10 Reasons Why We Love Winter Weddings!

winter weddings inspiration at christmas tree farm
photo by Logan Cole from this bespoke winter wedding

Chilled whispers in the air, frost-kissed landscapes, and the romance of cozying up with your partner… There’s a certain magic to winter that can make your wedding day truly enchanting. If you’re toying with the idea of a winter wedding, we’re here to give you 10 of our favorite reasons why it might just be the most unforgettable choice you make.

10 Reasons We Love a Winter Wedding

photography: Chris x Jess Photo & Film | planning + event design: Artisan Rose Events Co. as seen in this Celestial Winter Wedding

1. Winter is the Season for Rich Tones + Texture

winter weddings inspiration with bridal party
photo by Northern Native Photography from this wedding in an abandoned cathedral

Bridesmaids in burgundy is a look that always wows and it just works so beautifully for winter weddings. Velvet is also a HUGE trend, so burgundy + velvet is a win-win! We love a mix of textures and tones, especially when it comes to bridesmaids. Winter is the perfect time to play with deep jewel tones and creamy velvets for the gals.

2. Call on Unique Materials for Creative Bouquets

winter bouquet from Italy
bouquet: Petali di Rosa | photography: Alen Karupovic  | planning: Giada Marcuzzi Weddings

Winter allows for your florist to get more creative with florals – think way outside the box with more natural elements! Painted greenery, feathers, pinecones, even berries or vegetables. Your flowers can still push boundaries of design outside of the typical spring + summer seasons.

white winter bouquet
bouquet: Flower Artistry Co | photography: Sarah Pukin Photography | planning: McKenzie Jayne Designs
winter bouquet with anemones, pink roses, and gold ferns
bouquet: Florals & Co. | photo: Wilde Visual | dress: Made with Love Bridal

Oh, and did we mention anemones (the white and black flowers) are in season in winter?! :)

winter wedding bouquet with anemones
bouquet: stek bloemen & styling | photo: Frankie and Fish

3. Bright White Makes for Color Pops

winter wedding inspiration with a bride in groom in the snow
photo by Lindsay Hackney Photography from this glam winter wedding

If you think winter is the wrong season to play with bold color, think again. Color pops best against bright whites…aka, snow! A red lip can make just as much of a statement as a colorful bouquet.

4. Romantic Lighting Abounds for Winter Weddings

bride and groom dancing around candles for a winter wedding
photo & design by Hunter Leone from this romantic Great Gatsby wedding inspiration

You just can’t get more romantic than candlelight. Whether strategically placed as decor or used full force for the ceremony, it’s one way to set the mood that’s totally made for those cozy winter weddings.

winter wedding inspiration with fairy lights
photo: Kay + Bee | venue: Distillery 244 | planning: Bel Amour Events from this Refined Industrial Wedding

Dream of saying I Do under the most romantic lighting? Winter Weddings let you do that! We love the creative use of hanging lights here and can imagine so many unique ways to use lights for your ceremony.

5. Winter Whites Lead to Cozy Nights

fairy lights for a tented winter wedding reception
photos by Katherine Rose of Max & Friends from this ethereal winter wedding

Two reception looks…one wedding! Go with a tented reception to take advantage of the wintery elements that then turn to pure magic when the sun goes down. This is also proof that winter weddings don’t have to be dark and dreary — play up that white space! (PS: Fairy lights forever!!)

6. Comfort Food Abounds

epic cheeseboard
photo by Dawn Derbyshire from this Shakespearian-inspired wedding shoot

Winter is a time for eating! Plates piled high with comfort food and tables filled to the brim with cheeses and plump fruits — we’re all about it. Charcuterie boards, late-night snacks and those cold-weather cocktails! And that’s not all…

7. Cozy Drinks for Winter Weddings

hot toddies for a winter wedding
photo by India Earl from this snowy winter mountaintop wedding

A warm drink is like a warm hug…even better if it’s spiked with a surprise! We love how this couple served hot toddies as guests arrived. You can even set up a cute hot cocoa bar or create these DIY flavored hot cocoa favors in cute glass vials!

8. Portraits in the Snow – Real or Faux!

winter wedding inspiration with bride in blue dress and snow
photo by Everbay Co. from this secret snowy wedding

Need we say more?!

winter wedding with bride and groom kissing in the snow
photo: Jessie Jean Photography | planning: Jane Alexandra Events

Believe it or not, that’s fake snow! Just as magical as the real thing.

wedding portraits in the snow
planning: Kcidy Design | photo: We are Matt and Jess | location: Della Terra Mountain Chateau | florist: Emma Lea Floral

TIP: Bring an extra pair of boots and warm socks to get some gorgeous First Look portraits in the snow!

snowy wedding portraits in the snow
photo by Kensie Dawn from this snowy surprise proposal
winter wedding inspiration with bride and groom in the snow and alpacas
photo by Farbklang Photography from this boho winter wedding inspiration

9. Fun Cake Alternatives for Winter Weddings

winter wedding cake with gingerbread
cake: Chelsea Buns Cake Design | photo: Rebecca Carpenter Photography | styling: Locate to Create

Wedding cakes are great. Three-tiered gingerbread house wedding cakes are better! We’re fans of dessert alternatives any day, but winter just lends itself to something a bit more…magical!

Black Wedding Cake
cake: The Sweet Society Co. | styling: Beautiful Weddings Australia | photo: Becky van Straalen Photography

Or make a gorgeous WOW statement with a black wedding cake! We love how elegant this cake looks + your guests will be so impressed!

(love the idea of a black wedding cake? We rounded up 14 of the Most Chic Black Wedding Cakes!)

10. A Spark of Celebration

Bespoke Winter Wedding
photo by Logan Cole from this bespoke winter wedding

We’ll never get tired of a sparkler wedding exit! This one works all year round but takes on a little more meaning as the year winds down. Cheers to all that’s come, and all that’s ahead!

Bonus: Snow Makes for the COZIEST Elopements!

And we’ve got this video by Cinema of Poetry to prove it. Believe us, it’s worth five minutes of your time to get lost in the romance of this snowy Austrian Alps elopement! Because sometimes being alone together isn’t so bad ;)

video: Cinema of Poetry | photography: Toast of Leeds | planner: The Destination Wedding Co. | Hair & Make up: Victoria Farr | Stationery:Lou Paper

A winter wedding isn’t just a seasonal choice—it’s an opportunity to create an experience that’s both magical and intimate. Embracing the season’s offerings, from its natural beauty to its cozy inclinations, ensures your wedding will not only stand out but also remain etched in the memories of all who attend.

For more winter wedding inspiration, we’ve got you covered here!

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