40 Magical Winter Wedding Ideas
If you’re planning a dreamy winter wonderland wedding, be inspired by our guide to pulling off the perfect festive celebration
If you’re planning a wedding for the colder months, you’ll need plenty of winter wedding ideas to help your day stand out – which is why we’ve pulled together our seasonal guide to everything from winter wedding menu ideas to festive flower arrangements and more.
There’s something quite magical about tying the knot in the winter months, after all. From snow-dusted outdoor celebrations to rustic winter weddings, venues perfect for a winter wedding to the prettiest Christmas wedding ideas, we’ve got plenty of winter wedding examples from some of our favourite wedding suppliers to inspire your own cold-weather nuptials.
Plus, further down, we tap up the experts for their tips on organising the perfect winter wedding celebration. Happy planning!
40 Winter Wedding Ideas You'll Love
Whether you’re looking for winter themed wedding ideas on a budget or you’re planning a dazzling, no-expense-spared event, there’s something here for every kind of couple. Snowball fights optional!
- Winter Wedding Theme Ideas
- Winter Wedding Decorations
- Winter Wedding Flowers
- Winter Wedding Invitation Ideas
- Wedding Food Ideas for Winter
- Wedding Cake Ideas for Winter
- Venues for a Winter Wedding
Winter Wedding Theme Ideas
From classic and cosy to modern, these aesthetics and colour schemes will set the tone for your celebration
1. Monochrome
Nothing says elegant winter wedding quite like a chic monochrome palette – and nobody does it better than the team at Bartle Hall in Lancashire who are well-versed in planning winter weddings of all styles and sizes. The all-white flowers and romantic white draping paired with black furnishings and candlelight offer such beautiful contrast – a simply stunning ceremony set-up.
2. Winter Woodland
A winter woodland theme doesn’t just have to mean arching twigs and bare branches, you can still incorporate a flurry of greenery with seasonal foliage, herbs such as rosemary and sage, and plenty of natural details. We love this look created by the team at ArtiBelle Florists, who has combined a bountiful, vegetative-inspired linear centrepiece with twinkling candlelight and rattan place settings.
3. Celestial
We adore a celestial-themed wedding at any time of year, but this magical look really comes into its own during winter. How cool, for example, is this ceremony décor at The Oakwood at Ryther? The combination of glittering candlelight with metallic and neon signs keeps it on trend.
4. Black & Champagne
When the evening begins to draw in, nothing will make a statement quite like metallic décor. Wedding planner Donna Winning Events has styled this chic winter celebration to perfection, pairing black and gold for the ultimate luxe look.
Even the simplest details can feel expensive with this look – black candles in gold holders and mixing and matching metallics to add depth to your tables can all be done on a budget.
5. All The Sparkle
From embellished tableware and crystal accessories to outfits that dazzle, lashing of Gatsby-style glitz is an ideal festive theme for those who don’t want their wedding to feel too ‘Christmas’. You could even end your night with a sparkler tunnel farewell like this happy couple, who tied the knot at Crown Hall Farm in Peterborough. The perfect way to ensure a glittering start to your marriage, no?
6. Plum, Green & Gold
For an after-hours vibe, mix opulent metallics with rich jewel tones. Shades of purple are perfect for couples who want to inject a hint of bold colour. Team deep berry-hued flowers with bursts of green and place in metallic vases, as wedding planner Scarlett Rose Events has done here, for the ultimate romantic palette.
And don't forget your fruits! Oranges and pomegranates add a pop of colour and make inexpensive wedding ideas for winter.
7. Rustic-Boho
Bohemian-style weddings are often synonymous with summer celebrations, but we love this look for a winter wedding theme. Drawing inspiration from The Beverley Barn in Yorkshire, light wood furnishings, fairy lights draped from oak beams, natural rattan details and dried flowers, including plumes of pampas grass, really lend themselves to this cosy style. A timeless classic reimagined for winter.
Winter Wedding Decorations
Be inspired by season’s tones and textures to add ambience to your space
8. Velvet
Luxe, tactile and richly hued, few fabrics capture the feel of the festive season quite like velvet. This soft and sumptuous material is perfect for dressing chairs, place settings and even your wedding party! This gorgeous colour combination of burgundy, pink, cream and gold created by luxury tableware label Maison Margaux feels like a thoroughly modern twist on tradition.
