Popular Wedding Dates for 2026: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Day

If you're newly engaged and planning your 2026 wedding, first of all—congratulations! Now’s the time to get the ball rolling, especially when it comes to securing your venue and photographer. Why? Because things book out fast. In fact, four couples already missed out on their dream date with me because I was booked over 12 months in advance. It’s crazy—but true! So here’s my best tip: book your venue and photographer as your first two steps. They’re the foundations of your day and often the most in-demand vendors.

To help you on your planning journey, I’ve put together a guide with some of the most popular dates you might want to keep an eye on—or avoid, depending on your vibe.

Dates with a Pattern or Meaning

These are the dates people gravitate toward for their visual symmetry or significance:

• 26.06.26 (Friday) – Easy to remember and super popular due to the matching numbers.

• 20.06.26 (Saturday) – First Saturday of winter with a romantic feel.

• 16.08.26 (Sunday) – Elegant sounding and aligns well for long weekend weddings.

Long Weekends and Public Holidays in Australia

Booking a wedding around a public holiday gives you and your guests more breathing room to celebrate.

• Australia Day Long Weekend – 24–26 Jan 2026

• Easter Weekend – 3–6 April 2026

• ANZAC Day Long Weekend – 25–27 April 2026 (note: ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday)

• Labour Day QLD – 4 May 2026

• King’s Birthday QLD – 6 October 2026

These are great options if you want a multi-day celebration or have guests travelling from afar.

Dates That Fall on a Saturday (Always Popular!)

These are Saturdays that are already trending with 2026 couples:

• 14.02.26 – Valentine’s Day Wedding

• 21.03.26 – First weekend of Autumn, gorgeous weather

• 09.05.26 – Perfect May wedding date

• 18.07.26 – Romantic mid-winter vibes

• 17.10.26 – A spring Saturday with ideal temps

• 12.12.26 – Festive and symbolic with repeating 12s

Things to Keep in Mind

• Popular vendors book out fast. Booking your photographer, videographer, and venue should be your priority.

• Consider weekday weddings. Thursdays and Fridays are becoming more popular and can offer more vendor availability and flexibility.

• Have a few backup dates. If you’re set on a certain vendor or venue, a little date flexibility goes a long way.

Sofia dancing at Verandah house

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re after a symbolic date, a long weekend, or just want to avoid the crowd, planning ahead for your 2026 wedding is the smartest thing you can do. If you’re thinking of locking in your photographer soon, I’d love to chat. My calendar is already filling up fast!

Let's make your wedding unforgettable—from the very first step.

With love,

Marina