From a luxury wedding and elopement photographer who genuinely gives a damn
Choosing your wedding or elopement date might seem like a small checkbox on your to-do list, but truthfully, it’s the cornerstone of everything else you’ll plan. As someone who works closely with couples in both full-scale weddings and intimate elopements, I’ve seen firsthand how much smoother and more meaningful the planning process can be when you pick the right date. There are so many factors that go into this, some practical, some emotional and I want to help you walk through them with intention and confidence.
1. Start With What Feels Right for You
Before we get into the logistics, here’s your first reminder: Don’t let other people’s opinions dictate your date. This is your wedding or elopement. I made that mistake in my own wedding planning, and I’ll be the first to advocate for you both doing what feels right for your relationship.
If you ever feel overwhelmed, take a step back. I encourage all my couples to create a regular date night routine during the planning process. It doesn’t have to be grand or expensive. Once a week is the sweet spot for most couples. That one hour can be used to connect, vent, brainstorm, or even pause the planning altogether and just be together. You’ll have weeks where a million decisions need to be made and others where it feels like nothing is happening—that’s normal. The goal is to stay grounded in why you’re doing this. Because you love each other. This whole celebration is just an extension of that.
2. Consider Key Dates and Life Events
Look at your calendar and flag nearby birthdays, family events, anniversaries, and holidays. You might love the idea of marrying on your current anniversary or a meaningful date, and that’s beautiful. Just be sure it aligns with your other priorities, like the season, light, and vendor availability.
If you’re hosting a full wedding weekend—rehearsal dinner, ceremony, recovery brunch, keep in mind that your venue and vendors need to be available across multiple days, not just one. For elopements, especially multi-day ones, you’ll need to ensure your preferred location and vendors are available on back-to-back dates.
3. Understand Wedding Season Timing
In Australia, our peak wedding season runs October through April. The most in-demand venues, planners, and photographers book out 12 to 18 months ahead, especially on Saturdays.
If you’re also planning a honeymoon, keep global seasons in mind. A summer wedding in Australia means winter in Europe or the US. I’ve had couples surprised to find their dream honeymoon destinations were shut down for the season right after their wedding.
If you’re planning a destination wedding or elopement, factor in both domestic and international peak seasons, flight availability, and travel costs.
4. Factor in Golden Hour and Light
The time of sunset changes dramatically depending on the season and location in Australia. This is one of the biggest things couples forget, but it will directly impact your ceremony time, photos, and overall timeline.
- Winter golden hour: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. (ceremony around midday)
- Summer golden hour: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (ceremony around 5 p.m.)
If you’re in a daylight savings zone, sunset could be as late as 9 or 10 p.m. in peak summer. And in winter? The sun might be gone before your cocktail hour even begins. I’ll always help guide you with your timeline around this during our planning calls.
5. Be Aware of Public Holidays and Long Weekends
These dates might seem convenient for guests, but they come with big trade-offs:
- Vendors and venues often charge higher rates
- Travel costs and accommodation skyrocket
- Transport becomes unreliable (taxis, Ubers, shuttles can be limited)
- Guests may have conflicting plans
One of my couples eloped on New Year’s Eve, and no transport was available afterward—so I drove them home. That’s the kind of support I’m always willing to offer, but it’s something you need to plan for early.
6. Weekdays Can Save You Money
Monday through Wednesday weddings or elopements are often cheaper and more flexible for vendors. If you’re planning a smaller wedding or an elopement with only a few guests, this can be a fantastic option.
That said, in the Australian winter months, many vendors take time off to rest and reset, so availability can be limited. Planners, florists, and stylists may be unavailable if you’re planning during this downtime—so always check before locking in.
7. Pets, Access, and Practicalities
If your dog is a non-negotiable guest (I get it, I’m a dog parent too), you’ll need to ask:
- Is the venue pet-friendly?
- Can they attend portraits, ceremony, and reception?
- Are there local pet sitters or handlers available?
Most venues allow dogs for the ceremony and portraits, but not the reception. Some of my couples have arranged for their pups to be dropped off before the first look, then picked up again right before dinner, then returned later for golden hour portraits.
Also factor in transport and accessibility for guests and vendors. If you’re in a remote or seasonal location, Ubers and taxis might be non-existent, especially late at night. Always plan for contingencies.
8. Prioritise Connection With Your Photographer
If you’re not hiring a planner or coordinator, then your photographer becomes your right hand. We’re with you more than anyone else on the day. You’ll spend more time with your photographer than with each other. That’s why connection matters.
Yes, quality, style, and experience are crucial but chemistry is everything. If you don’t get along with your photographer, it’ll show in your experience and in your photos. I always tell my couples: invest in the photographer you vibe with, even if they’re not local and even if it means stretching the budget. I’d rather you hire someone further away who’s 110% aligned with your vision than settle for a cheaper, less compatible option nearby. You only get to do this once.
9. Start With the Season You’re Most Drawn To
Do you dream of a sun-drenched summer soirée or a moody, candlelit winter celebration? Your answer will help narrow down the ideal months. Consider how you personally experience different weather:
- Hate the heat? Avoid peak summer months like December to February.
- Can’t stand the cold? A winter wedding might not be for you.
- Suffer from hayfever? Spring (especially September to November) can be a nightmare.
Also, think regionally:
- Coastal areas may offer a cool breeze in summer, making them more tolerable.
- Tropical or inland regions (like Queensland or rural NSW/VIC) can be intensely humid or extremely cold depending on the season.
10. Align With Your Wedding Vision
Your dream venue or celebration style may help determine the time of year:
- Want a lush garden wedding? Late spring or early autumn is ideal—avoid the peak summer heat.
- Dreaming of bonfires, sparklers, or fireworks? You’ll need a cooler month when fire bans aren’t in place.
- Love the look of autumn leaves or wisteria in bloom? These only happen in specific, short windows each year.
Let your vision guide you. What natural elements or mood do you want to see in your photos? Cloudy skies, vibrant greenery, golden sunsets, or moody fog? This clarity makes decision-making effortless.
I encourage all my couples to jump on a consultation call with multiple vendors. It’s worth your time to have those conversations and feel out the connection. If you’ve worked with a photographer before and loved the experience, and they also shoot weddings or elopements, book them. You already know you connect—that’s half the battle.
There’s no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to choosing your wedding or elopement date—but there are smart ways to navigate the decision. Consider the season, the light, your guests, your travel, your vendors and, most importantly, each other.
Stay grounded. Protect your connection. Make date nights a priority—whether you’re planning or not. This celebration is for you, not anyone else.
And if you ever feel overwhelmed, that’s where I come in. I’ll help guide you every step of the way and make sure the details reflect the love you’re building your life on.
