Choosing a date for your wedding in Washington State isn’t just about picking a season you like. Out here, the time of year can completely change the feel of your day, from the quality of the light in your photos to how your guests experience the celebration. Some couples want peak summer sunshine. Others are all about the cozy fall colors, even if it means dodging a little rain. (Or embracing it, hello, Notebook moment!)
The truth is, every season brings its own kind of charm and its own considerations. If you’re still early in your planning journey, or you’re torn between a memorable date and practical weather, this guide will help you get clarity. We’ll walk through what each season looks like across the PNW, from golden-hour glows to those perfectly overcast skies that make everything feel soft and romantic.
As a Washington wedding photographer, I’ve photographed everything from misty forest elopements to sun-drenched summer bashes, and this blog is packed with the kind of insight I share with my own couples. Whether you’re dreaming up a September wedding at a cabin in the mountains or curious if March is too early for a backyard celebration, I’ve got you!!
Here’s what to expect.
The Weather Sweet Spot: May–September
Why You Might Still Choose an Off-Season Date
What the Weather Really Means for Your Photos
Romantic Even When It Rains: Embracing the PNW Vibes
Pros + Cons by Season
Choose What Matters Most to You
The Weather Sweet Spot for a Wedding in Washington State
If you’re planning your wedding in Washington and want your best odds at clear skies and warm temps, this is your window. May through September is generally the safest bet weather-wise, especially if you’re envisioning an outdoor ceremony or an open-air dinner. Any kind of celebration that leans into the beauty of the Pacific Northwest has the best chance of good weather during these months!
Think: garden venues in full bloom and that perfect kind of light that makes everything feel cinematic.
That said, “good” weather is still relative here. Even in peak summer, you’ll want to be ready for morning clouds and a little mist. Sometimes you’ll get lucky with a little rain, too! But overall, May to September gives you the highest chance of warmth and sunshine, without having to fully commit to umbrellas and wool coats in your wedding-day wardrobe!
A quick breakdown:
- May–June: Vivid greenery and mild temps, with slightly fewer crowds if you’re eloping or booking vendors.
- July–August: The driest and warmest months, especially great for mountain or coastal weddings.
- September: Still warm and often underrated, with late-summer blooms and golden sunsets.
This time of year is popular for a reason, but it’s also when venues and vendors book up the fastest. So if you’re set on a summer wedding in Washington state, it’s worth starting the planning process early (even if you’re going low-key)!
Choosing a Wedding Date in Washington State That Feels Like You
While sunshine and golden light are a total win, not every couple chooses their wedding date based on the weather forecast. Sometimes, the date itself holds more meaning than the conditions surrounding it, and honestly, that’s just as valid.
Maybe it’s your anniversary or a family birthday. Perhaps a favorite holiday. Or maybe you just love the symmetry of 10/4 or 11/11. If the date matters to you, that’s reason enough.
Of course, if you’re planning a wedding in Washington state between mid-October and February, be ready for shorter days and a strong chance of rain. The good news? That doesn’t make it any less beautiful. A cozy candlelit ceremony with raindrops tapping on the roof can be just as emotional as a golden-hour outdoor vow exchange. It all comes down to your vibe and what feels true to you.
If you’re leaning toward an off-season date, keep these things in mind:
- Expect moody lighting and rich color tones in your photos
- Embrace indoor venues or backup plans for covered spaces
- Work with a Washington wedding photographer who knows how to handle low light and can bring your vision to life, even if the sun doesn’t show up
Bottom line: Meaning matters! If you want to get married on your grandparents’ anniversary or the date you first said “I love you,” go for it! Just build the rest of the day with that intention at the center, and maybe bring a few clear umbrellas, just in case.
What the Weather Really Means for Your Photos
The light in the Pacific Northwest shifts with the seasons, and that’s something couples don’t always think about until they’re scrolling through wedding galleries, wondering why some photos feel warm and glowy, while others lean more moody or muted.
The time of year can influence everything from the length of golden hour to how the shadows fall during portraits. Want that soft, diffused light and lush green backdrop? Late spring or early fall might be your vibe. Prefer bolder contrasts or leaning into the drama of misty skies? You might love winter’s moodiness more than you expect.
A good way to figure out what you’re drawn to is to look at the photos you’ve been saving. Are there flowers in bloom, or are leaves starting to turn? Is the sun low on the horizon or high and bright? Pay attention to the tones, contrast, and use of flash; these clues can help you pinpoint which season matches the wedding vibe you’re after. Not sure? I’ve got you!!
