60 Winter Wedding Ideas for the Ultimate Wonderland Theme

It's the most wonderful time of the year.
Samantha Iacia - The Knot wedding style expert
by
Samantha Iacia
  • Samantha writes articles for The Knot Worldwide, with a speciality in wedding decor, trends, and fashion
  • Prior to The Knot Worldwide, Samantha was a features and weddings contributor for The Baltimore Sun
  • She is based in Washington, D.C. and holds a Bachelor of Science in journalism
Updated Dec 21, 2023

Planning your nuptials for the cold weather season presents unique opportunities: dreamy, snow-filled photoshoots, holiday-themed details and glittering, bold decor. To help get you inspired for your own day, we've hand-picked 60 winter wedding ideas you'll want to save immediately. From Christmas-inspired wedding decor and winter wedding flowers, to winter wedding food, attire and more, this list of winter wedding inspiration will have you craving a cup of hot cocoa and a cozy fireplace. If you're having a December wedding, planning to get hitched in January or dreaming of a romantic Valentine's Day ceremony, keep reading for ideas to bring your dream winter-themed wedding to life.

Winter Wedding Ideas in This Article:

Photo Ideas | Flowers | Decorations

Winter Wedding Photo Ideas

From matching holiday-inspired outfits to creative photo ops you can only do in the winter months, here are a few fun winter wedding photo ideas to recreate. And don't forget to let your wedding photographer use their own creativity, too!

1. Plaid Getting Ready Outfits

Love the idea of matching your bridesmaids or wedding party while getting ready? Swap silk robes for plaid flannel shirts or matching pajamas that are as cute as they are comfy.

2. Snow Machine Wedding Exit

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.

3. Wedding Accessories Photo

If you want to show off your love for the holiday season, rock a pair of red tartan shoes and make sure your photographer snaps a close-up photo.

4. Skiing Wedding Photo Op

bride and groom leaving snowy wedding venue on skis
Photo: Carrie Patterson Photography

Lean into your wintry wedding by snagging an epic shot in the snow—skiis optional but definitely encouraged if you're getting married at a ski lodge.

5. Snowball Fight Photo

two groomsmen throwing snowballs with city skyline in the background
Photo: 5ive15ifteen Photo Company

Rcreate this photo with just two people or your whole wedding party—either way, it's bound to bring out some genuine laughs.

6. Clear Umbrella

Rain on your wedding day? Winter weather isn't in your control, but you can make the most of it if you need to. If rain's in the forecast, be sure to have a clear umbrella on hand for outdoor portraits.

7. Winter Attire Close-Up

groom wearing emerald green velvet tuxedo with black bow tie
Lavishly Lux Studio
,
Beyond Posh Events

Rock a regal emerald suit for the occasion (and pose for portraits accordingly). It'll look awesome next to your seasonal decor.

8. Winter Coats for Your Bridesmaids

winter wedding ideas matching puffer jackets
Carrie Patterson Photography

Skip matching outfits for your wedding party and ask them to wear matching coats instead. They'll look adorable in pictures, and they'll keep your friends warm during the ceremony.

9. Show Off Your Snow Boots

Practical footwear is a must for winter weather, so make the most of it by taking a cute photo to show off your boots.

10. Black Wedding Dress

winter wedding ideas black wedding dress
J. Christina Photography

The colder weather presents the perfect opportunity to buck tradition. Opt for a black wedding dress (and top it off with a sleek leather jacket to stay warm).

11. Ski Lift Exit Photo

If you're exchanging vows at a ski resort, get creative for your exit photo. Take a romantic picture while riding the ski lift after you say "I do."

Winter Wedding Flowers

Winter wedding flowers include some of the most popular blooms, like anemones, orchids and roses. Whether you're looking for winter centerpiece inspiration, winter bouquets or all of the above, we've got plenty of ideas.

12. Pine Needle Wedding Bouquet

Pay homage to the cold season by incorporating long branches of pine needles into your wedding bouquet. It's a creative, edgy way to celebrate your winter wedding.

13. Pine Cone Wedding Boutonniere

As one of the most recognizable symbols of winter, a mini pine cone is an adorable addition to your boutonniere (or keep it extra-simple with one solo pine cone).

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14. Winterberry Wedding Hair Accessory

You can still rock a flower crown during the winter months. Work seasonal berries into the design for a quintessentially boho look.

15. Red Winter Wedding Bouquet

A bold, dramatic red bouquet is a unique way to show off your glam style and love for the holiday season.

16. Velvet Wedding Bouquet Ribbons

Tying your bouquet together with a velvet ribbon will instantly add a wintry vibe to your fresh flowers.

17. White Hypericum Berry Wedding Boutonniere

These simple winter berries will match any winter wedding color palette, making them a great choice on their own or with other seasonal flowers.

18. Red Floral Dog Collar

Adorn your pet with red florals for a festive, fun photo shoot.

19. Evergreen Wreath Decorations

Wreaths are a chic complement to your winter wedding flowers. Hang one on the door to your wedding venue, arrange a cluster of them on the wall behind your sweetheart table or fasten a wreath to your getaway car.

20. Winter Wedding Bouquet with Pinecones

Another creative winter-themed wedding idea? Add small pinecones to your bouquet.

21. Wedding Ceremony Flower Arch

Your flowers don't have to be red and green to celebrate the season. Here's proof that a white and blush floral arch is just as dreamy, especially when you add candles.

22. White, Green and Red Winter Wedding Centerpiece

This centerpiece is a subtle take on classic red and green winter wedding ideas. Use just a few red flowers with greenery to achieve the understated look.

23. Winter Wedding Tablescape with Red Candles

Or you can lean into the holiday season with colorful candles and other themed tabletop accents. Adding red tapers to your tablescapes is festive without feeling too forced.

