Spotlight: Holiday Weekend Weddings -Yay or Nay?
Arizona wedding pros share their insights on planning your big day over a holiday weekend.
July 21, 2025
When it comes to choosing the perfect wedding date, some couples steer clear of holiday weekends while others dive in headfirst, especially when it comes to Labor Day. But is it the right move for your big day? We asked Arizona wedding pros to share their candid thoughts on planning a wedding over Labor Day Weekend. Spoiler alert: the consensus leans YES ... with a few strategic considerations.
The Case For the Long Weekend
Let’s be real: there’s something undeniably festive about a three-day wedding weekend. “We highly encourage a weekend wedding over Labor Day or any holiday weekend,” says Kayla Kudo, Social Sales and Catering Manager of Enchantment Resort. “The extra day off means more time for travel, recovery, and celebration (hello, three-day party!), and there’s just something extra festive about closing out summer with a wedding bash. The weather is usually dreamy, and guests are already in vacation mode.”
Holiday weekends naturally invite a more celebratory atmosphere, giving couples the rare chance to turn a single wedding day into a full weekend experience. From welcome parties to farewell brunches, there’s room to design a complete itinerary that lets guests savor the moment.
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia, weekend weddings are not just encouraged, they’re embraced. “Our answer? Absolutely YES!” shares Brooke Bates. “Hotel and resort venues typically don’t host corporate groups over holiday weekends, meaning the space is more guest-friendly and festive. And many hotels, including us, offer discounts for holiday weekend bookings!”
Beyond the schedule perks, there’s something extra special about the vibe. Holiday weekends carry their own kind of energy and that’s something couples can build into the experience.
Marisa Lockwood from Floridino’s Italian Catering describes it beautifully: “Holiday weddings can strike the perfect balance between traditional and casual. Picture a big Italian buffet with sausage and peppers, baked spaghetti, pizza muffins, and a crisp salad - like a backyard barbecue, but with elevated comfort food. Sure, it might take a little more coordination (and some advance notice!), but in our experience, it’s absolutely worth it. The energy, the ease of gathering, and the chance to stretch your celebration into a full weekend of food, family, and memories? That’s amore.”
What To Watch Out For
Of course, booking a wedding on a major weekend isn’t without its challenges.
Craig Peterman, of Craig Peterman Photography & Videography, advises couples to seriously consider their guest list priorities. “Labor Day weekend weddings can be a win, but they’re not for everyone,” he says. “More guests can travel and stay longer, making the wedding feel like a true getaway. However, there will be higher travel and lodging costs, and some vendors book up even faster than normal.”