The Season of Gratitude & Love
Thanksgiving weekend might not be the first time frame that comes to mind when planning a wedding, but hear us out—it might just be the perfect choice for your St. Augustine celebration at 9 Aviles.
This holiday weekend offers unique advantages that can make your destination wedding not only more convenient for guests but also more memorable and meaningful. Let's explore why saying "I do" during Thanksgiving weekend could be your best decision.
Guest Travel Made Easy
Everyone Has Time Off Already
One of the biggest advantages of a Thanksgiving weekend wedding is that most of your guests already have Thursday and Friday off work. This means they don't need to use precious vacation days to attend your destination wedding. The extra days off make travel less stressful and more appealing.
Extended Weekend Celebration
With a four-day weekend, your guests can truly make a vacation out of attending your wedding. They can arrive early, explore St. Augustine's historic sites, and not feel rushed to leave immediately after your reception. It transforms your wedding from a one-day event into a memorable long weekend.
Family Already Gathering
Thanksgiving is traditionally a time when extended family comes together. By choosing this weekend for your wedding, you're working with family travel plans that were already in motion. Out-of-town relatives might find it easier to attend since they were already planning to travel for the holiday.
Perfect Weather & Seasonal Beauty
Ideal November Temperatures
Late November in St. Augustine offers some of the best weather of the year. Temperatures typically range from the mid-60s to mid-70s—perfect for both indoor and outdoor celebrations. It's warm enough to enjoy the historic district without the summer heat and humidity.
Seasonal Décor Opportunities
The autumn season provides beautiful natural décor opportunities. Incorporate rich fall colors like burgundy, gold, and amber into your celebration. At 9 Aviles, these warm tones complement the historic architecture beautifully, creating an elegant, cozy atmosphere.
Fewer Crowds
While St. Augustine sees steady tourism year-round, Thanksgiving weekend is typically less crowded than peak summer months. Your guests will have an easier time getting restaurant reservations, exploring attractions, and enjoying the city's charm without fighting through massive crowds.
Meaningful Timing & Symbolism
Gratitude & Love Together
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, and what better time to celebrate the love you're grateful for? The holiday's themes of thankfulness, family, and togetherness align perfectly with the spirit of a wedding celebration. Your vows will take on extra meaning when surrounded by this atmosphere of appreciation.
Annual Anniversary Celebrations
Getting married on or near Thanksgiving means you'll often have a built-in long weekend to celebrate your anniversary each year. Since it's typically a travel holiday anyway, it's the perfect excuse for an annual getaway to mark another year of marriage.
Holiday Memory Overlap
Your wedding anniversary will forever be intertwined with a major family holiday. While some might see this as a drawback, many couples love that Thanksgiving and their anniversary become one extended celebration of family, gratitude, and love.
Practical Considerations
Venue & Vendor Availability
Because Thanksgiving weekend isn't as common for weddings, you may find better availability at your preferred venue and with vendors. At 9 Aviles, we're open throughout November (remember, we're only closed in July and August due to heat). This can give you more flexibility in booking your ideal date.
Potential Cost Savings
Hotels and flights are often surprisingly affordable around Thanksgiving if you book early. While day-of-Thanksgiving travel can be expensive, booking for the Friday or Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend can actually offer good deals, helping your guests save on accommodations.
Catering Advantages
Some couples incorporate Thanksgiving-inspired elements into their wedding menu—think elegant takes on seasonal favorites. Our catering partner, La Cocina, can create a menu that honors the holiday while still feeling sophisticated and wedding-appropriate.
Gather Your Loved Ones
Combine the joy of Thanksgiving with the magic of your wedding day at 9 Aviles.