When Is the Best Season to Get Married? A Photographer’s Guide to the Magic of Each One in Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire
One of the first big decisions you’ll make when planning your wedding is when to tie the knot. And honestly? There’s no right or wrong answer. Every season brings its own kind of magic, especially here in the beautiful countryside of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. As a wedding photographer who works across all four seasons, I’ve seen the quiet beauty of a frost-covered woodland ceremony, the wildflower meadows of late spring, the golden glow of autumn, and the endless blue skies of summer.
If you’re still undecided about your wedding date, here’s a little seasonal inspiration to help you choose, from a photographer who’s obsessed with natural light, colour, and capturing the fleeting little moments in between.
Spring Weddings : A Time of New Beginnings
There’s something so full of hope and promise about a spring wedding. Everything is waking up again, buds are blossoming, birdsong is back, and the landscapes around Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire are turning the softest shades of green.
The light in spring is soft and flattering, especially in the early part of the day. Think golden sunshine filtered through newly unfurled leaves.
In bloom: Expect to see blossom trees (hello, pink confetti from nature itself), daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, and the early signs of wild garlic and bluebells in shady woodlands. Ranunculus, anemones and sweet peas are also in season and look beautiful in bouquets.
Photography vibe: Romantic, fresh, and full of gentle pastel tones. I love capturing couples among the blossom, in a meadow just beginning to bloom, or with the countryside just starting to stretch its limbs again.
Summer Weddings : Golden Light and Celebratory Feels
Summer is the most popular season to get married, and it’s easy to see why. Long, warm days and late sunsets make it ideal for outdoor ceremonies, tipi receptions, and golden hour portraits that are basically made for your walls.
The light is strong and vibrant, but it softens beautifully in the evening. That golden hour glow just before sunset? Pure magic.
In bloom: Peonies (early summer), roses, delphiniums, foxgloves, cosmos, and sweet peas. Wildflower meadows are in full swing, and everything feels abundant and alive. Expect lush greenery, bright blooms, and lots of colour options.
Photography vibe: Bold, joyful, and full of energy. Think sun drenched fields, laughter spilling out of marquees, and barefoot dancing as the sun goes down.
Autumn Weddings : Rich Colours and Cosy Moments
Autumn in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire is breathtaking. The trees turn to gold, amber, and deep russet, and there’s a crispness in the air that feels romantic and grounding.
The light is golden and mellow, so flattering and dreamy, especially in woodland settings or around historic venues with warm stone.
In bloom: Dahlias, chrysanthemums, roses, and late hydrangeas. Autumn weddings also lend themselves beautifully to dried elements like grasses, seed heads, and foraged foliage with rich textures. Pumpkins and berries make gorgeous natural décor too.
Photography vibe: Moody, romantic, and textured. I love capturing couples against a backdrop of changing leaves, wrapped in a cosy shawl or sipping mulled wine under festoon lights.
Winter Weddings : Intimate, Magical and Full of Atmosphere
Winter weddings have a quiet magic all of their own. There’s a sense of intimacy and stillness to this time of year that’s unlike anything else. The Derbyshire countryside looks absolutely stunning under a blanket of frost or snow, and if you’re lucky, you might just get a little sparkle in your backdrop.
The light is soft and pale, and the sun sits low in the sky, giving everything a dreamy, cinematic feel, even at midday.
In bloom: Amaryllis, hellebores, anemones, and evergreens like pine, eucalyptus, and ivy. Foliage is the star here, and textures become more important than colour. Candles, fairy lights, and seasonal greenery add such warmth and atmosphere.
Photography vibe: Intimate, glowy, and storytelling. Cosy moments by the fire, winter walks, and heartfelt ceremonies lit by candlelight, this season is all about slowing down and soaking it in.
So… When’s the Best Time to Get Married?
Truthfully? It’s the season that speaks to you. Whether you’re drawn to the light and laughter of summer, the rich tones of autumn, the freshness of spring, or the intimacy of winter, your wedding will be beautiful because it’s yours.
As your photographer, I’ll be there to capture not just how your day looked, but how it felt. Whether we’re walking through a wildflower meadow or crunching frost underfoot, I’ll be chasing the light and the little in between moments that make it all so meaningful.
Not sure which season suits your wedding style? I’m always happy to chat about what works best for photos, venues, and nature’s timeline here in the East Midlands.
Let’s plan something beautiful, whatever the weather.