It’s official: engagement season is here! Between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day, more than 40% of couples get engaged. It’s an incredibly exciting time… and also one of the busiest seasons for wedding venues and vendors across Connecticut.

If you just said “yes,” congratulations!! You’re stepping into what we like to call the season of possibility. But here’s the real talk: while it’s fun to dive into inspiration boards and color palettes (and you absolutely will), the smartest first step you can take is securing your venue early.

Why Engagement Season Moves Fast

From November through February, newly engaged couples are touring venues across Connecticut at the exact same time. That means hundreds of couples reaching out for the same popular dates – often the same weekends.

Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes:

• Prime Saturdays go first – especially May, June, September, and October.
• Fridays and Sundays are becoming increasingly popular for couples who want a more relaxed vibe (and bonus: often more value).
• Fall weddings now book nearly two years in advance.
• Late-spring and early-summer aren’t far behind.

What “Booking Early” Actually Gets You

Most couples think booking early just means “locking in a date.” But honestly? It’s so much more than that.

Booking early gives you the room to enjoy your engagement instead of rushing through decisions. Here’s what you really unlock:

1. Choice over compromise

Your dream month, ceremony time, photographer, and vendor team stay wide open instead of limited to what’s left.

2. More time, more creativity

A calm planning timeline means your ideas have space to grow. From music to florals to the flow of your day – this is where the magic happens.

3. A clear, realistic budget

Because venues like CT Wedding Group include catering, bar, planning, and coordination, you know your total investment upfront. No guessing. No spiraling.

4. A stronger connection with your planning team

The earlier you book, the more time we have to understand your style, your story, your priorities- and personalize the entire experience.

Fridays & Sundays: The Secret Dates Couples Are Loving

Yes, Saturdays are classic. But Fridays and Sundays? They’re quickly stealing the spotlight.

Friday weddings turn your day into a full weekend celebration. Guests roll in Thursday or Friday morning, the party kicks off that night, and everyone still has the whole weekend ahead.

Sunday weddings surprise a lot of people in a good way. Many of our Sunday couples share that their guests actually preferred the date. They’d need to travel anyway, so having the weekend to settle in, reconnect, and enjoy time together makes the experience even sweeter. And rather than waking up exhausted the next morning, everyone ends the weekend on a high note.

What Happens If You Wait Too Long

You’ll still find a venue – but it may not be the one that made your heart light up on the tour.

After engagement season, most dates are spoken for at Connecticut’s most sought-after spaces like The Barns at Wesleyan Hills, The Pavilion on Crystal Lake, Lyman Orchards Golf Club and Riverbend.

Even if you’re not ready to plan everything right now, finding your venue early gives you clarity. This way you have the foundation to allow the other details to fall into place – also, you have a whole planning team behind you with CT Wedding Group. So get ready to have fun!!

Real Talk from Our Team

We meet couples every single day during engagement season, and here’s our expert advice:

“We tailor your planning timeline to you as a couple, and you’ll have our whole team supporting you every step of the way. If you’re dreaming of a 2026 wedding, you’re absolutely still in a great spot. And if you’re looking ahead to 2027, it’s not too early; those dates are already starting to move.

Booking now means you get ahead of the vendor rush, secure your dream team, and lock in the best availability while there are options. So we’re here to start building your perfect planning timeline together.” – Senior Wedding Planner, Allie

Engagement season fills fast, and we want you to have the best chance at choosing the date that aligns with your vision!

Ready to Tour?

Your engagement should feel joyful. Securing your venue early brings that joy front and center- because once you have a date and a place, everything else starts falling beautifully into place.

Whether you’re imagining
✨ twinkle-lit dancing at The Barns,
✨ lakeside sunsets at The Pavilion,
✨ open air vibes at Lyman Orchards
✨ or the modern industrial magic unfolding at our new Riverbend venue…

We’re here to help you find your perfect match.

Plan ahead. Celebrate big. Love every minute.
Schedule your personalized tour today and ensure your perfect date is within reach!