Venus flips into a six-week retrograde in late 2026, which could bring blasts from the past and disrupt wedding-day bliss. But before you panic (or postpone your vows), read this. We break down everything you need to know about Venus in 2026: the retrograde, the most astrologically aligned dates to get married, and how the love planet’s journey through the zodiac could shape your big day—or any day, really!

Venus in 2026

Venus astrology in 2026: Overview

In astrology, Venus, the planet of love, beauty and luxury, sets the love language of the moment, determining the right romantic moves for pleasure and passion. When in direct motion, Venus lends its decadent energy to a zodiac sign for three to five weeks at a time.

A Venus retrograde cycle occurs every 18 months when the planet of amour shifts from being an evening star (visible in the sky at dusk) to a morning star (rising just before dawn). Venus retrogrades, which last for six weeks, can complicate matters of love. Fresh take: Instead of forcing a romantic narrative into existence, think of Venus retrograde as a chance to put old love stories to bed and to write a fresh chapter for your heart.

Venus in 2026: Venus turns retrograde from October 3 to November 13, backing up through two of the most relationship-oriented zodiac signs: Scorpio from October 3 to 25 and then Libra from October 25 to November 13. Hot and spicy situations could go ice cold as past information surfaces or attractions cool unceremoniously. Don’t be too quick to ghost, however! There may be an opportunity to dive deeper below the surface and uncover a block that is standing in the way of intimacy.

Buyer, beware: Venus retrograde may churn up unhealthy attachments to narcissists, toxic exes and other types that fall into the “trauma-informed” category. Don’t gamble with fate from October 3 to November 13, 2026.

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Oh no! I’m getting married during Venus retrograde 2026!

The best wedding dates in 2026 may depend on where Venus is in the sky. It’s not astrologically ideal to plan a wedding or get married during Venus retrograde, but let’s get real! Life doesn’t always happen according to the stars.

• If you’re planning a wedding or romantic ceremony during the 2026 Venus retrograde cycle, we recommend getting the licensing done before October 3 or after November 13.

• Or plan to renew vows in 2027—Venus turns retrograde every 18 months, remember, so you’re in the clear next year!

• You could also do a City Hall ceremony before or after, while Venus is in direct motion. This option may trend in 2026 thanks to last year’s stylish clerk’s office nuptials of NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Rama Duwaji!

Best wedding dates in 2026 astrology

If you’re wondering what the best dates to get married in 2026 are (according to astrology) they aren’t during Venus retrograde 2026, IF you’re in planning-mode.

Here are the 2026 Lucky Days for love that are universal

Looking for the best wedding dates in 2026? Book one of these!

February 22: Venus in Pisces trine Jupiter in Cancer
March 30 to April 24: Venus in Taurus (domicile)
May 22: Venus in Cancer trine North Node in Pisces
June 9: Venus conjunct Jupiter in Cancer
August 6 to 25: Venus in Libra (direct, domicile)
November 24: Full moon in Gemini, Venus direct in Libra

Planning a wedding is more than choosing a date, though. Using astrology is just one way to pick a wedding date. Consult our free astrology wedding guide: Wedding Planning by Zodiac Sign for cosmic guidance about the details that go into your big day. Or book a reading with us and we can personally guide you through you and your partners’ charts.

Venus retrograde horoscopes 2026

Your sign’s horoscope for the Venus retrograde, and other major astrology transits, are explored in-depth in The AstroTwins’ 2026 Horoscope book, parts of which were excerpted for this article.

Venus Retrograde 2026 in SCORPIO (Oct. 3 to 25)

Scorching hot, icy cold, lukewarm again! Relationships could cycle through every temperature between October 3 to 25, as ardent Venus begins its retrograde in Scorpio. The love planet reverses course every 18 months, but this is the first time in eight years she’s moonwalked through Scorpio and Libra. During the retrograde, Venus switches her status from evening star (visible in the night sky) to morning star (visible just before dawn). Metaphorically, seize the opportunity to put old love stories to bed and write a fresh chapter for amour. From October 3 to 25, Venus begins her reverse commute in sultry Scorpio, unearthing buried feelings about trust, loyalty and erotic chemistry. Attractions may cool—or become SO intense that couples need a timeout to restore emotional regulation.