And if you’ve got a specific photo in mind, think about how that lighting comes into play when choosing your date. The season affects not just the look of your day, but how it feels in your photos, too!
Rain, Romance & Realistic Expectations for a Wedding in Washington State
Rain and the PNW go hand in hand, and while it might not be everyone’s first choice, it can be really beautiful. Some of the most heartfelt wedding moments I’ve captured happened under umbrellas or surrounded by fog. There’s something about the coziness of it all that slows everything down in the best way.
That said, it’s important to go in with open eyes. Mid-October through February, you’ll likely get rain and cooler temps. Spring (March–April) brings a little more light but still hangs onto that signature drizzle and chill. These seasons are all about flexibility and leaning into the vibe rather than fighting it.
Here’s the thing, rain doesn’t make your day less romantic. It just changes the scene. Think more “Notebook” energy and less beachy golden hour. Cozy layers and the right mindset go a long way. If you’re planning a wedding in Washington state during a rainy time of year, talk to your Washington wedding photographer and planner about backup plans. Consider covered spaces or indoor ceremony options when planning. Also, create a timeline that can flex! The beauty is still there; it just shows up differently.
Pros + Cons by Season for Your Wedding in Washington State
There’s no wrong time to get married in Washington, just different vibes. Whether you’re picturing golden sunshine or a cozy, candlelit ceremony, each season has its own set of perks (and quirks).
Spring (March–May)
Pros:
• Fresh blooms and that feeling of new beginnings.
• Vendor and venue availability is typically better than summer.
• Great for garden weddings or more intimate gatherings.
Cons:
• Weather is unpredictable, think light drizzle and overcast skies.
• Can still feel chilly, especially in the mountains or near the coast.
• You might have to get creative with covered or indoor spaces.
Summer (June–August)
Pros:
• The best odds for warm, dry weather and golden hour portraits.
• Perfect for outdoor ceremonies and dance floors under the stars.
• Long daylight hours = more time to celebrate.
Cons:
• Peak wedding season, vendors and venues book quickly (and rates might be higher).
• Popular spots like national parks and tourist towns can get crowded.
• Some areas may have fire restrictions or heat waves in late summer.
Fall (September–November)
Pros:
• Changing leaves and that romantic, cozy feel.
• Still relatively mild weather through early October.
• A great time to lean into moodier tones and intentional details.
Cons:
• Rain starts creeping in mid-October, especially on the west side of the state.
• Shorter days = earlier ceremonies if you want natural light.
• You’ll need a solid rain plan, just in case.
Winter (December–February)
Pros:
• Off-season pricing and more flexibility with vendors.
• Perfect for candlelight, velvet, hot drinks, and indoor venues with charm.
• Snowy mountain or moody coastal elopements? Yes, please!
Cons:
• Shortest days of the year = very limited natural light.
• High chance of rain or snow depending on location.
• Outdoor celebrations are tough unless you’re fully embracing the winter theme.
Choose What Matters Most to You
When it comes to planning your wedding in Washington state, there’s no single “right” time of year, just the time that aligns best with your priorities. If you care most about sunshine and soft light, then spring or summer might be your ideal. But if you’re someone who values meaningful dates or a specific aesthetic, that might carry even more weight.
Is your anniversary already in October? Do you love the idea of a candlelit ceremony while the rain taps on the windows? Maybe you’ve always pictured saying “I do” in a field of wildflowers or with snow on the ground. Those personal preferences matter.
The vibe of your day will be shaped by the season, but the heart of it is you two! Whether you pick the date that gives you the best weather odds or the one that simply feels right, the most important thing is that it reflects your story.
Book Me As Your Washington Wedding Photographer for Your Wedding in Washington
No matter what season you choose, getting married in Washington means embracing a little unpredictability and a lot of natural beauty. Whether you dream of misty coastal mornings or golden summer evenings, this state has a way of showing up with something special, even when the weather doesn’t follow the script! The “perfect” time to get married in Washington state isn’t about a month on the calendar; it’s about what feels right for you.
And if you’re still unsure or need help planning around the weather, light, or landscape? I’m always here to help you sort it out. Washington is unpredictable, yes, but when you lean in and plan intentionally, it’s also unforgettable! Reach out today, and let’s plan your dream day.
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