9. Candles, Candles & More Candles
You’ve heard of tablescapes, but let us introduce you to candlescapes…
One way to ensure the most romantic and cosy ambience is to line your tables with candles – and plenty of them! Whether real or electric, candles will give your venue an instantly wintry feel, and we love the way wedding planner Poppy Sienna Events has filled the room of this London hotel venue with candles of varying sizes to add interest and depth to the space.
You could even incorporate scented candles with fragrances of cinnamon and pine to help set the scene.
10. Fairy Lights
Probably one of the simplest – and cheapest – ways to transform a space, fairy lights like these shown at The Tythe Barn will make any room feel more magical. They’re particularly well-suited to festive celebrations (nothing says cosy like the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree), and a great option if you're looking for easy DIY winter wedding ideas.
Some venues will have their own and will include these as part of their wedding packages, so be sure to check when you book.
11. Light-Up Baubles
The twinkling baubles alone would elevate any winter wedding reception, but when combined with hanging foliage and flowers, as shown at this wedding from Dewsall Court in Herefordshire, this look is really striking. It also makes a great alternative to candlelight. The subtle nod to Christmas makes it an ideal decoration idea for couples getting married in December.
12. Bows on Chairs
Looking for simple winter wedding ideas? What could be cuter than quite literally wrapping up your chairs like gifts under the Christmas tree with sweet trailing bows? We adore the rust-coloured satin ties pictured here at South Causey Inn, in Durham, but you could also mix up the colours and textures to suit your theme – try dark green, deep red or even luxury velvet bows.
13. Faux Fur Warmers
Help your guests beat the chill come evening by adding some cosy blankets or faux fur warmers to the backs of their chairs, as pictured here at The Dragon’s Gate in Herefordshire. Not only will they add a chic finishing touch to your décor, but they’re super practical too.
Also consider keeping these to hand in areas where guests might gather after the meal, including chill-out zones and outdoor smoking areas.
14. Rugs
Yep, you read that right! Another gem of an idea as shown at The Dragon’s Gate, adding rugs and soft furnishings to your winter wedding ceremony or reception works both practically and aesthetically.
If you're looking for winter barn wedding ideas, rugs look particularly cool against exposed brickwork or stone, while the contrast of soft furnishings, such as deep cosy sofas, work especially well in industrial venues (which can also get cold in the winter months).
These cosy additions will not only add colour and interest to a room and help your venue to feel like a home from home, but from a practical perspective, they’ll help to warm up the space!
Winter Wedding Flowers
Seasonal flowers are affordable and plentiful – our ideas below are the perfect way to discover how to make the most of your winter blooms
15. Hanging Flowers
When it comes to indoor winter wedding ideas, hanging flowers will instantly make a room feel cosier and more intimate – just keep the table decorations to a minimum to avoid having too much going on. We love this look from the talented team at Dewsall Court.
16. Statement Staircases
Booked a winter wedding venue with a dreamy staircase to make your grand entrance on? This is your cue to adorn it with the most breath-taking floral displays. We’re in love with what the team at Caribou Events has done here with this show-stopping, all-white arrangement.
It also acts as an incredible backdrop for guests to take photos – once you’ve got yours, of course!
17. Pine Cones & Foliage
Whether it’s a flirty sprig or two of mistletoe (the perfect way to encourage guests to spread the love), lashings of uplifting eucalyptus, sweet-smelling rosemary or crunchy pine cones, there are plenty of natural foliage elements that can be incorporated into your bouquet and floral décor.
If you're looking for winter wedding bouquet inspiration, we adore this pretty posy from a wedding created by talented planner Nya Rue Events.
18. Winter Berries
You could pay out for lavish and elaborate winter bouquets and table decorations (and we’re totally here for that) but, if you’re planning a winter wedding on a budget, or want rustic wedding ideas for winter, look to fresh or faux berries for easy colour and texture.
Make them the focal point of your centrepieces, as shown here from décor stylists Disco Dining, or add a sprig to each place setting.
