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Updated Oct 14, 2024Dreamy Winter Wedding Ideas for a Cold-Weather Celebration
Because your love deserves to sparkle like snow.
Photography: Brie Thomason Photography
Hosting a winter wedding has so many advantages, from less expensive vendors to decorating with the coziness of the holidays in mind. Of course, some couples love the snow while others want a huge, rustic fireplace to curl up in front of at their reception. Whichever way you want your wedding to go, we've rounded up real winter wedding images to help you dream up your day. As you look through these winter wedding photos, remember that if you're signed in to The Knot, you can use the heart icon to choose the ones that inspire you the most, then access your favorites any time.
In this article: Winter Wedding Themes | Winter Wedding Decor | Indoor Winter Wedding | Outdoor Winter Wedding | Rustic Winter Wedding
Winter Wedding Themes
So much of wedding planning depends on the venue and theme. Once these major decisions are made, you can figure out how all the other things fall into place, from winter wedding invitations to reception decor.
Vintage Burgundy and Gold Theme
These stunning ceremony programs were tied with burgundy silk ribbons to match the couple's custom wedding crest. Ornate, golden floral details on the bowl complemented the vintage brick background for a timeless, romantic ambiance.
Celestial-Inspired Wedding Theme
Get inspired by starry winter skies and choose a celestial wedding theme for your nuptials. Moon-shaped details and a metallic color palette will help you pull off the ethereal vibe.
Sparkling New Year Theme
Sequined table linens were the backbone of this sparkling reception. Lush white flowers and gold-painted greenery in the center of the tables doubled down on the winter-themed wedding.
Christmas Wedding Theme
This reception incorporated Christmas colors through classy elements like red plaid, boughs of evergreen and dainty red bows. Against the rustic wood table, a cozy holiday dinner was created.
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Winter Wonderland Wedding Theme
This couple created a winter wonderland wedding ceremony by decorating their chuppah with airy, white fabric and willow branches. Hanging roses and candles gave it that other-worldly feel, which could easily be done with a winter wedding arch, too.
Vintage Glamour Theme
Candelabras, rich red velvet and creeping greenery all tied together to create a gothic glam reception. This theme is perfect for winter weddings, where an enormous stone fireplace gives cozy castle vibes while keeping everyone warm.
Rustic Black-and-White Theme
The epitome of rustic elegance, this black-and-white table is subtle and classy. The weathered wood table, greenery runner and jars of honey and sage create a warm welcome at any indoor winter wedding.
Whimsical Fairy-Tale Wedding Theme
A fairy-light-wrapped tree and hanging greenery help create this whimsical fairy tale. Set in a greenhouse, this winter wedding reception used tall green candles and textured florals to add depth and wow guests.
Winter Wedding Decorations
From bringing in natural elements to more festive decorations, there are plenty of ways to lean into the winter aesthetic. Consider using some of these decoration ideas for a winter wedding cake, too.
Candle and Disco Ball Centerpieces
Tap into one of our favorite wedding decor trends by adding mini disco balls to your winter centerpieces. Velvety red rose petals and taper candles add to the rich theme.
Stump, Candle and Greenery Aisle Decor
These winter wedding flowers are the perfect way to dress up a ceremony aisle for the nearlyweds. Robust greenery garlands and cut logs are pure rustic glamour.
Tented Greenery Tunnel
When playing with different entrances to their winter wedding venue, this couple landed on a tented tunnel overflowing with candles and green garlands. The rugs had a touch of gold in them to add an elevated, regal twist to the winter wedding decor.
Christmas Tree Wedding Decor
If your venue has Christmas trees in place as decor, stage a photoshoot in front of them. Otherwise, ask about adding some of your own for the big day. It's a clever way to capture the holiday spirit in your wedding album.
Jingle Bell Escort Cards
Not only are these jingle bell escort cards a cute way to add the holiday spirit to your winter wedding decorations, but your guests will have fun ringing them throughout the reception when it's time for you and your brand-new spouse to share a kiss.
North Pole Photo Op
One of our favorite December wedding ideas is a Santa-inspired photo booth! Complete with cozy furnishings, silver highlights and stanchion ropes, guests were hoping they were on the nice list for this reception!
Outdoor Winter Wedding Ideas
If you're having an outdoor winter wedding ceremony or plan on celebrating there too, there are plenty of ways to keep guests cozy in the fresh air. Here are our favorites.
