Sydney Weddings By Season: What To Expect & How To Plan

As a Sydney wedding photographer, I know a thing or two about planning Sydney weddings and my first bit of advice is to pay attention to the seasons! Let’s dive in and talk about how to properly plan your Sydney wedding by season.

You may have heard the term “Don’t let the tail wag the dog”, and I liken this to planning weddings in Sydney around specific months. What I mean by this is that you should have an idea of the wedding of your dreams first, as this will help you determine the time of year that will fit in best with that plan.

If you want an outdoor wedding at sunset, you’d likely want to aim for warmer weather in Sydney. If you’re hoping for cloudy skies and a moodier ambiance, perhaps winter is the time to say your “I do’s”.

Here are a few more things to consider when considering which season is best to wed in Sydney:

The type of wedding photos you want (obviously this is first on the list – I’m a wedding photographer, after all!)
The style of your wedding dress or suit
The seasonal flowers in bloom
The availability of your wedding venue
If you plan to have an indoor or an outdoor wedding
Your desired meal choice (remember that some foods are seasonal!)
The length of stay at the venue for both you and your guests
Seasonal travel expenses for guests
Seasonal travel expenses for you and your partner if this is a destination wedding

Before You Decide When You Want to Wed In Sydney…

Many of us (I may or may not be guilty of this) have agonised for years over what our dream wedding might look like. If you’re like me, you already knew long before you met your partner whether or not you wanted a beachy summer wedding by the seashore or an intimate winter wedding in an old-world chateau.

If this doesn’t sound like you, that’s okay too. It’s never too late to begin planning the wedding of your dreams! Once you have a handle on the vision you want, you’ll have a better idea of the season you should plan on getting married in.

Sometimes the season guides the type of wedding you envision instead of the other way around – especially if you’re thinking of planning your wedding around a special date like your favourite grandparents' anniversary. Some couples simply like the way certain dates look on wedding invitations, and that’s okay too. Listen, it’s your wedding. You plan it how you want to plan it!

With that in mind, let’s talk about the different seasons and what that might mean for you when it comes to planning your wedding moving forward.

Planning A Spring Wedding In Sydney

Spring in Sydney houses two of the most popular months to get married — October and November. These two months definitely shine when it comes to spring wedding aspirations!

The weather from September through November in Sydney is generally pretty picturesque, which makes me a bit biassed when it comes to Sydney wedding photography.

Days are sunny and skies are clear, but the weather isn’t so warm that it’s uncomfortable, nor is it so cold that your guests will be shivering if you’re outdoors. The average spring temperature falls between a lovely 11°C to 23°C from September to November, with September being the coldest month and November being the warmest.

I would recommend a spring wedding in Sydney to any couple looking for an outdoor ceremony during the day, or a wedding that takes place indoors with a venue that offers lovely grounds for exploring!

Wedding photos are always a hit in spring because the sky is clear and natural lighting is often ideal. Plus, some of the most beautiful seasonal flowers are blooming in spring, including roses, peonies, tulips, and snapdragons.

A word to the wise, however: for spring weddings, you’ll want to plan in advance! Remember that spring is one of the most popular wedding seasons in Sydney, so booking your venue as far in advance as possible is key to ensuring you get the venue you want.

Summer Weddings In Sydney

Autumn is another very popular time to tie the knot for happy couples. Falling between March and May (Sydney’s most mild months), temperatures range from 14.6°C to 22.2°C. Since it’s not too cold and not too warm, an autumn wedding in Sydney is ideal for flawless hair and makeup!

This time of year also means you’ll catch humpback whales migrating off the coast – if you want to capture that in the background of your wedding photos (imagine?!) then a coastal wedding in late May would be a good option.

Since autumn is such a popular wedding season, I suggest you begin planning early. Give yourself at least nine months for Sydney wedding planning in the autumn!

Autumn Weddings In Sydney

Autumn is another very popular time to tie the knot for happy couples. Falling between March and May (Sydney’s most mild months), temperatures range from 14.6°C to 22.2°C. Since it’s not too cold and not too warm, an autumn wedding in Sydney is ideal for flawless hair and makeup!

This time of year also means you’ll catch humpback whales migrating off the coast – if you want to capture that in the background of your wedding photos (imagine?!) then a coastal wedding in late May would be a good option.

Since autumn is such a popular wedding season, I suggest you begin planning early. Give yourself at least nine months for Sydney wedding planning in the autumn!

Winter Weddings In Sydney

Winter is perhaps the least popular time for couples to get married because, though winters in Sydney are still considered mild, the weather can be rather chilly with temperatures falling between 8.8°C to 17°C.

You can use the winter season to your advantage when it comes to wedding planning, especially if you’re looking to save money, or if you haven’t had luck booking the venue of your choice during the more popular seasons.

Sydney wedding venues may be more readily available for last minute bookings than at other times of the year, and travel costs could be less expensive for guests who are coming in from out of town.

Just remember between June and August there’s a risk of rain on your wedding day (channelling Alanis Morissette vibes here) although some people find that rain on your wedding signifies good luck!

When Is The Best Time To Get Married In Sydney?

It all comes down to your preference and your vision for your wedding day! Each season has its share of pros and cons, and the most important thing to note is that you’ll want to take time to have adequate planning.

The season will impact a number of factors, including the tone of your wedding photographs, the cost of travel for out-of-town guests, and even the type of foods you’re able to select for your wedding night feast.

The good news is that Sydney gets relatively mild weather year-round! Just because your cousin raved about getting married beneath a summer sunset doesn’t mean it’s wrong of you to prefer the rainy season. It’s important that you and your partner choose the time of year that speaks to both of you and the type of wedding you hope to have!