Winter weddings are becoming more popular as people look to get married out of season and there’s just something magical about a cosy winter’s day. This might be to coincide with a significant date, to secure a dream venue, to save money, or just to enjoy the unique charm of winter. If you choose to have a winter wedding, you will also need to consider the special requirements for winter wedding photography.
1. Find a photographer who can work in low light
While winter has plenty of charm, it doesn’t offer as much light as a summer day, which means you will need to find a photographer who is experienced in getting great shots in low light. If you find a photographer whose work you like, it can be a good idea to ask if they have experience working in darker venues or outdoors in winter.
2. Take advantage of the cosy atmosphere indoors
Whatever the season, a significant portion of most wedding days are set indoors, meaning you don’t have to compromise on these shots, and the colder weather outdoors in winter may enhance the interior shots. As the nights draw in, we often think of the indoors as a welcoming and cosy environment.
You can reflect this in winter wedding photography by taking lots of warm, cosy shots inside the venue and at the reception, which will juxtapose nicely with any cooler, crisp photos you take outdoors.
3. Check your photographer has a bad weather backup plan
The photos that follow the wedding ceremony are usually taken outdoors and, hopefully, the weather will be agreeable enough on your wedding day to be able to do the same, even in winter. However, the weather can be especially unpredictable in winter so it is important to make sure your wedding photographer has a backup plan to get any posed photos indoors if required.
4. Dress for the season
If you are planning a winter wedding, make sure you are dressed in preparation for the cold weather to avoid chattering teeth and blue skin in the photos! While your wedding outfits will likely be chosen without regard to the weather, you may be able to accessorise with layers to keep you warm while still complementing your dresses or suits. Even if you don’t want any extra layers in the photos, make sure to have warm coats available to wear in between shots to keep everyone toasty and in good spirits.
5. Embrace the season
Winter wedding photography doesn’t have to be any lesser than a summer shoot. Winter may be cold but it is a charming season full of characteristic elements that can give your photos a unique look. You should look for seasonal elements to highlight in the photos, such as frost, frozen water, bare trees and even snow, which can give your photos a magical, winter wonderland feel.
6. Consult your photographer in advance about your expectations
While winter does have a unique charm, it can be more challenging to get the shots you want than it would be for a summer wedding, and the ideas you have might be more idealistic than realistic. The sunlight hours of a day are a LOT shorter, especially when you factor in the time it takes to get ready in the morning. You will have a lot fewer hours of daylight than you might think. This is why you should speak to your photographer in advance so you have a plan for the photos you want to get.
Winter wedding photography comes with specific challenges but also some unique opportunities. Fewer daylight hours and unpredictable weather mean getting the perfect shots can be more difficult, but an experienced wedding photographer will know how to handle the conditions and will be happy to discuss your expectations well in advance so you can work on a plan together.
My name is Ant and I specialise in reportage and documentary wedding photography, with experience in shooting winter weddings. If you would like to know more about my services or want to enquire about availability, please get in touch.