19. White Anthuriums
From hellebores to snowdrops, anemones to roses, the winter season isn’t short of beautiful white blooms for your bouquets and tablecentres. But for a flower that’s a star in its own right we adore these tropical anthuriums as styled by talented floral designer Just Leafy. Interspersed with romantic deep-red roses, you’ll only need a few in each arrangement to make a statement.
Winter Wedding Invitation Ideas
Romantic winter-inspired stationery to help you set the vibe as you mean to go on (stylishly, of course)...
20. Frosted
When you think about the weather in December, January and February specifically, frost and ice certainly come to mind, so why not incorporate this theme into your day?
Using frosted Perspex for your wedding stationery – as created here by Inketch Ltd – looks modern and pretty, and you can follow this into everything from your save the dates to your welcome sign. You may find the shade influences the colour and style of your tables and flowers, too. We love a bit of matchy-matchy!
21. Festive Motifs
If you’re planning a Christmas themed wedding, start as you mean to go on with some gorgeous festive-themed invitations. Green and red are the most obvious colours to opt for but to avoid anything too kitsch, opt for subtle yet beautiful illustrations (think holly, reindeer or robins), like these created by Paper Swan Stationery.
22. Enchanted
Another incredible winter wedding invitation suite from Paper Swan Stationery, this magical set pairs icy blue and grey hues with crisp white and winter berry motifs for modern stationery so delightful, you’ll want to frame it.
23. Winter Highland
Thistles? Check. Elegant reindeer motif? Check. Rich, plum-coloured wax seals? Check. This Scottish Highland-inspired stationery from Edinburgh-based Indy Bee Crafts oozes all the festive feels. Work the theme by incorporating thistles into your wedding flowers, too.
24. Black Tie
Want to keep your details chic and simple to tie in with a black tie theme? We adore this simple winter wedding invitation idea from Shaadiplanners. A monochromatic theme doesn’t have to be boring; choose from classic letterpress or brush lettering and play with modern touches such as Perspex or photo uploads.
Wedding Food Ideas for Winter
Warming, colourful and the perfect fodder for boozy bellies; these winter wedding menu ideas are delicious in every way
25. Carvery
When you think about hearty meals in the winter months, nothing warms the soul quite like a roast. Rather than presenting your guests with a prepared plate, have your caterers carve up the meat in front of them to bring some drama to the plating experience – or serve large joints on each table for guests to carve themselves, like this set-up from Kent wedding caterers Mike and Ollie.
Remember to include roasted veggie options for your vegetarian and vegan guests – think whole butternut squashes and cauliflowers so they can enjoy the same experience.
26. Spiced Cocktails
What ceremony isn’t improved by a little tipple? For an alternative to mulled wine, give your drinks a delicious wintry kick by incorporating spices such as cardamom, star anise and cinnamon, as the clever team at Lettice Events has done here. It’s a really easy and inexpensive touch but will make all the difference to your guests’ experience.
27. Grazing Tables
If you’ve already decided that formal dining isn’t for you, grazing tables and sharing platters, like this one pictured from Baba Ganoush Dining By Matthew Hyde, still work well for winter weddings – it’s all about incorporating those seasonal ingredients.
Alongside your regular cheese, charcuterie, freshly baked bread and dips consider warming elements such as baked brie or camembert, spiced nuts, dried fruit and seasonal chutneys.
28. Winter Canapés
Mini Yorkshire puds filled with slices of roast beef and horseradish cream? Yes please! These tasty looking morsels from Fork & Field Catering are just one example of a really great winter canapé.
29. Festive Afternoon Tea
If you're looking for cheap winter wedding ideas, afternoon tea makes one of the most celebratory yet budget friendly meals, so how about giving yours a seasonal twist as shown here at The Priest’s House in North Yorkshire?
Warm drinks and winter mocktails, spiced bakes, mince pies and delicious savoury treats like bite-size turkey or salmon sandwiches will all be a welcome sight after the ceremony. Plus, you’ll probably find that you can skip the wedding cake with this idea.
Wedding Cake Ideas for Winter
Seasonal-inspired bakes for the ultimate winter wedding centrepiece.
30. Navy & Gold
A classic and elegant nod to a winter theme, try pairing a dark colour such as navy with metallic elements to set the scene for a stylish celebration. Keep the decorative details simple with this look – opt for fresh, seasonal fruits like blackberries and figs on the side, or choose floral motifs much like this one from Cocoa & Whey Cakes.
