When couples start planning their wedding, one of the first questions that comes to mind is “when should we get married?” or “what is the best day to get married?” As an elopement photographer, I have always encouraged my couples to consider a weekday celebration. While Saturdays have traditionally been the go-to choice, more couples are discovering that weekday elopements, and weddings, offer a more intimate, affordable, and meaningful alternative.
If you’re dreaming of a stress-free wedding experience focused on connection rather than logistics, choosing a weekday might just be the best decision you make.
Why the “Best Day to Get Married” Isn’t Always a Saturday
For decades, Saturdays have dominated the wedding industry and often seen as the best day to get married. They’re convenient for guests and fit neatly into the traditional wedding mold. But convenience often comes at a cost, quite literally I might add. But I will dive into that a bit later.
Elopements are about stripping away expectations and creating a day that truly reflects your relationship. When you shift your mindset away from tradition, you open yourself up to more flexibility and this is where weekday elopements shine.
Fewer Crowds, Means More Privacy
One of the biggest advantages of a weekday elopement is the reduction in typical weekend crowds.
Popular elopement locations, whether it’s a scenic overlook, national park, or beach, can become overwhelmingly busy on weekends. What does crowding mean for you? That means potential strangers in the background of your photos, limited privacy during your vows, and other distractions interrupting your overall experience.
On a weekday, everything changes. You’re far more likely to have quiet, uninterrupted moments together. Imagine exchanging vows with just the sound of the wind or waves, instead of a crowd of onlookers looking to take your photo with a selfie stick. That kind of intimacy is substantially harder to replicate on a Saturday.
Lower Costs Across the Board
If you’re searching for the best day to get married from a financial perspective, weekdays are a clear winner.
Some vendors including florists, venues, lodging and planners offer lower rates for weekday bookings. That’s because demand is significantly lower compared to weekends.
Here’s where you’ll often save:
- Venue fees: Some locations have peak pricing for weekends
- Travel & accommodations: Flights and hotels are often cheaper midweek
- Dining & experiences: Restaurants and private chefs may have better availability and pricing
These savings can either reduce your overall budget or allow you to invest in other elopement day experiences that likely matter more. With the extra savings, you could have an extended honeymoon or a more adventurous elopement location. Maybe a destination that you both have wanted to visit before. For more of the best elopement destinations, check out this post: “Best Places to Elope in The U.S- Top Destinations”
Better Vendor Availability
Another huge benefit of choosing a weekday is access to your dream vendor team. If you’re planning an elopement of your dreams, you will want to have vendors that can help bring your vision to life. Popular wedding vendors book out months or even years in advance for weekend days. But on weekdays, their calendars are often more open. This gives you:
- A higher chance of booking your first-choice photographer, planner or venue
- More flexibility with timing and scheduling
- Vendors who are less rushed and more present
Because vendors typically handle fewer events during the week, they can give your elopement more attention and care. This can make a noticeable difference in your overall experience.
More Permit Options and Potentially Fewer Restrictions
If you’re planning to elope in a national park, scenic overlook, or other public land, permits are typically required which is another reason why weekdays have the advantage. Many popular locations limit the number of permits issued per day, especially for ceremonies. Weekend dates tend to book out quickly, sometimes months or years in advance leaving couples with limited options, stricter regulations or the possibility of needing to find a different location altogether.
Choosing a weekday has the potential to make the entire permitting process smoother:
- More availability: You’re more likely to secure your preferred date and location
- Fewer time restrictions: Some locations offer more flexible time slots midweek
- Less competition: Rangers and permitting offices are often less overwhelmed
- A better overall experience: Fewer overlapping events means more privacy and less stress
From a photographer’s perspective, this also means more freedom to explore, better access to ideal ceremony spots, and fewer interruptions during key moments.
