Weekend Weddings: Why They’re the Ultimate Celebration

In this Blog:

• What Are Weekend Weddings Anyway?

• How to Plan the Ultimate Weekend Weddings

• Capturing the Magic of a Weekend Weddings

• Is a Weekend Weddings Right for You?

• Let’s Make Your Weekend Weddings Unforgettable

Hey there! It’s Victoria, your friendly weekend wedding photographer from Stories by Victoria. Today, I want to talk about something close to my heart (and my camera): weekend weddings. If you’re planning your big day and tossing around ideas, let me tell you why weekend weddings are becoming such a big deal—and why they’re the perfect way to celebrate your love.

What Are Weekend Weddings Anyway?

A weekend wedding isn’t just a one-day event. It’s a multi-day celebration that typically spans Friday to Sunday, or even Thursday to Sunday for couples who want to stretch out the fun. Think of it as a wedding plus a mini-vacation with your favorite people. As 2025 is approaching, wedding photography trends in 2025 can add a flavor to your awaited day.

Weekend weddings usually include events like:

• A welcome dinner or casual meet-and-greet the night before.
• The main ceremony and reception (of course).
• A laid-back brunch or farewell gathering the next morning.
• Of course, there are a lot of wedding venues available on weekends like your favorite spots.

It’s all about creating more time to connect with your guests, soak up the love, and make memories that go way beyond a single day.

Why Weekend Weddings Are a Vibe

1. More Time to Celebrate
   Let’s face it—wedding days fly by. One minute you’re walking down the aisle, and the next you’re cutting the cake and saying goodbye to your guests. Like weekend weddings in Hudson valley in NY gives you time. Time to relax, to chat with your college friends who flew in from across the country, and to actually enjoy the experience without rushing through the schedule.

I’ve seen couples use the extra time for everything from outdoor yoga sessions with their bridal party to impromptu karaoke nights. It’s these bonus moments that make a wedding weekend feel extra special.

2. The Perfect Excuse for a Destination Wedding
   Weekend weddings and destination weddings go hand-in-hand. If you’ve always dreamed of saying “I do” in a gorgeous Hudson Valley barn or a cozy Catskills retreat, a weekend wedding is the way to go.

When your guests are traveling anyway, it makes sense to give them a full weekend to unwind and enjoy the area. Think hiking trails, wine tastings, or just soaking in the views of Upstate New York and Catskills wedding venues. Plus, as a photographer, I can tell you: these scenic spots create the most stunning backdrops for your photos!

3. Quality Time With Your Favorite People
   One of the biggest regrets I hear from couples after a traditional wedding is not having enough time to really connect with their guests. With a weekend wedding, you don’t have to cram all your conversations into one evening.

That welcome dinner or Friday night bonfire? It’s the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends and family in a relaxed setting. By the time the ceremony rolls around, everyone feels like they’ve already had a chance to bond—and the whole day just feels more meaningful.

4. Creative Freedom to Plan Your Dream Weekend
   Weekend weddings open up a world of possibilities when it comes to your schedule and activities. Want to host a game night? Go for it. Planning a casual pool party the morning after your ceremony? Yes, please!

One couple I worked with had a pizza truck at their Friday night welcome party and a “Sunday Fun-day” brunch complete with lawn games and a DIY mimosa bar. It was the perfect mix of casual and elegant, and their guests couldn’t stop raving about how much fun they had.

How to Plan the Ultimate Weekend Weddings

1. Choose the Right Venue
   The key to a great weekend wedding is picking a venue that can handle multiple events. Look for places with on-site accommodations or nearby options for your guests. In Upstate New York, there are so many stunning venues that cater to weekend weddings—from rustic barns to luxurious estates.

As a photographer, I always recommend venues that offer variety. Think cozy indoor spaces for a welcome dinner, scenic outdoor spots for the ceremony, and plenty of room for everyone to mingle during cocktail hour and these can be Catskills wedding venues and Hudson Valley wedding venues.

2. Create a Thoughtful Itinerary
   A weekend wedding isn’t about filling every second with activities. It’s about creating moments for connection while leaving room for guests to relax and explore.

Here’s an example of a simple weekend wedding itinerary:

Friday:

• Guests arrive and check in.
• Casual welcome dinner with drinks and light bites.

Saturday:

• Morning yoga or a coffee bar for early risers.
• Afternoon ceremony followed by a reception with dinner and dancing.

Sunday:

• Farewell brunch with everyone before they head home.

This kind of schedule strikes the perfect balance between organized events and free time.

3. Keep It Personal
   The beauty of a weekend wedding is how personal it can feel. Use the extra time to incorporate your favorite things, whether that’s hosting a bonfire with s’mores or handing out local goodies as welcome gifts.

I once do a Hudson Valley wedding photography to a couple who included a wine-tasting tour as part of their weekend. Not only was it a hit with their guests, but it also gave me the chance to capture some candid, joyful moments that wouldn’t have happened during a traditional wedding day.

Capturing the Magic of a Weekend Weddings

As your Hudson Valley wedding photographer, weekend weddings are my jam. The extended timeline means I get to capture more of your story—from the anticipation of the first night to the bittersweet goodbyes at Sunday brunch.

Some of my favorite weekend wedding moments to photograph with the style of Hudson Valley wedding photography include:

• The excitement as guests arrive and see each other for the first time.
• Intimate, relaxed portraits during the quieter moments.
• All the tiny details that make your weekend unique, like personalized welcome bags or late-night snacks.

Is a Weekend Weddings Right for You?

Weekend weddings are perfect for couples who want to create a memorable, immersive experience for themselves and their guests. They work especially well if:

• You’re planning a destination wedding.
• You love the idea of spending quality time with your favorite people.
• You want more flexibility and creativity in your wedding schedule.

That said, weekend weddings do require a bit more planning, so make sure you have the right team to help bring your vision to life (shoutout to wedding planners—you’re the real MVPs!).

Let’s Make Your Weekend Weddings Unforgettable

If you’re dreaming of a weekend wedding in the Hudson Valley, Catskills, or anywhere in Upstate New York, I’d love to be part of your journey. Capturing the love, laughter, and pure joy of these celebrations is what I do best—and I can’t wait to tell your story through Stories by Victoria’s lens.

Cheers to a weekend filled with love, memories, and lots of happy tears!

—Victoria