31. A Dusting of Snow
For something simple but incredibly edible, we wouldn’t mind a slice or two of this design from Helen’s Cakery. A Christmas-themed wedding is the perfect excuse to go for this buttercream-covered semi-naked cake adorned with berries, blooms, sprigs of rosemary and pine cones, reminiscent of a snowy winter scene.
32. Winter Florals
For the dreamiest winter colour scheme served up in a cake, allow us to point you in the direction of this beauty from Elizabeth Harris. A simple white iced design like this is the perfect way to tie your wedding flowers in with your bake. Finish with sumptuous velvet ribbon in the colour of your choice.
33. Gingerbread
Fun and super festive, a simple semi-naked cake topped with tasty gingerbread like this one from The Incredible Cake Co is packed with flavours like cinnamon and ginger that are synonymous with the season. The perfect, most joyful centrepiece for a Christmas-themed wedding day!
34. Dried Flowers
The addition of dried flowers takes this simply iced cake from All Shapes & Slices from simple bake to show-stopping winter-inspired creation. Set it on a gold cake stand to the backdrop of twinkling lights and you’ll get the prettiest cake-cutting shots come evening.
Venues for a Winter Wedding
With ornate open fireplaces, cosy nooks and the very best snow-dusted scenery, these are some of our favourite warming winter wedding venues.
35. Hidden River Cabins, Cumbria
Surrounded by tranquil woodland and rivers, this beautiful estate looks absolutely magical with a dusting of snow. There are six romantic log cabins all licensed for ceremonies, alongside the Hidden River House and the Hidden River Barn (pictured).
Imagine saying vows beneath the twinkling chandelier overlooking the snowy woodland scene outside… we couldn’t think of anything more magical. You’ll also find plenty of accommodation on site, so your guests won’t have to travel far in inclement weather.
36. The Tythe Barn, Oxfordshire
This elegantly rural stone barn in Launton, on the outskirts of Bicester in Oxfordshire, looks exceptionally jolly during the festive season – think fairy lights, flickering candles and sprigs of mistletoe.
Only one event per weekend means the entire place – and its adjoining rooms – are yours, so you and your guests can drift from the Thatched Barn for the ceremony to The Cowshed & Hovel for wood-fired pizza and post-dinner martinis before dancing the night away.
37. Stone Barn by Cripps & Co, Cheltenham
Nestled on a peaceful hill overlooking the glorious Cotswolds countryside, this modern and spacious barn features flagstone floors and beautiful wooden beams ready to be adorned with fairy lights. Greet your guests by the crackling log fire before saying your vows, and dine, drink and dance under an abundance of lights and hanging foliage until late.
38. Northbrook Park, Surrey
This Grade II listed 18th century manor house, set in 120 acres of stunning Surrey countryside has a grandness that’s hard to beat.
Host your winter ceremony in front of the roaring fireplace of the enchanting Vine Room, then cosy up for a romantic reception in The Orangery to continue the celebrations. This room has direct access to the Walled Gardens and promises heating for maximum comfort whatever the weather.
39. The Normans, York
Known for its cascading fairy-lit curtain backdrop, this 18th century farm venue delivers something for every season but really comes in to its own in the colder months.
The high-ceiling Ceremony Barn, with its wooden trusses and exposed brickwork, is a dreamy spot to say, ‘I do’, while the adjoining Grain Shed is perfect for dancing and dining the night away. Newlyweds can also cosy up in the chic Normans Cottage and assign the three-bedroom Granary to family and friends.
40. Alexander House Hotel, West Sussex
Live out your best lord and lady of the manor fantasies at this beautiful Jacobean property, which promises grand architecture, elegant interiors, and award-winning food and service.
With direct access to the gazebo and private terrace, the Shelley Suite can host festive gatherings of up to 120 guests, while the Churchill and Asquith suites are perfect for more intimate – but no less beautiful – winter celebrations.
Winter Wedding FAQ
Are winter weddings a good idea? Of course they are! But pulling off the perfect winter wedding lies in the planning. Below, our experts answer some of your most commonly asked questions.
How do you plan a winter wedding?
