Planning a wedding in the UK? Discover the key dates to avoid in 2026, 2027, and 2028, including bank holidays, major sporting events, public holidays, and other important occasions that could impact your wedding plans, venue availability, guest attendance, and accommodation costs.
Choosing a wedding date is one of the most exciting milestones in the wedding planning journey. Long before you select flowers, book entertainment, or choose your wedding menu, you’ll need to decide when your big day will take place. While many couples focus on finding their dream wedding venue first, the date you choose can have a significant impact on every aspect of your celebration.
Your wedding date influences venue availability, accommodation prices, supplier costs, guest attendance, travel arrangements, and even the atmosphere of your wedding day. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony, a countryside wedding, a riverside celebration, or an elegant hotel wedding reception, choosing the right date can make the planning process smoother and more enjoyable.
At UNO Hotels, we’ve welcomed countless couples celebrating their special day across our collection of wedding venues throughout the UK. One of the most common questions we hear from newly engaged couples is: “Are there any dates we should avoid?”
The answer depends on your priorities. Some couples love the convenience of a bank holiday weekend, while others prefer quieter dates that offer better venue availability and more affordable guest accommodation. Major sporting events, public holidays, local festivals, and even superstitions can all influence your decision.
To help you make an informed choice, we’ve created this comprehensive guide covering wedding dates to avoid in 2026, 2027, and 2028, along with practical wedding planning advice to help you find the perfect date for your celebration.
How Do You Choose a Wedding Date?
Before looking at specific dates to avoid, it’s worth considering what matters most to you as a couple.
Some couples begin with a specific date in mind, while others choose their dream venue first and then select a date based on availability. Neither approach is right or wrong. The best choice depends on your priorities, budget, and wedding vision.
Choose Your Preferred Season
The season you choose will influence everything from your photography style to your wedding attire and guest experience.
Spring Weddings
Spring weddings offer blooming gardens, fresh colours, and mild temperatures. March, April, and May are particularly popular for couples who love outdoor photographs and lighter seasonal décor.
Summer Weddings
Summer remains the most popular wedding season in the UK. Long daylight hours, outdoor ceremonies, and garden receptions make June, July, and August highly sought-after months.
Autumn Weddings
Autumn weddings provide beautiful seasonal colours and a cosy atmosphere. September and October are ideal for couples looking for warm tones and stunning countryside backdrops.
Winter Weddings
Winter weddings bring elegance and charm. Festive décor, candlelit receptions, and cosy interiors create a magical atmosphere between November and February.
Consider Guest Convenience
If guests are travelling from across the UK or overseas, you’ll need to think about:
- School holidays
- Public holidays
- Travel costs
- Accommodation availability
- Weather conditions
Making it easier for guests to attend can significantly improve your overall wedding experience.
Think About Your Budget
Peak wedding season generally comes with higher costs. Popular Saturdays between May and September often command premium pricing for venues, accommodation, and suppliers.
Being flexible with your date can often result in significant savings.
Personal Wedding Dates
Many couples choose wedding dates that hold special meaning in their relationship.
Anniversaries
Getting married on your anniversary is one of the most popular choices.
Whether it’s the anniversary of your first date, first meeting, or engagement, choosing a meaningful date can make your wedding even more special.
However, it’s worth checking whether your chosen date overlaps with a significant anniversary for close family members or friends.
Birthdays
A birthday wedding can create an unforgettable celebration.
Combining a birthday with your wedding day means you’ll always have something special to celebrate each year. However, consider whether key family members may already have plans associated with their birthdays.
Family Milestones
Some couples choose dates connected to their parents’ wedding anniversary or another meaningful family occasion.
This can be a touching tribute and create an even stronger family connection.
Sensitive Dates
While personal dates can be meaningful, some may be best avoided.
Consider whether your chosen date coincides with:
- Bereavement anniversaries
- Family tragedies
- Difficult life events
Having conversations with close family members can help ensure your wedding date feels positive for everyone involved.
Unlucky Wedding Dates
Even today, many couples consider superstition when selecting a wedding date.
The most famous date to avoid remains Friday the 13th.
Friday 13th Dates in 2026
- Friday 13 February 2026
- Friday 13 March 2026
- Friday 13 November 2026
Friday 13th Dates in 2027
- Friday 13 August 2027
Friday 13th Dates in 2028
- Friday 13 October 2028
Interestingly, some couples actively choose these dates because they are memorable and often offer greater venue availability.
