the Summer in Texas
Summer is traditionally the most popular time of the year to get married. 73% of weddings in 2019 took place between May and October, right through the summertime. However, Texan summers are a little different. It’s hot and humid to the point of being uncomfortable and sometimes even dangerous outside.
For most couples, the lure of a summer wedding includes warm days and the opportunity to have the ceremony in the sunshine. However, the Texas climate can interfere with these plans.
In August, the average temperature on any given day in Texas can range from 93 degrees to 101 degrees. The hot weather complicates the possibility of a ceremony in the middle of the day when the heat is at its most forceful. Learn about the pros and cons of having a summer wedding, Texas-style.
Pros of Having a Summer Wedding
Long days: One benefit of a summer wedding is the fact that the daylight lingers longer than any other time of the year. You can set ceremonies and receptions later in the day and no one needs to worry about losing sunlight. This option is especially great for Texas weddings as the midday heat can be too harsh for an outdoor gathering during the day. A later start time will help keep guests more comfortable in the seasonal heat.
Vacation season: Another perk of having a wedding over the summer is the fact that it’s vacation season. More people are willing to take a few days off work or even travel for your big day. Grade schools and colleges are out of session, giving your guests added flexibility. However, there are two sides to this coin, as you’ll read in the next section.
Clear skies: On average, there are about 235 days of sunny skies every year in Texas. The national average sits at about 205 days with sunshine per year. All this sunshine means a couple planning a wedding in the Lone Star State has a pretty good chance of scoring a gorgeous clear day for their ceremony.
Cons of Having a Summer Wedding
High heat and humidity: The summer heat in Texas, especially in the eastern part of the state, is the most notable con of having a wedding during this season. Bridal party make-up might melt by the end of an outdoor event. The high temperatures can be dangerous for older guests and those with health conditions. Highs on any given summer day can be in the low 100s and the Gulf of Mexico pulls in lots of humid air currents, making for many bad hair days.
Vacation season: While vacation season means guests may be more likely to take time off for your wedding, different vacation schedules can make it hard to land on a day where all your loved ones can make it. Family vacations are often booked in advance and costly to move around, making it more challenging to see all of your favorite people. Pro tip — get your save-the-date cards mailed out extra early if you’re planning a summer wedding so your guests have time to accommodate the day.
Risk of severe weather: In Texas, severe weather is more common than you might anticipate. The state deals with extreme temperatures as high as 120 degrees. As Texas is located off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, Texans also face tropical cyclones and flooding risks. Summer through fall is hurricane season in Texas. Hurricane risks are especially likely in the later parts of summer, especially August and September. Other hazardous conditions like wildfires, thunderstorms and tornadoes are no stranger to Texas summer either.
Getting Married in the Fall in Texas
Fall in Texas is a perfect time of year to get married. The sweltering heat and high humidity tend to relax, especially after September. Highs in October sit around 75 to 85 degrees, making for a pleasant and comfortable outdoor event. By November, highs are around 60 to 70 degrees while nighttime temperatures become crisp and cozy.
Fall is considered one of the very best times of year to visit Texas, making it a great choice for a wedding celebration, too. It’s also an excellent time of year for an outdoor wedding. October is widely considered the best month to get married.
Pros of Having a Fall Wedding
Milder weather: As fall approaches, the Texas air gets less humid, making it better for wedding hair and make-up than its sticky predecessor, summer. As autumn continues, you’ll see less extreme heat and severe weather. The weather outside is often warm during the day and cool at night, making it perfect for an outdoor gathering.
The changing of leaves: Autumn leaves and tones are a great natural touch to any wedding. While not all portions of Texas undergo a major transformation with fall foliage, there are plenty of places and cities in Texas that experience a beautiful change. You can incorporate colors like deep red, burnt orange and vibrant yellow into the wedding theme beautifully. Autumn leaves will look in the background of wedding photos, too!
More style options: Because the weather is cooler but not yet cold during the fall in Texas, you have many more style options for the big day. Brides can wear long sleeve dresses or opt for a sleeveless option and feel comfortable either way. Bridal parties can wear shawls and other colder weather accessories if necessary. Fashion opportunities are generally more robust when dressing for cooler temperatures.
Cons of Having a Fall Wedding
September in Texas: While the fall is an amazing time for a wedding, September tends to be less predictable. September is one of the rainiest months in Texas due to hurricane season, which typically hits the coast at the end of August and continues throughout September. The temperature averages a high of 95 degrees Fahrenheit during September and there are usually three days of 100-degree temperatures or higher.
Finances: The fall can be a financially taxing season for many people. Back-to-school supplies and tuition can leave your guests strapped for cash. Summer vacations can be costly, and many people have used their vacation days. The holidays are approaching and your guests may be saving their money for the end of the year, which means they may be unable or unwilling to pay for plane tickets or hotel rooms. Keep this in mind when planning your nuptials.
