Oooooh - there is something undeniably magical about autumn weddings. The golden light, the crisp air, and the cosy, intimate atmosphere make it one of the most dreamy seasons to say “I do.”
If you’re drawn to the idea of warm colour palettes, golden-hour portraits, and the romance of a slightly cooler day, an autumn wedding might be your perfect match.
So today - I’m deep-diving into my ultimate autumn wedding tips, just for you! Yes - I know we’re in the middle of summer - but now is prime-time to put the finishing touches on your autumn wedding plans. Let’s dive into the timing, colour palettes, venue options, and all the little details that will make your autumn wedding one to remember.
Timing: When is autumn wedding season in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, autumn officially runs from March to May. While the temperatures begin to cool, the weather can be surprisingly stable compared to the unpredictable spring months (and let’s be honest - summer doesn’t reeeeally hit Wellington until the end of Feb/early March anyway!
That March window often brings the best of both worlds - warm days with the beginnings of autumn colours - while late April and May showcase those rich, deep hues in full force (not to mention that gorgeous autumnal light - eeek! It’s a photographer’s dream).
Things to keep in mind:
Daylight savings ends in early April – This means shorter days, so consider an earlier ceremony to make the most of the light. I’m always happy to help with tips on timings for your day - no matter what season.
Easter holidays – If you’re planning an April wedding, check holiday dates to avoid clashes with school breaks or travel price hikes - you want everyone to be able to make it with less hassle!
Colour palette: warm, earthy & rich
Autumn weddings lend themselves beautifully to deep, moody tones and warm, inviting colour palettes. Think burnt orange, deep burgundy, mustard yellow, olive green, and soft neutrals like taupe or champagne. Nothing brings a wedding together visually quite like a solid colour palette - and taking inspiration from the season is such a beautiful way to tie things together (it means that your outdoor backdrops will often naturally match - always a win!)
A few classic (and dreamy) autumn wedding colour combos:
Rust, terracotta & sage green
Deep plum, gold & soft blush
Navy blue, burnt orange & cream
Mustard yellow, deep red & warm brown
Even your florals can embrace the season - dried flowers, rich dahlias, and foraged foliage bring texture and depth to bouquets and table arrangements. It’s always easier (and a lot more budget friendly) to shop florals that are in season - so naturally, they’ll lend themselves to an autumnal colour palette.
Seasonal considerations & planning tips
Be prepared for cooler evenings. While the days can still be warm, temperatures drop quickly at night. Consider adding blankets, outdoor heaters, or a cosy fire pit at your venue (always a cute idea year-round anyway - especially in Wellington, where you’re never guaranteed a warm evening!)
Rain plans are a must. Autumn can bring unexpected showers, so a covered or indoor option for your ceremony and reception is a great backup. Chat with your venue to figure out a plan of attack if the weather turns.
Take advantage of golden-hour portraits. With the sun setting earlier, we’ll plan your couple’s photos during that dreamy, soft autumn light.
Venue ideas for an autumn wedding
Want to go on-theme with your venue? Choosing a venue that complements the season will elevate your entire wedding aesthetic. Some top picks for autumn weddings include:
Vineyards & wineries – The changing leaves create a stunning backdrop, and the wine flows effortlessly (and that is always a good thing!)
Rustic barns & lodges – Warm wooden interiors and fairy lights? Yes, please.
Botanic gardens & parks – Golden trees and lush surroundings. Big yes.
Historic homesteads – Timeless and elegant, with plenty of indoor space if the weather turns.
The pros & cons of an autumn wedding
Pros:
✔ Gorgeous seasonal colours for photos
✔ Milder weather (not too hot, not too cold)
✔ Potential for off-peak venue pricing
✔ Cosy atmosphere with candles, fire pits & warm lighting
Cons:
✖ Shorter days (earlier ceremony required - but no stress, I can help you plan your timings!)
✖ Unpredictable weather (but again - it’s Wellington - when isn’t it unpredictable?)
✖ Some flower varieties may be out of season (best bet is to lean into seasonal florals!)
Real wedding inspiration
To really bring your autumn wedding vision to life - I have dreamy autumn wedding photos for inspiration! Check out some of my favourite golden-hour wedding moments Sasha and Jay’s autumn wedding. From rich colour palettes to moody, romantic skies, autumn weddings bring a depth and beauty that’s hard to match
