The most popular dates to get engaged during the holidays

The Most Popular Dates to Get Engaged During the Holidays — and Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Book Your Charlotte Wedding Venue

There’s something magical about the holidays. The twinkle of lights, the cozy gatherings, and the sense of love that seems to fill the air. Maybe that’s why the stretch between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day has become the most popular time of year to get engaged. And for couples dreaming of saying “I do” in the Charlotte area, Redbird Ridge Estate is the perfect place to bring that love story to life. Nestled just outside the city, this breathtaking estate offers everything from romantic outdoor ceremony sites to elegant lodging, on-site event spaces, and peaceful natural beauty. Whether you’re exchanging vows beside the pond, walking the prayer and meditation path, or celebrating beneath the stars by the fire pit, Redbird Ridge combines the best of Southern charm and serene sophistication — making it a dream destination for Charlotte weddings.

Engagement season is officially here and if you’re among the newly engaged — or expecting that sparkle on your finger soon — congratulations! Before you pop the champagne, here’s something every Charlotte couple should know: if you want your dream wedding in the Carolinas, you need to start planning now.

Let’s take a closer look at when engagements peak, why the holidays are so irresistible for proposals, and what makes early booking so crucial in Charlotte’s bustling wedding scene.

💍 The Most Popular Days to Get Engaged

According to venue owners and wedding planners nationwide, nearly 40% of all engagements happen between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day. Within that festive stretch, a few key dates always top the list as the most popular dates to get engaged:

1. Christmas Eve – The ultimate cozy, family-filled night. The glow of holiday lights and a sense of tradition make it one of the most romantic backdrops for popping the question.

2. Christmas Day – Between gift-giving and family togetherness, many proposals happen right by the tree making the holiday unforgettable for everyone involved.

3. New Year’s Eve – A fresh start, fireworks, and champagne toasts? It’s a natural choice for couples ready to ring in both a new year and a new chapter.

4. New Year’s Day – For sentimental types, starting the year engaged sets a symbolic tone for growth and joy.

5. Valentine’s Day – It’s no surprise that the day of love remains one of the top choices, even if it’s a bit predictable, it never loses its charm.

Other contenders include Thanksgiving weekend (especially when couples are surrounded by family) and the first snow of winter is a popular date to get engaged as it is spontaneous, cozy, and unforgettable.

🎄 Why Holiday Engagements Are So Popular

The holidays bring a unique blend of romance and reflection. For many couples, it’s the one time of year when everyone slows down enough to savor connection and celebrate being together. Here’s why the season inspires so many proposals:

• Family is already gathered. Proposing during the holidays lets couples share the moment instantly with loved ones and get those priceless reaction photos!

• There’s magic in the air. From candlelight to snowfall, the season feels cinematic. Add a proposal, and you’ve got a storybook memory.

• The symbolism is perfect. The end of one year and the start of another naturally spark thoughts about the future and forever.

• It’s convenient for travel. Many couples are already together in beautiful destinations or hometowns, making it easier to plan a surprise proposal.

But there’s a catch. While holiday engagements are dreamy, they also kick off one of the most competitive wedding booking seasons of the year. 

💒 Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Book Your Charlotte Wedding

Charlotte and its surrounding countryside are bursting with incredible venues — from urban chic spaces to romantic estates nestled in nature. But those venues fill up fast once engagement season hits.

Here’s why early booking is essential if you want your dream date and setting:

1. Prime Dates Disappear Quickly

Spring and fall are the most coveted wedding seasons in North Carolina, thanks to the mild weather and vibrant scenery. By mid-January, many prime weekend dates for the coming year, especially April through June and September through November are already claimed.

2. Charlotte’s Popular Venues Have Long Waitlists

Venues like Redbird Ridge Estate are highly sought after for their beauty and versatility. Redbird Ridge, in particular, stands out for couples who want a full weekend experience — complete with nine distinct ceremony sites, lodging for family and friends, peaceful wooded trails, and wide-open event spaces perfect for rehearsal dinners or farewell brunches. It’s the kind of place that feels like a destination without ever leaving the Charlotte area.