24. Red Ranunculus Wedding Boutonniere

Pin a single burgundy ranunculus to your suit or tuxedo lapel as an understated, seasonal touch.

Winter Wedding Decorations

Create a cozy, romantic setting for your nuptials with the help of these ceremony backdrops, stationery goods and other winter wedding decor ideas.

25. Metallic Winter Wedding Invitations

Add a touch of snow-inspired sparkle to your winter wedding stationery by incorporating metallic foil accents.

26. Gold and Emerald Green Winter Wedding Invitations

For a December or January wedding, gold and emerald stationery is a simple way to pay homage to the winter season.

27. Ski-Themed Wedding Welcome Bags

winter wedding ideas welcome bag
Carrie Patterson Photography

If you're hosting your nuptials at a ski lodge, gift your guests winter-themed welcome bags.

28. Candle-Lined Wedding Ceremony Aisle

Candles are one of the best ideas for winter-themed wedding aisle decor. Their flickering glow brings a sense of coziness and romance to your ceremony space.

29. Winter Wedding Ceremony Arch

Turn your ceremony into a winter wonderland wedding using a white and silver arch complete with snowflakes.

30. Greenery Wedding Ceremony Decor

Transform an indoor winter wedding venue by adding greenery to the ceiling, along the aisle and as a backdrop at the altar. Your guests will feel like they're walking through a Christmas tree farm or enchanted forest.

31. Wedding Ceremony Aisle Runner

If you're planning an outdoor winter wedding, a rug aisle runner will cozy up the space. It has the same effect for indoor venues too.

32. Wedding Altar Decor with Branches

Branches are a chic and unexpected way to decorate your ceremony, whether it's taking place indoors or outdoors. Use a combination of dried grasses and wintry branches, like birch branches or pussy willow in bronze vases.

33. Winter Wedding Ceremony Programs

These stunning ceremony programs were tied with burgundy silk ribbons to match the couple's custom wedding crest.

34. Disco Ball Wedding Decor

Tap into one of our favorite wedding decor trends by adding mini disco balls to your winter centerpieces.

35. Neon Wedding Sign Backdrop

A wooden planked wall is perfect for your rustic winter wedding backdrop, but adding a neon sign will complete it with a personalized, modern touch.

36. Red Velvet Wedding Backdrop

Set up a luxe red velvet backdrop at your reception. It'll add a touch of Old Hollywood glamour.

37. Space Heaters for the Wedding Reception

Even in a warm climate, temperatures can drop at night during the winter. Keep your guests comfortable with space heaters placed throughout the space.

38. Barn Wedding Venue

A barn venue's rustic feel will complement the winter weather beautifully. Plus, minimal decorations (like long garlands of greenery) will transform the space into a cozy cold weather hideaway.

39. 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.

40. Jingle Bell Wedding Escort Cards

wedding escort card display with name tags written on ribbons tied to mini copper bells
Jen Fariello Photography

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.

41. Silver and Charcoal Wedding 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.

42. Celestial-Inspired Wedding Place Setting

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.

43. Winter Wedding Sweetheart Table

Add a satin runner, glowing candles and simple greenery at your wedding sweetheart table for a cozy, festive setup.

44. Greenery Wedding 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.

45. 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.

46. 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.

47. 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.

48. 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.

Winter Wedding Cakes & Food

Winter wedding cakes are only the beginning when it comes to dessert and other sweet treats. Check out these seasonally inspired drinks and desserts to add to your special day.

49. DIY Hot Chocolate Station

winter wedding idea DIY hot chocolate station on vintage wooden dresser
J. Christina Photography

Create a seasonally-appropriate guest experience by setting up a hot chocolate station at your reception.

50. Red Signature Wedding Cocktails

Looking for winter wedding cocktail ideas? Serve up your favorite red drink to celebrate your cold weather nuptials.

51. White Wedding Cake with Greenery

A white wedding cake already looks like it's covered in snow. Top it off with juniper branches or other winter greenery for an easy, seasonal touch.

52. Spiked Eggnog Wedding Cocktail

Get your guests in the holiday spirit with a warm, cinnamon-infused cocktail before the reception.

53. Burgundy Wedding Cake with Drip Icing

Not all winter wedding cake ideas involve a plain white design. Consider this red watercolor cake with white drip icing inspired by frosty icicles.

54. Pine Cone Wedding Cake

Pine cones are a classic, winter-approved alternative if you don't want to decorate your wedding cake with flowers.

55. Doughnut and Milk Wedding Snacks

Your guests will have a hard time resisting this pairing of mini doughnuts and milk (spiked or not is your call). Serve them ready to go to make it easy for people to snag them during a dance floor break.

56. Thermos Mug Wedding Favors

Serve your guests hot drinks in handy thermos mugs they can take home as wedding favors.

57. Ski-Themed Wedding Cupcake Display

winter wedding ideas ski themed cupcake display
Carrie Patterson Photography

Show off your love of skiing with a ski lodge-inspired cupcake display.

58. Naked Wedding Cake with Berries and Powdered Sugar

We love this winter wedding idea for your dessert table. Top a naked cake with berries and powdered sugar—it looks just like snow.

59. Seven-Tier Wedding Cake with Red Flowers

Adorn a simple white cake with moody red florals for an edgy, boho winter wedding cake idea.

60. Scenic Winter Wedding Venue

snowy mountain wedding venue with old barn and fence
Photo: Brinton Studios

Your decor can go a long way, but there's nothing like a stunning wedding venue to set the whole scene for your celebration. Search for venues like ski lodges, mountain resorts, glamorous ballrooms and cozy barns on The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find your dream winter wedding spot.

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