Venus Retrograde 2026 in LIBRA (Oct. 25 to Nov. 13)

Peaceful dynamics, what are those? From October 25 to November 13, Venus rewinds into Libra, shaking things up. Old conflicts may resurface and jealousy could flare. There’s no slapping a Band-Aid on it this time. Venus retrograde demands you drill down to the root of the issue. And surprise: It’s not about pointing fingers. While it takes two to tango, this backspin helps you recognize your role in any relationship that’s on shaky ground. Self-compassion is equally vital, especially as you parse through old hurts and attachment wounds that trace back to childhood. Double down on self-care and supportive practices. Exes may resurface, but proceed with caution. Toxic patterns love to repeat themselves during Venus retrograde. Unless you’ve both done the work, keep that chapter closed.

Other “Dos” and “Maybe Don’ts” of Venus retrograde

The basic rule of a Venus retrograde: avoid any changes to your personal style that are hard to undo. Everyone loves a fringe of bangs—until it’s time to grow them out! Try a temporary tattoo before you commit to the needle. Reschedule cosmetic surgeries, if you can. And that text you send to an ex could undo years of hard work in therapy, so just, don’t!

What to watch for during Venus retrograde 2026:
• Competition can get fierce
• Things you thought were “put to bed” can rise again (exes, problems you believed were solved, etc.)
• Obsessing over a romantic interest
• Trying to make plans but getting stuck (wait till Venus moves direct on November 13)

Venus retrograde 2026 is a welcome opportunity to:
• Reawaken slumbering desires
• Get crystal clear about what you really want and need in love
• Say any necessary goodbyes
• Clear the decks for a brand new, 584-day cycle in your love life!

You might be able to anticipate what comes up during the 2026 Venus retrograde if you look back to fall 2018—that was the last time Venus reversed through Scorpio and Libra!

The most recent Venus retrogrades might offer clues and cues, if you page back to them:
• In 2025, Venus retrograde in Aries (March 1–27) and Pisces (March 27 to April 12)
• In 2023, Venus retrograde in Leo (July 22 to September 3)

What is retrograde anyway?

When a planet passes the Earth in its orbit around the Sun, it’s said to be going retrograde. From our vantage point on Earth, the planet appears to be on a reverse commute, backing up through the zodiac instead of advancing ahead degree by degree. While these aren’t optimal times to start anything new, they can be powerful periods to review our progress and enjoy nostalgia.

The main areas that will affect you during Venus retrograde are: ALL relationships (not just romantic), personal values, self-worth, finances and spending habits, and your aesthetic and style choices. Although the word retrograde may strike fear into your heart, it can be a productive time. Think of the 2026 Venus retrograde as your personal “reset” period for these things.

Venus in 2026: All the zodiac signs Venus visits

Marrying while Venus is in your zodiac sign can be delightful! You’re in a peak romantic heartspace during these times, which can make you especially receptive to all things love.

Venus in Capricorn: December 24, 2025 to January 17, 2026
Venus in Aquarius: January 17 to February 10
Venus in Pisces: February 10 to March 6
Venus in Aries: March 6–30
Venus in Taurus: March 30 to April 24
Venus in Gemini: April 24 to May 18
Venus in Cancer: May 18 to June 13
Venus in Leo: June 13 to July 9
Venus in Virgo: July 9 to August 6
Venus in Libra: August 6 to September 10
Venus in Scorpio: September 10 to October 3
Venus retrograde in Scorpio: October 3 to 25
Venus retrograde in Libra: October 25 to November 13
Venus in Libra (direct): November 13 to December 4
Venus in Scorpio (direct): December 4-31

Get personal: Do you know your Venus sign?

When you were born, Venus was orbiting through a specific part of the sky—and zodiac sign. Wherever that placement was is called your Venus sign. It may be the same as your Sun sign, but not necessarily. Use our cosmic calculator below to discover what zodiac sign and house Venus was in when you were born. To accurately determine the house, you will need to know your birth time. Then, read all about your Venus sign here.