You’ve put time, money, and love into your wedding website. It looks amazing. But if no one sees it on Google, it’s like throwing a party and forgetting to send invites. Ranking on the first page of Google is the difference between being found—or forgotten.
Here’s how to make sure your wedding website shows up where it matters.
1. Know What You’re Targeting (Keyword Strategy)
Before Google can rank your site, it needs to know what it’s about. That means you need to know what people are searching for.
Start with keyword research. Use tools like:
Look for terms people use when searching for:
- Your names + wedding (e.g., “Emma and James Wedding”)
- Your venue + date (e.g., “New York summer wedding 2025”)
- General info guests might Google (e.g., “Emma James wedding details”)
Use these keywords in your page titles, headings, and meta descriptions—naturally. Don’t stuff them. Google’s smarter than that.
2. Nail the Basics of On-Page SEO
Your wedding website should do more than look good. It needs to speak Google’s language.
Focus on these:
- Title Tag: This is what shows in search results. Make it specific. Instead of “Our Wedding,” try “Emma & James’ Summer Wedding | July 2025 | NYC.”
- Meta Description: Keep it under 160 characters. This is your mini-ad. Include names, date, and a call to action like “Get all the details here.”
- Headings (H1, H2, etc.): Use one H1 per page. Break up sections with H2s and H3s. It helps readability and SEO.
- URL structure: Short, clean, and descriptive. Use dashes, not underscores. Example:
emmajameswedding.com/schedule
3. Optimize for Mobile and Speed
Most guests will check your site on their phone. Google knows this and ranks mobile-friendly sites higher.
Test your site:
- Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test
- Check load time with PageSpeed Insights
If your site takes more than 3 seconds to load, you’ll lose users—and rankings. Compress images, avoid clunky themes, and stick to simple fonts and layouts.
4. Create Pages with Value
Don’t just make a homepage and call it a day. Each extra page gives Google more to index. More indexed pages = more chances to rank.
Pages to include:
- Home: Your names, date, location, and welcome message.
- Schedule: Timeline of events.
- Travel & Accommodation: Hotels, transport, local tips.
- RSVP: Use a form that loads fast.
- Registry: Link to your registry.
- Our Story / About Us: Add personality and context.
- Photo Gallery: Bonus tip—optimize each photo with alt text (e.g., “Emma James engagement photo Central Park”).
Each page should have a unique title and meta description. Add internal links so users (and search bots) can navigate easily.
5. Add a Blog (Optional but Powerful)
Most couples don’t do this—but if you’re serious about SEO, this is gold.
Write 3–5 short blog posts:
- How you picked your venue
- Your favorite engagement photos
- What to expect at the wedding
- Local attractions near the venue
Use keywords naturally and link back to your main pages. Google loves fresh content, and a blog gives your site more weight.
6. Get Backlinks (Even a Few Count)
A backlink is when another website links to yours. Google sees this as a vote of trust.
Easy backlink ideas:
- Post your wedding site link on your social media profiles
- Share it in Facebook groups (wedding-related or local)
- Ask your venue or photographer to link to your site (especially if they feature you in a blog or portfolio)
- Submit your engagement story to wedding blogs or announcement sections
The more credible the linking site, the better the boost.
7. Submit to Google Search Console
Don’t wait for Google to find your site on its own. Speed up the process.
Here’s what to do:
- Go to Google Search Console
- Add your domain and verify ownership
- Submit your sitemap (most wedding site builders like Zola or Squarespace create this automatically)
- Monitor your performance and fix any issues Google flags
8. Use Social Sharing to Boost Traffic
Google notices when a page is getting traffic. One way to give it a boost? Share it everywhere.
- Post on Instagram with a link in bio
- Share your story on TikTok or YouTube Shorts
- Email your guests the link
- Add a QR code to your invites that leads to your site
This traffic sends engagement signals to Google—helping your rankings climb.
9. Keep It Updated
A stale website drops fast in rankings. Even small updates help.
Ideas:
- Update the countdown
- Add new photos
- Post a quick blog update (“Finalized the seating chart!”)
- Add a post-wedding gallery or thank you message
After the wedding, consider turning it into a memory page. Keep it live—it’s still your personal SEO asset.
10. Choose the Right Platform
If your site builder doesn’t allow SEO customization (title tags, meta descriptions, mobile optimization), switch.
Best options for SEO:
- WordPress with a wedding theme
- Squarespace (great balance of design + SEO tools)
- Zola and The Knot are okay but more limited—good if your SEO goals are basic
Final Word
Getting your wedding website on page 1 of Google isn’t about tricks—it’s about doing the right things consistently. Focus on clarity, speed, mobile use, keyword targeting, and making your site useful for real people (not just bots).
Start with the basics, do a little each week, and you’ll be surprised how high your site can climb.
Want help optimizing your wedding website? Drop your URL in the comments or reach out—I’ll give it a quick SEO check for free.
Let me know if you want a version optimized for a specific builder like Squarespace or Zola—or tailored for wedding photographers, planners, etc.