The Best Month to Get Married in St. Louis (In My Opinion)
If you are planning a St. Louis wedding and trying to figure out the best time of year to get married, you are not alone. I photograph weddings all year long, and every season has its own vibe, benefits, and challenges. But after seeing every type of weather, every lighting situation, and every outdoor location in every month, there is one clear winner in St. Louis.
The Best Month: October
October is hands down the best month to get married in St. Louis. Here is why it is the top choice for so many couples.
Perfect weather:Most days fall between the mid 60s and low 70s. It is warm enough to be outside without sweating through your clothes, but cool enough that hair and makeup stay in place.
Fall color: If you want golden trees, warm tones, and that soft glowing light in your photos, October delivers every year. Forest Park, Tower Grove, and most local ceremony spots look incredible in late October.
Why the end of October is better than the beginning: Leaves usually peak toward the end of the month. Early October can still look more like summer, and Missouri sometimes throws in a random 85 degree heat wave during the first week. The second half of the month is far more reliable for color, comfort, and lighting.
Better lighting: The sun sits lower in the sky, which means soft, flattering light all day long.
Lower humidity: Humidity is the biggest enemy for comfort and makeup in St. Louis. October is one of the only months that consistently stays dry enough for everyone to enjoy being outside.
Book early: Because October is the busiest wedding month in St. Louis, most vendors fill their calendars one and a half to two years in advance. If you already know you want a fall date, reach out as early as possible so you can secure the team you want.
A Close Second: May
May is gorgeous if you want bright greens, floral colors, and longer days. But it comes with unpredictable rain and quick jumps in humidity as the month goes on.
The Worst Months to Get Married in St. Louis
I photograph weddings all year long, and these months consistently bring the toughest weather, timelines, and comfort levels.
June, July, August: These are the hardest months by far. The heat index regularly climbs above 100, and the humidity makes it hard to stand outside for more than a few minutes. I have photographed multiple weddings where the couple decided to skip portraits entirely or cut them down to just a few quick photos because they physically could not handle the heat. I have also had brides experience heat exhaustion and have to sit out the remainder of their celebration because they became too sick to continue. Summer weddings can still be beautiful, but you need to be prepared for extreme conditions.
March and April: These months swing between cold mornings, warm afternoons, heavy rain, wind, and surprise cold fronts. They are unpredictable from start to finish.
November: The beginning of November can be lovely, but the color drops fast. Temperatures dip quickly, daylight disappears early, and outdoor photos require backup plans.
December, January, February: Winter weddings can be magical, but they come with snow, ice, limited daylight, and very cold temperatures. Travel delays are common, and outdoor photos are usually short and rushed.
Final Thoughts
Every month in St. Louis has something beautiful to offer, but if you want the best chance at comfortable weather, the prettiest locations, and the most flattering light, October is the clear winner. The end of the month gives you peak color and the most predictable temperatures. May is another great option if you are open to possible rain.
Summer weddings are doable, but the heat and humidity can impact everything from portraits to your overall comfort. As long as you plan ahead and stay flexible, you can make any month work, but October gives you the strongest mix of beauty, comfort, and reliability.
If you need help choosing the right month for your photos or want advice based on your venue, I am always happy to share what I have seen over the years.