More Flexibility With Timing
Weekend weddings often follow a rigid timeline ceremony, cocktail hour, reception all squeezed into a tight schedule. by choosing a weekday elopement instead of a traditional wedding, you’re free to design your day exactly how you want. Want a sunrise ceremony followed by a mid-morning brunch? Or a sunset hike leading to a bonfire with wedding smores? You can do that and so much more, without having to compete with dozens of other couples for the same time slots. This flexibility and freedom also allows you to choose the best lighting conditions for photography, which is especially important if your elopement is outdoors.
A More Relaxed, Intentional Experience
When you remove the pressure of a traditional weekend wedding, everything feels more intentional. Weekday elopements naturally encourage a slower pace. Instead of rushing from one moment to the next, you can actually experience your wedding day:
- Take your time getting ready
- Enjoy meaningful conversations
- Be fully present during your vows
- Celebrate in a way that feels authentic to you
This shift transforms your wedding from a production into a personal, memorable experience.
Easier Travel and Logistics
Traveling for a weekday elopement can also be surprisingly easier. Airports and highways are typically less crowded during the week. That means shorter lines at security, faster check-ins, and less time spent in traffic. If your elopement is at a destination location, this can make a huge difference in your overall experience. For couples who are traveling internationally or from far away, midweek flights can sometimes be cheaper and more direct. Airlines often have lower fares on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, and you’re less likely to deal with overbooked flights
Hotels and accommodations also tend to be more available midweek. You’ll have more options, better rooming options, and sometimes even lower rates. Boutique inns or popular elopement destinations that are fully booked on weekends often have prime rooms open during weekdays, giving you more flexibility to create the perfect stay.
Additionally, weekday travel often means a quieter, less crowded experience. Popular tourist spots and landmarks are less crowded, so you’ll get better photo opportunities and more privacy. This is especially important if your photographer wants to capture intimate, candid moments without strangers in the background.
What About Guests?
The most common concern couples have when considering a weekday elopement is guest availability. Most people work Monday through Friday, so it’s natural to wonder if friends and family will be able to attend if you host a weekday celebration. The good news is, with a little planning, a weekday elopement can still be inclusive and stress-free for your guests.
Weekday elopements often require guests to take a day off work. If you provide enough notice, ideally several months, your guests can plan around the date. Some couples also combine the elopement with a long weekend, giving guests extra flexibility to travel without feeling rushed.
Even if some friends or family can’t make a weekday ceremony, there are ways to include them:
- Host a larger celebration later on a weekend
- Livestream your ceremony
- Plan a post-elopement party with friends and family
This way, you get the intimacy of a weekday elopement and the chance to celebrate with a everyone at a later time. Check out this post “Including Family in Your Elopement When It’s Just The Two of You” for more tips on including family members in your celebration who can’t attend in person.
So, What Is the Best Day to Get Married?
Ultimately, the best day to get married isn’t dictated by tradition, trends, or what’s “expected.” Instead, it’s the day that aligns with your priorities, your vision, and the experience you want to create together.
If your top priorities include privacy, flexibility, cost savings, and a truly meaningful experience, a weekday elopement often rises to the top as the ideal choice. Weekdays provide an opportunity to design a wedding day that feels entirely personal without the stress of weekend crowds, limited vendor availability, or higher prices. This creates a more relaxed and intentional experience where every moment is meaningful, every location feels personal, and every photograph captures authentic emotion.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a weekday elopement isn’t just a logistical decision, it’s a mindset shift. It’s about letting go of expectations and embracing a more intentional, meaningful start your marriage.
So if you’re wondering about the best day to get married, don’t overlook the weekdays. Because Monday thru Thursday might just give you the freedom and experience you didn’t even realize you were looking for. If you want to start planning your own weekday elopement, let’s get connected here!
Hey there, I’m Alexa – your Colorado elopement and wedding photographer. I believe every couple deserves a deeply meaningful and personalized elopement experience. So, if you’re dreaming of an adventure-filled, one-of-a-kind celebration of your love, you’ve come to the right place. Reach out to me and let’s plan your beautiful, adventurous day together!
