When it comes to setting a wedding date, holiday weekends like Labor Day can be both a dream and a dilemma. On one hand, you’ve got a built-in extra day for travel, recovery, and extended celebrations. On the other? Higher costs, limited availability, and logistical challenges. So should couples lean into a holiday weekend weddingn or skip it? We asked some of California’s top wedding pros for their unfiltered take on tying the knot over Labor Day weekend.
The Case for the Long Weekend
A three-day wedding celebration? Yes, please.
“We encourage couples to make it a full weekend celebration - not just a wedding, but an experience,” shares Anastasia Shevchenko of Sheff Production Photography & Videography. “From welcome picnics to farewell brunches, guests remember the weekend, not just the ceremony.”
The bonus day off gives everyone more breathing room and more space to make memories. “A holiday weekend wedding has a ton of perks, and allows couples and their guests to slow down and truly savor the experience, transforming a single-day celebration into a full, immersive weekend of memory-making,” says Lynne Cahail of Sunriver Resort. “At Sunriver Resort, that could mean time for a custom golf or pickleball tournament, a welcome barbecue, a stargazing party at the nearby Observatory, a wine tasting featuring regional wines, or a moonlight canoe tour down the Deschutes River. It’s a chance to turn your wedding into a mini-vacation."
Tap Truck Mobile Bar Services agrees: “Holiday weekends are often high-energy and full of great vibes. If couples are aware of the trade-offs and plan accordingly, holiday weddings can feel like a mini-vacation for everyone - and we’ll be there, taps flowing, to kick off the long weekend right.”
More Guests, More Travel, More Planning
Of course, the extra festivity doesn’t come without a few hurdles.
“Flights and hotels may be pricier, but guests often plan vacations around holiday weekends anyway - and having a wedding as the heart of it gives people a reason to finally visit California,” notes Shevchenko.
But to avoid sticker shock and sold-out stays, planners urge couples to get ahead of the game. “The main pitfalls to keep in mind are increased competition for venues and vendors, as well as potentially higher travel and accommodation costs,” says Mikala Fox of Monge Amore Events. “But with thoughtful planning and early booking, Labor Day Weekend can be the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable wedding experience.”
Guest Experience Matters
Want your guests to feel relaxed instead of overwhelmed? Planning is everything.
“Send save-the-dates early, offer hotel blocks, and consider making Monday optional,” advises Shevchenko. “With a little planning, you get great energy and thoughtful RSVPs - win-win.”
The team at SMR Events (Ancient Peaks Barn & The Historic Santa Margarita Ranch Barn) points out another bonus: “A holiday weekend offers more time to celebrate! With many receiving an additional day off work for the weekend, it also gives more time for out-of-town guests to travel, leading to higher RSVP rates. Additionally, some venues offer special rates on holiday weekends, which could lead to huge savings! And with more time off work, it gives more time for out-of-town guests to travel, leading to higher RSVP rates.”
Still, not everyone is on board with the idea of a holiday wedding.
“A holiday wedding can sound like a great idea at first. You're thinking festive vibes, time off work, and a built-in celebratory mood. But the truth is, holidays are already full of personal traditions, travel plans, and family expectations,” says Lisette Gatliff of Lisette Gatliff Photography. “Asking guests to add a wedding into that mix can be a lot, both logistically and emotionally. Even when guests are excited to celebrate with you, it might feel like something they have to juggle rather than fully enjoy. Giving your wedding its own date means your celebration gets the attention, presence, and energy it truly deserves.”
One Word of Warning: The Beach
If you're picturing your dream wedding on the sand, you may want to reconsider the timing.
“The one thing I don’t recommend doing on holiday weekends is a beach event,” says Alan Katz of Great Officiants. “The crowds and the parking can be overwhelming and challenging. We do not do any beach wedding setups on Memorial Day, Labor Day, or Fourth of July weekends because of this. It’ll severely lessons the guest experience when they have to battle for parking spaces and navigate to try and find your location.”
Instead, opt for an ocean-view bluff, a coastal resort, or a private estate that captures the vibe, without the chaos.
Bottom Line: Should You Do It?
If you're envisioning a wedding that doubles as a celebration and a mini-vacation, Labor Day weekend might just be your perfect fit.
“The built-in long weekend gives guests more flexibility to travel, settle in, and fully enjoy all of the festivities - from welcome parties to farewell brunches - which makes it especially ideal for destination weddings or multi-day celebrations,” says Fox.
If your guest list is full of travelers ready for a weekend adventure, it's a great opportunity to lean in.
“We encourage couples to go for it if they’re looking to host a longer celebration where guests can truly settle in and enjoy the full weekend,” says Tap Truck Mobile Bar Services. “That said, we always advise couples to book early, as venues, vendors, and accommodations fill up fast. Costs can also run higher due to demand, and some guests may already have long-standing travel plans.”
The key? Plan ahead, consider your guests’ needs, and embrace the holiday weekend as more than just a date - make it an experience. With thoughtful preparation, Labor Day might just become the highlight of your wedding journey.
Main Photo by Austyn Elizabeth Photography courtesy of SMR Events (Ancient Peaks Barn & The Historic Santa Margarita Ranch)
