Over the past few years, the summer wedding obsession has melted away with the heat of its season. Couples are now opting for autumn weddings, preferring late September and early October weekends over the long-reigning June-July wedding season. Maybe it's the crisp, cozy feel of the season (or our obsession with everything pumpkin themed but this cool-weather trend is becoming the go-to time of year for brides and grooms to tie the knot. And if you're planning to walk down the aisle in the fall months, having a fall foliage backdrop at your big day is a no brainer.
From the scenic mountains of the northeast to the quaint locales of the west, there are plenty of places to say "I Do" surrounded by the colors of the season. We rounded up some of the most beautiful hotels, estates and inns for autumn nuptials that feature fall decor by Mother Nature herself. If you're going to do a fall wedding, do it at one of these seven seasonal venues.
Breathtaking gets a whole new meaning with The Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina. This stunning venue, that once belonged to George Vanderbilt, combines the romance of a fairy-tale castle with a cozy autumn feel during the fall months. The historic Italian gardens surrounding the estate make for the perfect backdrop to your big day, while the castle itself includes a handful of other gorgeous spots for your ceremony, reception and cocktail hour.
Nestled against the pristine Cayuga Lake in Aurora, New York, sits the Inns of Aurora a collection of historic inns that have been wedding venue favorites for brides and grooms for years. Couples can choose from a handful of venue options, all of which will show off the stunning fall foliage of the area. The Inns also offer complete accommodations, from hosting your rehearsal dinner to your after party.
The Stowe Mountain Lodge at Spruce Peak in Stowe, Vermont offers a handful of wedding venues across the lodge that all reveal the stunning red and yellow leaves of the surrounding woodlands. Choose from both outdoor and indoor terraces, ballrooms and cottages that feel elegant and cozy all at the same time.
Oenophiles will love this autumn twist on a wine country wedding. The Kenwood Inn & Spa in Sonoma, California offers acres of vineyards, reminiscent of Tuscany, and villas that face the rolling hills of colorful foliage. The hotel includes a variety of spa packages too, so you and bae can unwind after your big day.
Montage Deer Valley resort in Park City, Utah, is the high-end, ski trip destination of our dreams. This gorgeous (and massive) lodge offers stunning ceremony and reception venues, and is big enough for to accommodate all of your guests. Plus, if you're planning a weekend away at this gorgeous lodge, your guests will have plenty of activities to choose from in their downtime, including spa treatments, skiing and shopping.
Looking to say your "I Do's" across the pond? The Dorchester Collection's Coworth Park estate in Berkshire, England, will give you all the fall feels abroad. This gorgeous estate features beautifully manicured gardens and balconies that overlook the quaint countryside. Your guests can enjoy an afternoon tea in the drawing room or visit the spa before your ceremony. You'll feel like Meghan Markle walking down the aisle on these noble grounds.
The foliage surrounding the Mountain Top Inn & Resort in Chittenden, Vermont lasts all season long, so you can opt for warmer days in early September or a cooler ceremony in late October while still getting the stunning, colorful backdrop. The resort offers a variety of venues for both your ceremony and reception, so you can choose from an outdoor arrangement, a barn party or a lakefront celebration.
Dunton Hot Springs in Dunton, Colorado is a fall fanatic's dream: not only do the leaves glow during the changing of the season, but the town itself is a ghost town that dates back to the 1800s. The venue includes a cluster of cabins you can rent for your guests, and sits among 14,000 foot mountains, tumbling rivers, and glistening lakes. The grounds also offer gourmet chefs and dozens of activities, so you and your guests will never have a dull moment on this gorgeous property.
Get away from civilization at the Sleeping Lady resort in Leavenworth, WA, which is nestled in the Cascade Mountains on the banks of Icicle Creek. The resort features a handful of venues for couples looking for a unique place to say "I Do," whether it be in front of picturesque mountains or next to the vast forests surrounding it.
This hidden gem in Ozark Mountains of Missouri is the perfect midwestern getaway for your autumn wedding. In addition to its cozy cabin-style hotel, the property is filled with lush woodlands that make the perfect backdrop for wedding ceremonies and receptions. Entertain your guests with the estate's full service marina, horseback riding, world class fishing, golf, and extensive trails.