Why Autumn Weddings Are Having a Moment (And Why I’m Completely Here for It)
Over the past few years, I’ve noticed a definite shift in the wedding world. Couples who once automatically set their hearts on a summer date are now choosing September, October and even November with real intention. And honestly? I couldn’t be happier about it.
Autumn has always been my favourite time of year. There’s something about that golden light, the crispness in the air, and the richness of the colours that feels incredibly romantic. It’s the season I chose for my own wedding, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. And now, watching more couples fall in love with it too feels like the loveliest full-circle moment.
Even though we’re only approaching the early days of spring — with lighter mornings and new beginnings on the horizon — this is actually the perfect time to look ahead and secure those coveted autumn dates before they quietly disappear from the calendar.
So why are autumn weddings becoming so popular? Let’s talk about it.
The Colours Are Simply Unmatched
If summer is soft and pastel, autumn is bold, confident and full of depth.
Think burnt orange, deep burgundy, forest green, mustard, plum, caramel and warm neutrals layered together. These tones create an atmosphere that feels intimate, luxurious and effortlessly stylish. They photograph beautifully, flatter almost every venue type, and lend themselves perfectly to statement florals, rich fabrics and beautifully designed cakes.
From a design perspective, autumn gives you so much creative freedom. You can lean into moody romance, mid-century warmth, rustic elegance or modern minimalism with earthy undertones. The palette does so much of the work for you.
Autumn’s Golden Hour Glow
Autumn offers all the warmth, vibrancy, and romance we once reserved for summer—without the heat.
Better Weather (Yes, Really)
It may sound surprising, but here in the UK Autumn can actually offer more reliable wedding-day weather than peak summer.
Summer weather is becoming increasingly unpredictable. Extreme hot days mixed with endless rainy days can be uncomfortable for guests, challenging for outdoor ceremonies, and less than ideal for intricate cakes and delicate florals. Autumn, on the other hand, often brings milder temperatures and more sunshine — warm enough to enjoy being outside, but cool enough to feel comfortable in formalwear.
That softer autumn light is also a dream. The lower sun creates a golden glow that photographers adore, adding instant romance to outdoor portraits.
My Own Autumn Wedding (And the Cake That Started It All)
Six years ago, I married in autumn at the stunning Hazlewood Castle, near York — a venue that perfectly embodies old English romance. The stone walls, heavy wooden doors and historic atmosphere created the most magical backdrop for a richly styled seasonal celebration.
The theme was unapologetically autumn.
For my wedding cake, I embraced natural and rustic textures layered with deep, dramatic colour. Think warm wood, golden accents, berries, foliage and abundant seasonal detail. I wanted the design to feel as though it belonged entirely within its surroundings — almost as if it had always been part of the castle’s story.
Here’s the cake:
My wedding cake at Hazelwood Castle, near York. Photographer credit ADPhotography
The setting enhanced everything. The aged stone, lantern light, scattered leaves and rustic props brought depth and mood. It wasn’t light and airy in a summer way — it was atmospheric, romantic and full of character. That “old English” feeling made the entire day feel timeless.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing.
“Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it.”
The Enduring Appeal of the ‘Log’ Effect Wedding Cake
One design I find myself returning to again and again — especially for autumn celebrations — is the log-effect wedding cake tier.
In fact, this has become my second most popular wedding cake design. There’s something about the realistic bark texture, carved wood detailing and organic structure that resonates deeply with couples planning rustic or countryside weddings. It feels authentic, grounded and full of character.
Here’s one of my most favourite designs featuring that signature log effect:
Woodland Romance
Rich harvest tones and carved bark textures make this autumn design feel as vibrant and celebratory as any summer wedding.
These textured tiers are particularly loved for barn venues, manor houses, castles and woodland-inspired settings. The illusion of natural wood grain, hand-carved initials and layered bark creates warmth and atmosphere instantly — almost as though the cake has been shaped from the landscape itself.
I often enhance the design with rich autumn florals, miniature pumpkins, berries and foliage to echo the season’s depth and colour. The contrast between rugged wood textures and delicate sugar flowers brings a beautiful balance of drama and romance.
For couples drawn to rustic styling but still wanting elegance, the log-effect cake strikes that perfect middle ground. It feels relaxed yet refined — informal yet intentionally designed. And perhaps that’s why it pairs so effortlessly with autumn weddings. The season celebrates texture, warmth and nature — and these cakes mirror that sentiment beautifully.
To celebrate the growing love for autumn weddings, I’m offering up to £100 off all new 2026 wedding cake bookings secured before the end of February. Dates for 2026 are already beginning to fill, particularly for autumn weekends, so if you’ve been considering your cake design, now is the time to reserve your date. Whether you’re dreaming of rich seasonal colour, rustic log-effect tiers or something entirely bespoke, this is the perfect moment to secure both your design and your saving.
Are Autumn Weddings the New Summer Weddings?
More and more, it certainly feels that way.
Prime autumn dates are booking further in advance, and venues are seeing increased demand for September and October weekends in particular. Couples are realising they don’t have to follow tradition to have a beautiful, light-filled, joyful wedding. In fact, many are discovering that autumn gives them something even better — atmosphere.
Summer will always have its place. But autumn? Autumn feels like a confident choice. A stylish choice. A season that brings depth, warmth and character.
And perhaps that’s why it’s quietly becoming the new summer.
For me, it will always be the most magical time of year — not just because of the colours or the light, but because it holds my own memories too. Seeing more couples embrace it feels like watching them step into something truly special.
If autumn has captured your heart the way it has mine, I would love to craft a cake that feels just as rich, romantic and meaningful as the season itself.