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!” “Plus,” she adds, “hotel venues typically don’t host corporate groups over holiday weekends, which creates a more guest-friendly and festive vibe.”
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.”
Kayla Kudo echoes that warning: “Holiday travel can get pricey, vendors book fast, and some guests might have long-standing plans or school schedules to juggle.”
The best way to navigate this? Start early and communicate often. “Send save-the-dates early to give guests plenty of notice, consider booking vendors well in advance, and provide travel and lodging recommendations to help guests plan. Also, be flexible with your expectations around attendance and timing. While holiday weddings can create a festive atmosphere, they usually require extra planning and flexibility to ensure everyone can attend and enjoy the day," advises the team at Petal Kissed Rentals.
Since Labor Day falls during Arizona’s warmer months, heat is a consideration, but not a dealbreaker. Brooke Bates reassures couples that there are great ways to work around it. “Many couples turn the weather into a plus by selecting an indoor space they love, like our stunning Castillo Ballroom, and planning pool parties and fun day-after events to keep cool.”
Final Verdict: Is a Holiday Weekend Wedding Worth It?
When done right, a holiday weekend wedding can be the perfect end-of-summer celebration. The key? Planning early, communicating well, and leaning into the festive, carefree energy of the weekend.
As Kayla Kudo sums it up, “If you give plenty of notice and your crew is down for a long-weekend adventure, a Labor Day wedding can be the perfect mix of love, fun, and end-of-summer magic.”
Now that’s a celebration we can all get behind!
Photo by Jonathan Allison Photography with BTS Event Management & Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