3. Planning Takes Longer Than You Think

Even with a planner, designing your day, from catering and photography to floral design and music, takes months. Securing your venue early gives you a foundation to build everything else around.

4. Vendors Get Snapped Up After the Holidays

Engagement season isn’t just busy for venues, it’s a rush for photographers, florists, planners, and caterers. If you book early, you’ll have your pick of Charlotte’s top professionals instead of scrambling for whoever’s still available.

🌿 What Early Planning Lets You Enjoy

Booking your venue early isn’t just a logistical move, it’s an emotional one. When you secure your date and place, everything else begins to feel real. It gives you space to slow down and enjoy the engagement season instead of rushing through it.

You can spend more time on:

• Crafting your vision and theme

• Visiting venues like Redbird Ridge Estate to explore multiple ceremony options (from a wooded enchanted forest with pond to mountain views)

• Planning your engagement photos. When booking your wedding venue at Redbird Ridge Estate, you are welcome to utilize the breathtaking scenery to take engagement photos.

• Dreaming up weekend experiences for your guests: think like farm animal encounters, hiking, or cozy fireside evenings at the estate. At Redbird Ridge Estate, you and your guests are welcome go enjoy the Prayer and Mediation path on the property to set intentions and go into your wedding day relaxed.

✨ The Charlotte Wedding Market in 2026 and Beyond

Charlotte continues to grow as a wedding destination, drawing couples from across the Southeast who crave Southern charm with a modern twist. With more venues and vendors emerging each year, yet demand rising even faster, couples who plan ahead often get the best value and experience.

Whether you’re envisioning an intimate gathering or a full wedding weekend surrounded by nature, the key is to act soon. Schedule tours, compare packages, and secure your favorite spot before it’s gone. 

❤️ Newly Engaged Couples

If you just got engaged — or expect that magical moment this holiday season — savor it. Take the photos, share the joy, and dream big. Then, when you’re ready, take that next step toward planning your Charlotte wedding.

Venues like Redbird Ridge Estate make it easy to celebrate love in a place that feels both peaceful and deeply personal with ceremony sites, lodging, event space, and room to breathe.

Your engagement may start under the holiday lights, but your wedding story deserves its own kind of magic. Don’t wait too long to claim it.

Planning a wedding near Charlotte, North Carolina? Redbird Ridge Estate is a stunning white wedding venue that perfectly combines timeless Southern charm with modern elegance. Set on 72 acres of rolling pastures, creeks, a pond, and breathtaking mountain views at the base of Barrett Mountain, this beautiful estate offers versatile indoor and outdoor spaces ideal for ceremonies and receptions accommodating up to 150 guests. The elegant white venue features stunning white interior and sparkling chandeliers, creating a chic and inviting atmosphere for your special day. Onsite lodging is available for parties as large as 24 people, with charming historic farmhouse and cabin accommodations that blend rustic character with modern comfort. With dedicated bridal and groom suites and attentive, personalized service, Redbird Ridge Estate ensures a seamless and unforgettable wedding experience.

Contact Us to schedule your personal tour at Redbird Ridge Estate!

For more wedding inspiration, planning tips, and engagement advice, be sure to follow Redbird Ridge Estate:

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Thanks so much for stopping by our blog! We hope you found this information helpful. We’re passionate about using our blog to shine a light on locally owned wedding venues. These venues often bring a higher level of expertise, service, and dedication to your big day. Plus, with less staff turnover than corporate or investor-owned venues, they’re able to provide a more personal touch. As you plan your wedding, we’d love for you to consider a locally owned venue like ours! Check out this Wedding Venue Map to discover amazing locally owned venues across the country. And a big shout out to all the incredible locally owned wedding venues out there! The Glade Venue

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