Winter weddings are incredibly romantic and offer the perfect opportunity to embrace a cozy, intimate atmosphere. However, they do come with a few extra considerations to ensure everything runs smoothly. As a wedding photographer who has captured weddings in every season, I’ve put together this guide to help you make the most of your magical winter wedding.

A bride and groom walk through a confetti tunnel.

Embrace the Light (or Lack of It!)

One of the biggest differences between a summer and winter wedding is the amount of daylight. With the sun setting earlier, it’s essential to plan your ceremony timing carefully to maximize natural light—especially if you want beautifully lit portraits. When setting your ceremony time, check the sunset schedule for your wedding date and plan accordingly.

If your ceremony is scheduled for late afternoon, don't worry! Direct flash can create a stylish, editorial feel for portraits and even confetti shots. Just make sure your photographer is confident with flash and that you love this look before making your final booking. If you are envisioning your portraits using natural light, then maybe a late afternoon winter wedding isn’t for you, its best to have the realizations now before its too late and your ceremony time is booked!

Dress for the Season

Winter weddings call for stylish yet practical attire. Brides, consider long sleeves, elegant wraps, or faux fur stoles to stay warm. Grooms and the wedding party should opt for heavier fabrics like velvet or wool to stay cozy during outdoor photos. And don’t forget about footwear—icy paths and high heels aren’t always the best match, so choose wisely!

A bride and groom snuggle up together, the groom kisses the bride on the cheek. Festoon lights can be see in the background, the bride is wearing a white winter shawl.

Be Weather-Prepared

Winter weather can be unpredictable, so having a backup plan for the rain is a must. If you're hoping for an outdoor ceremony or photos, choose a venue with an indoor option just in case. Have plenty of blankets or hand warmers available for guests, and stock up on umbrellas if rain is in the forecast!

A bride steps out of a double decker bus, and is holding an umbrella.

Choose a Warm and Inviting Venue

A winter wedding is all about creating a snug and inviting atmosphere. Look for venues with fireplaces, warm lighting, and rustic charm to enhance the seasonal magic. Soft candlelight, fairy lights, and seasonal greenery make for beautiful décor that complements winter perfectly.

Your guests will appreciate little touches that help them stay warm and comfortable. Consider serving seasonal drinks like mulled wine, hot chocolate, or spiced cider upon arrival. If you have an outdoor space, adding blankets or patio heaters can make a big difference in keeping everyone cozy.

A wedding ceremony room has benches lined up and a have been covered with winter blankets.

Have Fun with Seasonal Details

Embrace the winter theme with thoughtful seasonal details in your décor, menu, and even attire. Pinecones, evergreens, and winter florals make stunning centerpieces. Comforting, hearty dishes and festive desserts add to the charm. And if your wedding falls around Halloween, pumpkins can be a fantastic way to decorate your aisle and tables!

The centre piece of the table is decorated with pine trees, candles and pine cones.

A christmas tree is decorated using pink and white decor.

The seating names on a wedding table are decorated using a pine cone.

Final Thoughts

A winter wedding can be a truly magical and unforgettable experience with the right planning. By embracing the season’s unique elements, you can create a celebration that’s both practical and breathtakingly beautiful. And as your photographer, I’ll be there to capture every cozy, romantic, and joyful moment for you to cherish forever!

If you're in the middle of winter wedding planning and are interested in having myself capture your day, feel free to reach out—I’d love to capture your winter vision!

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