Winter weddings are undeniably enchanting. The season brings its own sparkle, from snowy evenings to cozy candlelight, making it a beautiful backdrop for saying “I do.” Couples often fall in love with the idea of a romantic winter wonderland, and for good reason—it’s pure magic.
But along with that magic comes a few practical realities. Cold weather, shorter days, and travel delays are all part of the mix, and they can sneak up on even the most organized couples. That’s why it’s so important to think ahead. With a thoughtful checklist, you can sidestep the stress and fully enjoy everything this season has to offer. Here’s what a handful of seasoned pros suggest adding to your winter wedding checklist.
Create a plan B (and C)
If there’s one thing winter loves to do, it’s surprise us with a snowstorm or icy roads at the most inconvenient times. That’s why every couple planning a winter wedding needs a backup plan (and sometimes even a backup to the backup!).
Loni Peterson, MLS, Owner of LP Creative Events, notes, “One thing that will always win for a winter wedding is over planning and preparing a risk mitigation strategy and plans B, C, and D! Also, making sure you hire a qualified team to execute, meaning, a planner who has experience working on mountain in the winter and vendors who have staff who can ski/snowboard to get to remote locations.”
Talk with your vendors about how they handle weather delays or cancellations, and work with your venue to understand your options. Knowing you’ve thought through different scenarios allows you to focus on enjoying your big day, no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.
Add touches of warmth
Winter weddings already have that comfortable, intimate vibe built in, so lean into it by adding thoughtful touches of warmth for your guests. Think hot chocolate bars with fun toppings, mulled wine stations, or spiced cider served as a welcome drink.
“Warm hands = happy guests,” reminds Craig Peterman, Photographer & Videographer at Craig Peterman Photography & Videography. “Offer hand warmers at the door, add a hot drink station the moment the sun drops, and stash a couple of fleece throws by the photo spots.”
Offering blankets or pashminas is a sweet way to show you’re thinking about everyone’s comfort. Bonus: these items double as memorable favors guests can take home.
Look into wedding insurance
It might not be the most glamorous part of wedding planning, but wedding insurance can be a real lifesaver, especially for a winter celebration. Weather can be tricky this time of year, and insurance helps protect your investment if a storm or unexpected issue forces a last-minute change of plans.
Lucy Struve, Owner of Lucy Struve Photography, shares, “Winter weddings often come with more unpredictable and volatile weather, depending on where you’re located. For this reason, I always recommend couples have wedding insurance, which protects their investment in the event of extreme weather conditions.”
Think of it as peace of mind. You hope you’ll never need it, but just in case, you’ll be grateful to have that safety net in place.
Have indoor + outdoor locations for photos
Winter weddings give you a chance to capture two very different (but equally stunning) looks in your gallery. The outdoor setting offers that frosty, fairytale vibe, while indoor spaces bring out the cozy side of the season.
“A common mistake is assuming outdoor photos will work out without issue,” admits Natalia Zuk, Co-Owner of Lilac Studios. “Even if couples can handle the cold, their skin will react by turning red, blotchy, and uneven, which doesn’t photograph well. That’s why I always recommend having a beautiful indoor location lined up for portraits. We can split time and take some romantic portraits outside, capturing the beauty of the season, then move inside where everyone’s comfortable and looking their best.”
That’s where mapping out multiple options is smart, as it gives you the flexibility to move between outdoor beauty and indoor comfort as the day unfolds.
Amos Gott, Chief Event Architect at AmosEvents, agrees, adding, “While snowy outdoor portraits are stunning, it might simply be too cold, or too icy, for extended time outside. Scout indoor spaces that are both beautiful and functional. Spaces like a cozy lounge with architectural charm, a sunlit conservatory, or even a hallway with vintage wallpaper and soft lighting can become your photo magic zones, especially if the weather turns. Bonus tip – coordinate with your photographer in advance to build a shot list that maximizes comfort and minimizes travel.”
Balance is everything. Once you’ve soaked up the outdoors, having an indoor option means you can keep the photo fun going without worrying about frozen fingers or uncomfortable smiles.
Wear layers
You’ll be surprised how quickly the chill can sneak up on you when you’re in formalwear. Brides, think about layering with a chic wrap, cape, or faux fur stole, while grooms may want to consider heavier fabrics or an extra undershirt.
