Planning a Winter Wedding? Tips and Tricks from a Wedding Photographer

Are you and your fiancé recently engaged and planning a winter wedding? You’ve come to the right place! As a professional wedding photographer, I have extensive experience helping couples make their winter wedding dreams come true. In this blog post, I will provide you with tips and tricks to help you plan the perfect winter wedding.

Embrace the Season

When planning a winter wedding, it's important to remember that the weather won't always be ideal. With the unpredictability of the season and our typical UK climate, it's more likely going to rain than snow. Still, winter weddings can be beautiful and memorable if you embrace the season and use the elements to your advantage. As a Somerset photographer specializing in autumn/winter weddings, I'm here to offer some tips on how to make the most of your big day.

There are lots of ways to make your winter wedding unique and special, no matter what Mother Nature throws your way. From incorporating seasonal decor elements to selecting a cosy indoor location, there are plenty of options available to make your winter wedding a memorable one. Here are a few tips and tricks I've picked up over the years as a wedding photographer.

Consider an Indoor Ceremony

When it comes to planning a winter wedding, one of the best options is to host an indoor ceremony. It may not sound as romantic as an outdoor wedding in the snow, but hosting a portion of your special day indoors has some definite advantages, particularly when exchanging vows. By holding your ceremony inside, you can easily keep yourselves and your guests warm and comfortable. Plus, you won’t have to worry about unpredictable weather or inclement conditions. You also have a lot of flexibility when it comes to decorating an indoor venue and can use different props or backdrops to make the space truly a reflection of you. Your professional photographer will be able to capture the atmosphere and elegance of the space without having to battle the elements. Ultimately, you don’t have to sacrifice beauty and romance just because you’re having a winter wedding – an indoor ceremony could be the perfect solution for your special day. Fill the space with lots of candles and cosy lighting to enhance the winter vibe!

Keep Your Guests Warm

As a Somerset photographer, I often witness couples having to battle the elements during winter weddings and end up just staying indoors around the tables all evening. Of course, it's important to ensure your guests are comfortable; fortunately, there are many options available for outdoor winter weddings that can help your guests stay warm and toasty whilst making use of all your venue has to offer. Heated lamps and fire pits provide extra warmth and light to any outdoor area. Decorative fairy lights can also add extra ambience and a hint of warmth to an outdoor space. Additionally, you may want to consider setting up a box of blankets nearby so your guests can easily wrap up and stay warm. With the right preparation, your winter wedding can be a magical experience for everyone! Toasted marshmallows always go down well and encourage guests to gather around the fire.

Plan your Timeline around the Sunset

When planning a winter wedding, it's important to keep in mind that the sun sets much earlier than in the warmer months. In some months, the sun may set as early as 4 pm, so it is important to consider this when planning the timeline of your day. An earlier ceremony could be ideal to maximise the opportunity for natural light photographs and ensure that you can still get all of the outdoor photos and formal shots you desire for your wedding. This allows plenty of time for the photos without having to worry about missing out on those gorgeous winter sunset shots.

It is also important to keep in mind that winter days are shorter and darker, so having ample lighting at the venue is essential. Speak with your venue coordinator to ensure that there is adequate lighting both inside and outside, especially if you plan to take photos after dark. With a little bit of preparation, you can have the perfect winter wedding that is both beautiful and comfortable for you and your guests.

Choose a menu that reflects the Season

When planning a winter wedding, it's important to think about how the food and drink reflect the season. If you're having a winter wedding, consider incorporating seasonal dishes and drinks that will bring an extra dose of warmth and cosiness to your special day. For example, serving warm spiced cider or mulled wine is a perfect option for a winter wedding, as is a hot chocolate station, or even espresso martinis served during your cocktail hour. I've seen many winter weddings where couples serve delicious seasonal treats like fig and chestnut stuffing, sweet potato and parsnip mash, and slow-cooked root vegetables. These dishes are sure to add a touch of festive cheer to your winter wedding!

If you're looking for a photographer to capture your winter wedding, I would really love to hear from you. I use predominantly natural light to bring out the beauty of the frosty (or rainy!) winter scenes and capture the unique moments of your special day. My photos are filled with rich colours, texture, emotion, and all the things that make winter weddings so magical. Fill out the contact form here to receive a quote.