Planning a wedding in Los Angeles is an exciting adventure, and choosing the right date is crucial to ensuring a smooth, successful, and stress-free celebration. In 2026, certain dates and periods may pose challenges for your wedding plans. Here are key dates to avoid when getting married in Los Angeles in 2026, and some suggestions for peak tourism season.

Major Public Holidays Major public holidays often coincide with peak travel times and increased demand for venues and vendors. For 2026, avoid planning your wedding on major holidays such as:

• New Year’s Day (January 1, 2026): A holiday when many people are still in vacation mode and travel might be a hassle.

• Independence Day (July 4, 2026): A popular holiday for celebrations and fireworks, which may lead to higher prices and availability issues.

• Thanksgiving (November 26, 2026): A time when many people travel to be with family, leading to potential conflicts with guest availability and travel plans.

Major Local Events and Festivals Los Angeles hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, which can impact traffic, accommodations, and overall guest experience. Avoid scheduling your wedding during major local events, such as:

• The LA County Fair (September 4-27, 2026): Attracts large crowds and can cause traffic and accommodation challenges.

• LA Pride Festival (June 5-7, 2026): A vibrant event that may affect travel and lodging options in the area.

• Los Angeles Film Festival (June 22-30, 2026): A high-profile event that can lead to increased hotel prices and limited availability.

School Holidays and Spring Break Planning your wedding during school holidays and spring break may affect the availability of guests who are traveling or busy with family activities. In 2026, avoid dates during:

• Spring Break (April 1-14, 2026): Many families and students are on vacation, which could impact guest attendance.

• Summer Vacation (June 15-August 31, 2026): Families with school-aged children might be traveling or have other commitments.

Peak Wedding Season While popular months for weddings are often chosen for their weather, they also come with higher costs and competition for venues and vendors. In 2026, avoid peak wedding season months such as:

• June, July, and August: These summer months are in high demand, leading to increased prices and limited availability for venues and services. Another thing to consider is the heat during these months. Many of Los Angeles iconic venues have outdoor ceremony and reception sites. Excessive heat can negatively affect your guests’ comfort, make sure to ask your planner or venue for ways to combat this.

Special Dates and Anniversaries Certain dates might be significant for your guests or the city and could impact your wedding plans. For example:

• Super Bowl Sunday (February 8, 2026): Many guests might be focused on the game, impacting attendance and attention. Not to mention travel costs are usually higher over this weekend.

• Oscars Ceremony (February 22, 2026): A high-profile event in Los Angeles that will affect hotel availability and transportation.

Avoiding these dates can help you secure your preferred venue and vendors, minimize potential disruptions, and ensure a more enjoyable experience for you and your guests. By carefully selecting your wedding date, you can create a memorable and stress-free celebration in Los Angeles.

If you need any more advice, either about dates, venues, or planners that I would recommend then please reach out! It would be my pleasure to help make your wedding dreams come true.