Summer, fall, stick season, winter, mud season and spring! Vermont's picturesque landscapes and charming venues make it a coveted destination for weddings year-round. Each season brings its own unique charm and opportunities for creating unforgettable wedding experiences. Whether you're envisioning a sun-soaked summer celebration or a cozy winter affair, Vermont has something to offer for every couple in every season. As a wedding photographer in Vermont, I have the opportunity of witnessing and documenting love in all of the seasons. What time of year is best for you? Let's explore the benefits of each season for Vermont weddings:
Summer: Late June-August
Summer of Love! Aren't they all?! June, July and August are some of the most popular dates in Vermont to get married. With such beautiful scenery and endless outdoor activites, a Vermont summer wedding is the perfect weekend destination get-away for you and your guests to soak in Vermont's natural beauty and charm.
Beautiful Outdoor Venues: Summer in Vermont boasts lush greenery, blooming flowers, and sunny skies, making it ideal for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. From vineyards and orchards to lakeside estates and mountain resorts, the options are endless.
More Florals: I highly recommend investing in beautiful florals from one of our amazing Vermont florists to compliment and enhance the beauty of your wedding day. Flowers and gardens are in full bloom in Vermont in summer PLUS many venues in Vermont have stunning gardens or fields of beautiful wildflowers. Work with your florist to incorporate the natural beauty of your venue.
Extended Daylight Hours: Longer daylight hours in the summer allow for more flexibility in scheduling outdoor events. This also means that natural light photography can be utilized for a longer period of time.
Outdoor Activities: Guests can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and water sports, turning your wedding weekend into a memorable getaway. * venue pictured: Vermont Swiss & Bloom Farm
Fall: September-October
When many people think of Vermont they think "maple syrup & colorful leaves"– this IS September in Vermont, however, September in Vermont can also be hot and green! Nearing the end of September have been the weeks of peak foliage in the last few years. October often holds colorful, though muted orange leaves, if we've had lots of wind, they might be more on the ground than in the trees!
Spectacular Foliage: Vermont's fall foliage is legendary, with vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold blanketing the landscape. A fall wedding in Vermont offers breathtaking backdrops for photos and a cozy, romantic atmosphere.
Abundance of Seasonal Decor: Embrace the season with décor elements such as autumnal flowers, adding warmth and charm to your celebration.
Local Harvest: Take advantage of Vermont's bountiful harvest season by incorporating farm-to-table cuisine and locally sourced ingredients into your wedding menu.
Shorter Length of Day: Because the sun will start going down earlier you will have less natural light in your wedding photography compared to spring and summer weddings. This isn't necessarily a bad thing! Flash, when done well, is a total vibe! * venue pictured: Mad River Barn
Stick Season: November-December (give or take!)
Ok, what is stick season? I mean, I know the Noah Kahan song, but it's a real season?
Yes! For as long as I can remember "Stick Season" has been used as a colloquial term to describe the time after the end of peak foliage where the leaves have fallen and the snow has not yet stuck to the ground. The bare branches of our trees in this season gave way to it's name: "Stick Season".
Intimate Atmosphere: The period between fall foliage and the arrival of winter snow is known as "stick season," characterized by bare trees and quietude. This quieter time of year offers a more intimate setting for weddings, with fewer crowds and serene surroundings.
Chance of snow!: The photo above emphasizes the mix of the seasons, sometimes snow can be found this early in the season
Cozy Indoor Venues: Embrace the cozy ambiance of stick season by choosing indoor venues with fireplaces, wood beams, and warm lighting, creating a romantic and inviting atmosphere.
Off-Season Discounts: Stick Season is the beginning of the "off season" for many wedding vendors in Vermont. As a result, many venues and vendors offer off-season discounts during stick season, allowing you to stretch your wedding budget further. * venue pictured: Mad River Glen ceremony location: Farmhouse Flowers
Winter: December-March (loosely!)
Vermont is home to some epic snowy moments and our many ski mountains, ski-in, skin-out venues, picturesque backdrops and even snowball fights are something you won't want to miss!
Winter Wonderland Aesthetic: Vermont's snowy landscapes transform into a magical winter wonderland, providing a picturesque backdrop for a romantic snowy wedding.
Highest likelihood of snow: January, February and March– especially in the mountains! Snow is never guaranteed, but it's more likely later in the winter and at higher elevation. One of my favorite ways to check in on winter weather conditions is to call on our friends on the mountains: the skiers! Many of the ski mountains have a live feed at the base to show the conditions, year round– this is a great tool for foliage too!
Cozy Atmosphere: Embrace the coziness of winter with roaring fireplaces, twinkling lights, and hot cocoa stations, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for your guests.
Unique Activities: From skiing and snowboarding to sleigh rides and ice skating, a winter wedding in Vermont offers unique outdoor activities for adventurous couples and their guests.
Off-Season Discounts: Winter is also considered "off season" in Vermont and you may be able to find vendors with discounted rates for your celebration, allowing you to stretch your wedding budget further. * venue pictured: The Ponds at Bolton Valley
Mud-Season: April-May
Like stick season, "Mud Season" is "Stick Season's" spring-time sister. After the snow melt and before the trees turn green or the flowers are in bloom, our dirt roads and woodland paths often turn to mud. Despite the conditions of the back roads, early spring or "Mud Season" is a beautiful time of year for a wedding.
Early Spring Blooms: While mud season marks the transition from winter to spring, it also brings the first signs of spring blooms, with crocuses and daffodils emerging from the thawing ground.
Indoor-Outdoor Flexibility: Plan for the unpredictable weather of mud season by choosing venues that offer both indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing you to adapt your plans based on the weather forecast.
Off-Peak Pricing: Similar to stick season, mud season often comes with off-peak pricing for venues and vendors, making it an attractive option for couples looking to save on wedding costs. * venue pictured: Mountain Top Resort
Spring: May-June
Spring in Vermont can be pretty unpredictable, sometimes the May showers are also June... and April and also sometimes sleet and snow. A good rule of thumb for Vermont is "expect the unexpected!"
Renewal and Rebirth: Spring symbolizes renewal and rebirth, making it a popular season for weddings. Witness nature's awakening as trees bud, flowers bloom, and the landscape transforms into a vibrant tapestry of colors.
Mild Weather: Enjoy mild temperatures and blooming landscapes during springtime in Vermont, perfect for outdoor ceremonies and garden-inspired décor.
Seasonal Blooms: Take advantage of Vermont's spring blooms by incorporating seasonal flowers such as tulips, lilacs, and cherry blossoms into your wedding décor. * venue pictured: Trapp Family Lodge
Still have questions about planning your Vermont Wedding?
Send me an email! I have been a Vermont Wedding and Elopement Photographer for almost a decade in Vermont and the surrounding areas. Reach out via my "contact" via my photography page: Gold Wing Photography or reach out on Instagram.