Sporting & Entertainment Wedding Dates
Major sporting events can significantly impact wedding logistics.
Guests may struggle to attend, accommodation costs may increase, and some guests may spend the reception checking scores on their phones.
Sporting & Entertainment Dates in 2026
- February to March 2026 – Rugby Six Nations
- 6 February – 22 February 2026 – Winter Olympics
- 8 February 2026 – Super Bowl
- 6 March – 15 March 2026 – Winter Paralympics
- 30 May 2026 – UEFA Champions League Final
- 11 June – 19 July 2026 – FIFA World Cup
- 29 June – 12 July 2026 – Wimbledon Championships
Sporting & Entertainment Dates in 2027
- February to March 2027 – Rugby Six Nations
- 14 February 2027 – Super Bowl
- June 2027 – FIFA World Cup
- 5 June 2027 – UEFA Champions League Final
- 28 June – 11 July 2027 – Wimbledon Championships
Sporting & Entertainment Dates in 2028
- February 2028 – Super Bowl
- June 2028 – FIFA World Cup
- June 2028 – UEFA Champions League Final
- June–July 2028 – Wimbledon Championships
- 21 July – 6 August 2028 – Summer Olympics
Local Wedding Dates to Avoid
National events aren’t the only dates worth considering.
Festivals
Large music festivals and local celebrations can increase accommodation costs and reduce hotel availability.
Pride Events
Pride celebrations can attract large crowds, impacting transport, accommodation, and parking.
Road Closures
Marathons, cycling events, and public celebrations can cause unexpected travel delays.
Local Events
Always check with local councils and venue teams to identify any major events scheduled during your preferred wedding date.
UK Bank Holiday & Public Holiday Wedding Dates in 2026
January 2026
- Thursday 1 January – New Year’s Day
- Friday 2 January – Public Holiday (Scotland)
March 2026
- Sunday 1 March – St David’s Day
- Sunday 15 March – Mother’s Day
- Tuesday 17 March – St Patrick’s Day
April 2026
- Wednesday 1 April – April Fool’s Day
- Friday 3 April – Monday 6 April – Easter Weekend
May 2026
- Saturday 2 May – Monday 4 May – Early May Bank Holiday
- Saturday 23 May – Monday 25 May – Spring Bank Holiday
June 2026
- Sunday 21 June – Father’s Day
July 2026
- Sunday 12 July – Battle of the Boyne
- Monday 13 July – Northern Ireland Bank Holiday
August 2026
- Saturday 1 August – Monday 3 August – Scotland Bank Holiday
- Saturday 29 August – Monday 31 August – August Bank Holiday
October 2026
- Saturday 31 October – Halloween
November 2026
- Thursday 5 November – Guy Fawkes Night
- Sunday 8 November – Remembrance Sunday
- Wednesday 11 November – Remembrance Day
- Saturday 14 November – King’s Birthday
- Monday 30 November – St Andrew’s Day
December 2026
- Thursday 24 December – Christmas Eve
- Friday 25 December – Christmas Day
- Saturday 26 December – Boxing Day
- Thursday 31 December – New Year’s Eve
UK Bank Holiday & Public Holiday Wedding Dates in 2027
January 2027
- Friday 1 January – New Year’s Day
- Saturday 2 January – Public Holiday (Scotland)
- Monday 4 January – Bank Holiday (Scotland)
February–March 2027
- Sunday 8 February – Tuesday 10 March – Ramadan
March 2027
- Monday 1 March – St David’s Day
- Sunday 7 March – Mother’s Day
- Wednesday 17 March – St Patrick’s Day
April 2027
- Thursday 1 April – April Fool’s Day
- Friday 26 March – Monday 29 March – Easter Weekend
May 2027
- Saturday 1 May – Monday 3 May – Early May Bank Holiday
- Saturday 29 May – Monday 31 May – Spring Bank Holiday
June 2027
- Sunday 20 June – Father’s Day
July 2027
- Monday 12 July – Battle of the Boyne
August 2027
- Saturday 31 July – Monday 2 August – Scotland Bank Holiday
- Saturday 28 August – Monday 30 August – August Bank Holiday
October 2027
- Sunday 31 October – Halloween
November 2027
- Friday 5 November – Guy Fawkes Night
- Thursday 11 November – Remembrance Day
- Sunday 14 November – Remembrance Sunday & King’s Birthday
- Tuesday 30 November – St Andrew’s Day
December 2027
- Friday 24 December – Christmas Eve
- Saturday 25 December – Christmas Day
- Sunday 26 December – Boxing Day
- Monday 27 December – Christmas Bank Holiday