Fall holidays: While it’s generally more acceptable to have weddings around major holidays in the summer like Independence Day or Labor Day, fall holidays are harder to workaround. Rosh Hashanah, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Black Friday are not great days to pair with a wedding ceremony. Many guests will be traveling for Thanksgiving or other holidays and wedding plans will need to move accordingly.
Getting Married in the Winter in Texas
Even though costs are usually lower, only 9% of weddings take place during the wintertime. While getting married in the winter in other parts of the country implies an indoor ceremony, Texas is a bit different. Average winter temperatures in the Lone Star State sit around 55 to 60 degrees. While this may feel chilly, outdoor heaters and tents can make an outdoor ceremony very comfortable.
With this in mind, keep reading to learn about the pros and cons of planning a winter wedding in Texas.
Pros of Having a Winter Wedding
No humidity or heat: The Texas heat can be brutal! Having a wedding in the winter avoids the troubles of frizzy hair and sweating guests. While the wintertime is cooler and even a bit chilly in Texas, wedding plans are unlikely to be met with snow.
Less competition: Because only 9% of weddings take place December through February, you’ll face less competition when booking vendors and locations. Plus, you may even save some money on a wedding in the winter — many venues lower their rates during this time due to the low demand.
Go indoors or outdoors: One of the perks of having a wedding in Texas during the winter is the choice of an indoor or outdoor ceremony. Since the winter weather in Texas tends to be mild, an outdoor ceremony or reception is not off the table. Some couples opt for outdoor heaters or fireplaces to keep their guests cozy and comfortable.
Cons of Having a Winter Wedding
Shorter daylight hours: In the winter, the sun tends to set around 5 p.m. You’ll have a shorter window of time to have a daytime wedding than in the summer. The daylight will affect everything from photography to start time.
The holidays: Planning for a wedding around the holidays can be stressful. Guests are traveling for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, and others are strapped for cash after paying for presents. Churches may be busier with Christmas-related activities. Plus, traveling around the holidays is often chaotic.
Traveling difficulties: In addition to the annual holiday travel craziness, traveling during winter can be a challenge. Consider guests who will need to travel from out of state to your wedding. If they live in colder areas like the Northeast or the Midwest, anticipate travel delays due to winter weather such as ice or snowstorms.
Getting Married in the Spring in Texas
Spring in Texas tends to be comfortable and warm, heating up at the very end toward summertime. While the temperatures are lovely during this period, unfortunately, the rainy season takes place at the same time. The rainy season typically lasts from March through May.
Along with precipitation, there are also chances of thunderstorms and even tornadoes that could interfere with wedding plans. Keep reading to learn about the positives and negatives of throwing a springtime wedding bash in Texas.
Pros of Having a Spring Wedding
Mild temperatures: Unlike summer in Texas, spring is mild and warm. Temperatures vary from 69 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit on average, making it a fantastic time of year for an outdoor event. Couples get the warmth without summer’s uncomfortable humidity that interferes with hair and make-up.
Spring florals: Spring is the best time for flowers. A wedding during this period means you have more in-season blooms to choose from. Texas’s state flower, bluebonnet wildflowers, begins blooming in late winter and continues through much of spring, just in time for a springtime wedding.
Higher attendance: Spring is a great time to book a wedding because it’s arguably the calmest time of year. People are no longer traveling for the holidays and fewer people are taking vacations until summer starts. Couples can anticipate more guests making it to their big day with fewer scheduling conflicts.
Cons of Having a Spring Wedding
Rainy season: Getting married in Texas in the Springtime means the possibility of rain. April and May typically experience the most rain out of all 12 months, which could complicate the planning of an outdoor wedding. If a couple is deadset on an outside wedding, they should consider renting tents for their big day.
Allergies: One aspect a lot of people neglect to consider when choosing the perfect date for their wedding is allergies. Springtime is allergy season, which could mean runny noses and irritated eyes. If you want to avoid sniffling on your big day, consider stocking up on nondrowsy allergy medicine for the wedding day.
More competition: Springtime kicks off wedding season. Prices for venues and vendors may be higher during this time. It’ll be more challenging to book a time and date as more couples are vying for the same weekends. More competition means it’s more likely you won’t get your first choice picks for things, like catering or time of day.
Rent From Peerless Events & Tents for Your Texas Wedding
If you’re trying to decide when to have a Texas wedding, remember the pros and cons of each season and your priorities. Choosing when to get married is a very personal decision and every couple has different preferences to consider. Whatever time of year you pick, Peerless Events & Tents can support your big day with wedding day rentals.
Are you planning an outdoor wedding celebration in Texas? We have four locations in Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. Contact Peerless Event & Tents at the location most convenient for you and get in touch with one of our rental professionals today!