“One of the most important things to consider is your guests’ comfort,” says Jess Ghansah, wedding planner and self-confessed ‘queen of the clipboard’ at London-based event planners Occasion Queens. “Always make sure your venue has a good heating system and provide ways for guests to stay warm, especially if any part of your wedding is outdoors.
“It’s also a good idea to have a cloakroom or space for guests to store their coats,” she adds.
Jess reveals that one common mistake that couples make is underestimating how early it gets dark. “If you’re dreaming of outdoor photos or any activities taking place outside, be sure to schedule them in earlier in the day,” she says.
“The best tip I could give for making the most of the light is to consider a first look before your ceremony. Not only does it give you the chance to spend some time together, but it means you can have your portrait photos done earlier in the day and spend the rest of the time enjoying the party with your loved ones.”
You’ll also need to take things such as the weather into account – and we’re not just talking about a bit of rain. “Make sure you have a plan B in case snow or icy conditions affect you or your guests being able to get to the venue,” adds Jess.
How can I make a winter wedding feel magical?
“Embrace the season in every way,” suggests Jess. “Incorporate warm and cosy elements like blankets, candlelight and rich textures to create an intimate atmosphere. Think about your lighting, too – twinkling fairy lights and/or candles will really add a magical glow.”
“Coloured lighting – or up-lighters – can really change the mood and feel of a room,” adds event planner Nick Harris of Just About Weddings.
What are the best colours for a winter wedding?
The colour scheme you choose for your winter wedding really is up to you – and you might want to take your lead from your wedding venue’s décor, the flowers that are in season or another element of your day. However, the planners have some personal favourites:
“We really love the navy and champagne combo, particularly when carried through to the tables,” says Nick. “Navy table linen with gold or champagne napkins looks fabulous, particularly with gold cutlery and a complementing centrepiece.
“Similarly we love emerald and white or emerald and red (though that's a bit more ‘Christmas’). Emerald and white is a really classy look, particularly if the floristry remains strictly within the colour scheme along with the bridesmaids’ dresses and the groomsmen’s’ ties, etc."
Jess agrees: “Emerald, burgundy and navy all look beautiful in the colder months,” she says.
What flowers are best for a winter wedding bouquet?
“Winter brings the opportunity for couples to use beautiful seasonal blooms like amaryllis, anemones, ranunculi and roses, as well as the addition of some festive foliage and touches like holly, mistletoe and berries,” says Jess.
“Bring in the greenery with plenty of affordable eucalyptus and/or fir branches, while deep red and white palettes look stunning against a classic snowy backdrop.”
Can you have an outdoor wedding in winter?
It is possible to have an outdoor wedding in winter, it’ll just require more planning than, perhaps, a summer celebration. However, it’s also important to choose a venue that has an indoor option in case the weather really isn’t on your side. If you dream of getting married under the stars in winter, check out venues that make you feel like you’re in the open air, such as glasshouses and conservatories with retractable roofs.
“Finding ways to get guests outdoors is something we try to incorporate as much as possible – so outdoor winter wedding ideas might include fire pits, outdoor furniture with heaters and clever lighting,” says Nick. “Lots of fairy lights and even an outdoor bar underneath a canopy sets a really great mood, even when it’s cold. And don’t forget the throws and blankets,” he adds.
You’ll also need to consider your schedule and perhaps think about holding your ceremony earlier in the day to ensure plenty of daylight photos.
How do I plan a winter wedding on a budget?
“Planning a winter wedding on a budget works much the same way as a wedding at every other time of year,” says Nick. “Get a number of comparative quotes to ensure you’re getting the best value for money, work out exactly what you want to include in your day and estimate how much each element will cost. Then deduct that from your planned budget, which will tell you the maximum amount you have left for your venue.
“Falling in love with a venue before working out whether or not it fits into their budget is a key mistake lots of couples make,” he adds.
Nick also stresses that less can often be more, even for winter weddings that are devoid of sunshine: “A warm atmosphere, good food and drink and decent music are often the core elements of every wedding. Everything else is a ‘nice to have’!”
Finally, be sure to take advantage of those off-peak wedding deals and discounts when planning your day. Many venues and suppliers will offer lower rates for winter weddings, meaning you can stretch your budget even further.