“Dress in layers for outdoor ceremonies and photography sessions,” recommends McKenzi Taylor, Founder & Owner of Cactus Collective Weddings. “If the sun comes out in January or February and the wind dies down, it can feel like a warm spring day. Be prepared to shed a heavy overcoat and toss aside your mittens.”
And don’t forget your wedding party! Making sure your bridesmaids and groomsmen are dressed for the season means they’ll stay comfortable and happy.
Budget for space heaters
Outdoor ceremonies or tented receptions are dreamy, but no one wants to shiver through them. Space heaters are the unsung heroes of winter weddings, keeping guests comfortable while ensuring the vibe stays festive.
Emily Reno, Owner of Elopement Las Vegas, explains, “One thing couples almost always forget is space heaters or some kind of outdoor heating. A lot of winter weddings still include an outdoor ceremony, cocktail hour, or even just a space where guests can step outside for fresh air. Without heaters, it can be too uncomfortable for guests to enjoy those areas. The good news is that heaters are usually easy and inexpensive to rent locally, and they make a huge difference in keeping everyone comfortable.”
Ask your venue or rental company about the best options for your space, and make sure you’ve got the right number to heat the area properly. It’s one of those details guests might not notice outright, but will definitely appreciate when they’re comfortable without being bundled up in their coats.
Build a cold-weather emergency kit
Just like a summer bride might pack blotting papers and sunscreen, a winter wedding calls for its own emergency kit. Pack accordingly so any seasonal surprises don’t disrupt your day.
“Your emergency kit needs to match the season,” emphasizes Natasha Cardinal, Photographer & Owner of The Cardinals Elopements. “In winter, that means hand warmers, fleece lined tights under your dress, moisturizer, nose-blush concealer, clear umbrellas, and weatherproof mascara. A little cold weather prep goes a long way in keeping everyone comfortable and looking like themselves in photos.”
Your wedding planner (or a helpful bridesmaid) can keep this kit on hand, so you’ve got everything you need if the weather takes a toll. It’s all about being prepared for little hiccups so they don’t steal the spotlight from your celebration.
Plan for extra travel time
Between snow, icy roads, and holiday traffic, winter travel can be messy. Build in extra time for you and your guests to get where they need to be.
Liney Castle, Planner at Twickenham House and Hall, reveals, “Another mistake that I see is not factoring in extra time for travel during the winder months, especially in climates that often have snowfalls. This can be avoided with better planning when the planner, who is familiar with the area and/or venue proposes a transportation schedule that takes adverse conditions into account.”
If you’re providing transportation, make sure your drivers know to leave ahead of schedule and communicate clearly with guests about timing. Giving everyone a cushion helps keep the day running smoothly.
Don’t forget about your lighting
Winter weddings often mean shorter days, which can catch couples off guard. If your ceremony or photos are planned for late afternoon, you’ll want to make sure you’re set up with the right lighting.
“Most brides planning winter weddings think about ways to keep guests warm, but too often they forget about incorporating lighting into their designs,” highlights Tracy Autem, Owner of Tracy Autem & Lightly Photography. “The sun sets so early during the winter, that you’ll need to plan how to best utilize the natural light you will have, but also how to compensate with creative lighting options, especially during your reception. A first look or early ceremony are the best ways to ensure beautiful natural light portraits during the winter months.”
A glow of candlelight or strings of fairy lights can make your reception feel incredibly inviting. So when you’re planning, think of lighting as both a necessity and an opportunity to elevate your party.
Planning a wedding in the colder months may feel a little daunting, but it’s also what makes a winter celebration so memorable. The key is to simply be thoughtful about the challenges so they don’t overshadow the magic.
By preparing for the chill and adding those small comforts, you’ll create an atmosphere that’s as joyful as it is beautiful. When you look back, it won’t be the weather you remember most. Instead, it will be the love and laughter that filled the day from beginning to end!
Meghan Ely is the founder of OFD Consulting, a public relations agency specializing in publicity, speaking engagements, and thought leadership for wedding and event professionals. Through her work, Meghan Ely has helped clients earn placements in top-tier media outlets including The New York Times, Brides, Martha Stewart Weddings, and People, and she also leads the OFD Collective, a PR membership community for industry pros.
