The Magic of Winter Weddings

Bride and groom at twilight, standing outside a country house in the snow, sharing a look of love

Winter weddings have a very special kind of magic about them. While summer celebrations are often associated with sunshine and blue skies, there is something wonderfully romantic, intimate and memorable about saying your vows during the quieter, cosier months of the year.

One of the biggest advantages of a winter wedding is peace of mind. In the UK especially, summer couples often need a detailed Plan B in case the weather doesn’t behave. With a winter wedding, you’ve already chosen a venue that works beautifully indoors — whether that’s a country house, cosy barn or elegant hotel — so there’s no need to worry about sudden showers or last-minute changes. Everything feels intentional, calm and contained.

Step inside a winter wedding venue and you’re greeted by all the things that make this season so appealing: roaring log fires, warm wood tones, rich fabrics and soft lighting. Twinkling fairy lights create a magical glow as daylight fades earlier, wrapping your ceremony and celebration in warmth and atmosphere. It’s the perfect backdrop for heartfelt vows and meaningful moments.

Black and white themed winter wedding at Cowdray House, with candles in lanterns lining the aisle and ceremony space. I am welcoming the guests before the couple arrive.

Candles, of course, are a favourite for winter weddings — and for good reason. They add romance, softness and a beautiful sense of occasion. However, here’s my top celebrant tip: be mindful of where you place them. While lining the aisle with candles can look stunning in photos, it can also be risky as guests take their seats or the wedding party arrives. I have genuinely seen both a kilt and a dress begin to smoulder at the end of an aisle — not quite the dramatic moment anyone is hoping for! My recommendation is to keep candles within the ceremony space itself or on tables, where they can be safely enjoyed without any unwanted drama.

Winter also opens the door to some truly magical elopement options. Imagine exchanging your vows in the snow-capped Alps, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, before celebrating with your closest family and friends in a hired chalet or Airbnb. There’s something incredibly intimate about gathering a small group, lighting the fire, sharing good food and wine, and marking your marriage in such a personal way. Winter elopements strip things back to what really matters — your love, your commitment and the people closest to you.

Elopement to Chamonix! Bride and Groom smiling in the winter sunshine in front of Mont Blanc after their ceremony

Another bonus? Winter weddings are often more cost-effective. As the off-season for many UK venues and suppliers, couples can benefit from lower prices, greater availability and sometimes added extras. It also gives everyone something wonderful to look forward to during the darker months — a celebration of love, warmth and togetherness right in the heart of winter.

And then there are the finishing touches that make winter weddings unforgettable: fireworks lighting up the night sky, outdoor fire pits with blankets and laughter, marshmallows toasting over the flames, and that first comforting sip of mulled wine or hot chocolate. These little moments stay with you — and your guests — long after the day itself.

Winter weddings aren’t about compromise; they are deeply romantic, atmospheric and full of heart. They invite people to slow down, to gather close, and to truly be present.  If you’re dreaming of a celebration that feels cosy, meaningful and truly magical, winter might just be the perfect season to say “I do”.

Whether you envision a cosy country house celebration or an intimate snowy elopement — I’d love to chat about how we can create a ceremony that reflects your story and makes the most of everything this beautiful season has to offer. Just get in touch, and let’s start dreaming together.