DIY Hot Chocolate Station
Photography: J. Christina Photography
Create a seasonally-appropriate guest experience by setting up a hot chocolate station at your reception. Pair with some popular winter wedding food for the full experience.
Blankets on Ceremony Benches
One of the easiest ways to incorporate winter wedding colors into an outdoor ceremony is through cozy throw blankets for guests. These ivory and blue blankets were the refined touch the space needed.
Snowmobile Rides
If you or your guests are all about adventure, rent snowmobiles for a next-level reception. Just don't forget helmets for safety. If you really want to wow, have guides bring your guests to a remote location for a truly unique wedding experience.
Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides
For a winter wedding outside, one of the most fun ways to play with the theme is through transportation. Horse-drawn sleigh rides gave guests a full tour of this Colorado ranch as part of the celebration.
Snow Machine Wedding Exit
Photography: Anna Routh Photography,Event planning: Grace Leisure Events
If you don't have real snow on your wedding day, make it! Rent a snow machine for your wedding exit to walk through a tunnel of flurries instead of sparklers or confetti.
Space Heaters
Even in a warm climate, temperatures can drop at night during the winter. Keep your guests comfortable with space heaters placed throughout the space.
Mitten Wedding Favors
If you're exchanging vows in cold temperatures, consider this creative winter wedding favor idea. Your guests can wear these cozy mittens on the day and after the fact.
Indoor Winter Wedding Ideas
Your wedding theme will guide so many of your decoration choices, but here are a few fun ways to bring a winter wonderland inside.
White Neon Sign
A wood-planked wall is perfect for your rustic winter wedding backdrop, but adding a neon sign completes it with a personalized, modern touch. Sticking with a classic white light makes it even more wintery.
Hanging Christmas Ornaments and Greenery
This glamorous Christmas wedding leaned into the season with a red-and-green theme. Hanging ornaments tied in the color scheme with the tables for a cohesive look.
Silver and Charcoal Seating Chart
When paired with other cool tones like ice blue, a silver and charcoal color palette is perfect for a winter wonderland wedding theme. This seating chart is a great example of how you can use candles and existing elements of your venue (like an exposed brick wall) to add warmth and contrast.
Greenery Table Runner
Your table setting doesn't have to be over-the-top to be on-theme for a winter wedding. Pair greens with red linens for a wintry, laid-back vibe.
Wedding Chairs With Fresh Eucalyptus
Greenery garlands look just as festive when added to the backs of chairs. Use them to adorn your sweetheart chairs or where your family will be seated at the VIP table.
Red Signature Wedding Cocktails
Looking for winter wedding cocktail ideas? Serve up your favorite red drink to celebrate your cold-weather nuptials.
Confetti Drop on the Dance Floor
Make your snow wedding dreams a reality without braving the cold weather. Fill the room with white confetti for an epic reception picture during the final dance.
Treats for Santa Buffet
When it comes to a December wedding, sometimes it's best to lean into the holiday theme if it brings you joy. This couple did just that with Santa's treats, including boozy milkshakes, snowball cookies and take-home treats.
Rustic Winter Wedding Ideas
From a winter ranch to a snowy mountain getaway, so many winter wedding venues lean towards a rustic aesthetic. Use that to create a jaw-dropping wedding style.
Hot Chocolate Wedding Favors
Surprise your guests with hot chocolate kits as favors at each place setting. The next time they make cocoa at home, they'll remember your special day.
Extra Tall Candles and Greenery-Draped Iron Chandeliers
Photography: Chudleigh Weddings
This couple added warmth to their cozy reception space through tall candles and greenery-draped chandeliers. These winter wedding reception ideas were a simple yet elegant touch to the space.
Weathered Frame Photo Board
Photography: Jessie Casey
This weathered picture frame board fits in right next to a winter wedding bouquet for a gorgeous, rustic display. With the rock wall and lit garland, it had all our favorite winter decorations for a wedding.
Pine Cone Place Holders
Photography: Jessie Casey
Miniature pine cones were this couple's choice for winter wedding ideas on a budget. They showed each guest right where to go, all while bringing a natural touch indoors.
Crystal Branch Centerpieces
If you're hoping for wedding ideas for a January or February wedding, consider these crystal-draped centerpieces. The combination of textures in the single-color theme brings a beautiful depth to the space.
Rustic Glam Stage Decor
Photography: Hibben Photography
This couple went for a rustic glam look with their stage decor. By placing the flowers in crystal and silver vases, they kept it wintery.
Additional reporting by Samantha Iacia
