Imagine exchanging your vows in front of a stunning backdrop of fall foliage. There are dozens of picturesque destinations across the country that make for a beautiful autumn wedding.
With so many locations and venues to choose from, there are a few details that can help you narrow down your destination. Do you need a sheltered venue? October in the Northeast can be quite chilly, whereas the same week in North Carolina is likely to be much warmer.
Different regions have different peak fall foliage. For a late September wedding, consider venues at higher elevations, where leaves change color earlier in the year. Locations in the Southern US will have the latest peak, which can be as late as mid-November. If you have your heart set on a destination, research the region’s historical leaf peeping season and discuss the typical peak fall foliage with venues. Each year is different; there’s no way to exactly predict when the trees will be at their best.
You can find beautiful foliage in locations in the Northeast, South, Midwest and mountainous West. At any of these destinations, your décor can be minimal because people won’t be able to take their eyes off the brilliant landscape of yellows, oranges and reds!
Northeast
Aurora, New York
Peak Season: Early October
Rolling hills covered in trees and dotted with vineyards surround Cayuga Lake. Inns, wineries, estates and barns are all options within a few dozen miles of this sleepy Finger Lakes town.
Brooklyn, New York
Peak Season: Mid October
New York’s five boroughs all offer leaf peeping opportunities. Brooklyn’s Prospect Park is home to hundreds of acres of brilliantly colored trees, as well as beautiful venues.
Cape Neddick, Maine
Peak Season: Mid October
Beautiful views of the ocean are ringed by bright trees at many of Cape Neddick’s venues, which include everything from modern hotels to rustic farms.
Stowe, Vermont
Peak Season: Mid September
Stowe’s elevation makes for some of the country’s earliest fall foliage. Mountaintop resorts make for stunning views, and local farm to table restaurants take advantage of the harvest season to provide delicious, locally focused menus.
Midwest
Branson, Missouri
Peak Season: Mid October
Situated along Table Rock Lake in the Ozark Mountains, Branson is home to stunning autumn views. Venues here range from downtown high rises to mountain lodges.
Door County, Wisconsin
Peak Season: Mid October
The Door County peninsula is surrounded by picturesque Lake Michigan, which means waterfront venues and indoor/outdoor options abound.
South
Asheville, North Carolina
Peak Season: Mid to Late October
Asheville’s small-city charm is reflected in its venues. Of course, this includes the elegant Biltmore Estate, as well as much smaller mansions, country clubs, mountainside resorts and wineries.
Nashville, Tennessee
Peak Season: Late October
Beautiful fall foliage can be seen in and around the city of Nashville throughout October. Bright leaves make for a beautiful backdrop at the region’s rustic and glamourous venues alike.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Peak Season: Mid to Late October
Darling small towns surround this Virginia National Park, which has two venues of its own as well. The National Park is conveniently located just over an hour from Washington D.C.’s Ronald Regan Washington National Airport.
West
Aspen, Colorado
Peak Season: Late September
Aspen is a well-known autumn destination, and for good reason. Ski resorts, mountain lodges, picturesque ranches and hotels with old west glamour all offer beautiful views.
Jackson, Wyoming
Peak Season: Late September
The Tetons are ablaze with yellow and red as the aspens change colors in late September. Jackson, as well as other cities throughout Yellowstone, Grand Teton and the surrounding National Forests, offer picturesque venue options.
Tahoe, California
Peak Season: Late September
Resorts, golf clubs and ski resorts dot the mountains and shores surrounding Lake Tahoe. It’s hard to find a venue with a bad view here, especially in the fall.