- Tuesday 28 December – Boxing Day Substitute
- Friday 31 December – New Year’s Eve
UK Bank Holiday & Public Holiday Wedding Dates in 2028
January 2028
- Saturday 1 January – New Year’s Day
- Monday 3 January – New Year’s Day Observed
- Read More: Upcoming Wedding Season in 2028: Auspicious Wedding Dates, Trends & Planning Tips
February 2028
- Tuesday 29 February – Shrove Tuesday
March 2028
- Friday 17 March – St Patrick’s Day
- Sunday 26 March – Mother’s Day
April 2028
- Saturday 1 April – April Fool’s Day
- Friday 14 April – Monday 17 April – Easter Weekend
May 2028
- Saturday 29 April – Monday 1 May – Early May Bank Holiday
- Saturday 27 May – Monday 29 May – Spring Bank Holiday
June 2028
- Saturday 17 June – King’s Birthday
- Sunday 18 June – Father’s Day
July 2028
- Wednesday 12 July – Battle of the Boyne
August 2028
- Monday 7 August – Scotland Bank Holiday
- Saturday 26 August – Monday 28 August – August Bank Holiday
October 2028
- Tuesday 31 October – Halloween
November 2028
- Sunday 5 November – Guy Fawkes Night
- Saturday 11 November – Remembrance Day
- Sunday 12 November – Remembrance Sunday
- Thursday 30 November – St Andrew’s Day
December 2028
- Sunday 24 December – Christmas Eve
- Monday 25 December – Christmas Day
- Tuesday 26 December – Boxing Day
- Wednesday 31 December – New Year’s Eve
Best Wedding Dates According to Astrology
Many couples consider astrology when selecting a wedding date.
Popular astrologers highlighted:
Best Dates in 2026
- 3 January 2026
- 21 March 2026
Best Dates in 2027
2027 is the Year of the Goat according to the Chinese Zodiac, often associated with good fortune, prosperity, and harmony.
Best Dates in 2028
2028 is the Year of the Monkey, representing balance, humour, and resilience. Dates containing 2 and 8 are considered especially lucky.
Wedding Dates to Avoid According to Astrology
2026
- 12 August 2026
- 25 October 2026
2027
- Friday 13 August 2027
2028
- Tuesday 29 February 2028
- Friday 13 October 2028
What Are the Most Popular Wedding Dates in the UK?
The most sought-after wedding dates typically fall between May and September.
Popular choices include:
- Saturday weddings
- Bank holiday weekends
- Long summer weekends
- Unique dates such as 07/07/2027
These dates often book up 12–24 months in advance.
Should I Avoid Getting Married on a Bank Holiday?
Not necessarily.
Advantages
- Easier guest travel
- Longer celebrations
- Greater flexibility
Disadvantages
- Higher accommodation costs
- Increased supplier demand
- Limited venue availability
Can I Get Married During a Major Sporting Event?
Absolutely.
Many couples successfully host weddings during major tournaments.
The key is understanding your guests and planning accordingly.
Some couples even provide screens or viewing areas during receptions.
What Day Is Best for a Wedding?
Saturday
The most popular choice due to guest convenience.
Friday
Often slightly cheaper and increasingly popular.
Sunday
A good balance between affordability and convenience.
Weekdays
Excellent for couples seeking savings and greater venue availability.
Choosing the Right Date: Top Tips
- Start planning early
- Consider guest travel
- Compare venue availability
- Think about accommodation requirements
- Avoid unnecessary scheduling conflicts
- Balance sentiment with practicality
Why Book Your Wedding Venue Early?
The most popular wedding dates in the UK often sell out years in advance.
Booking early provides:
- Better venue selection
- Greater accommodation availability
- More supplier choices
- Better pricing opportunities
At UNO Hotels, we recommend securing your preferred venue and date as early as possible, particularly if you’re planning a summer wedding or bank holiday celebration.
Whether you’re dreaming of a countryside wedding, a riverside ceremony, or an elegant hotel wedding reception, choosing the right date is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. With careful planning and consideration, you can create a memorable celebration that works perfectly for you and your guests.