Choosing a Wedding Date by the Moon Phase
Many couples like the idea of a wedding date with extra meaning. Choosing by the moon phase is a gentle, beautiful way to do that, and it also has practical benefits for evening celebrations and photography.
What each phase symbolises for a wedding
- New Moon: a fresh start and new beginnings. Lovely for intimate ceremonies.
- Waxing Crescent: hope and growth, the most popular symbolic choice for starting a married life.
- First Quarter: commitment and decisive action.
- Waxing Gibbous: building towards fullness and abundance.
- Full Moon: celebration, joy and completeness. Great for big parties.
- Waning phases: traditionally used less for weddings, but they symbolise gratitude, wisdom and calm, which some couples love.
Practical reasons to check the moon
- Evening photos: a rising full moon can create stunning backdrop shots. The moon rises around sunset on full moon nights.
- Outdoor receptions: moonlight adds natural ambience to garden or beach venues.
- Stargazing or sparklers: if you want dark skies for stars or fireworks, choose a date near the new moon.
- Night-time travel: brighter nights can make rural venues easier for guests to navigate.
How to pick
- Shortlist dates that work for your venue, family and budget first.
- Check the phase for each date on our moon calendar.
- Choose the one whose meaning or practical benefits you like best.
And for a sweet touch, compare your birth moons with the moon soulmate calculator and mention your result in a speech or on your website.