A Yorkshire winter wedding has a lot going for it: open fires, candlelight, rich colours and an evening party that starts while it is still teatime. The trick is planning around the short days rather than fighting them.
Plan your day around the light
Around the shortest day, the sun sets in Yorkshire before 4pm. That shapes everything, so build your timeline backwards from sunset:
- Bring the ceremony forward. An earlier start gives your photographer daylight for couple portraits and group shots.
- Do outdoor photos straight after the ceremony, before the drinks reception, while there is still light.
- Consider a first look or getting some couple photos done before the ceremony if your heart is set on daylight portraits.
The upside is a long, cosy evening. Once it is dark outside, nobody minds being indoors, and the party can get going earlier than it would in midsummer.
Choose a venue that feels warm
Yorkshire is full of venues that come into their own in winter: country houses with fireplaces, castles with candlelit halls, barns with wood burners. When you visit, look for:
- Real fires or log burners in the reception rooms
- Enough indoor space for the drinks reception, so nobody is stuck outside
- A cloakroom for all those coats
- Good lighting and safe paths between car park and entrance
A few places we have worked that suit a winter wedding beautifully: Hazlewood Castle Hotel near Tadcaster, recorded in the Domesday Book with St Leonard’s Chapel dating from 1286; Allerton Castle near Knaresborough, a Grade I listed Victorian Gothic castle; and Wood Hall Hotel & Spa, a Grade II listed John Carr mansion reached by a long drive through woodland.
Styling: layer it up
Winter styling is about texture and glow.
- Candles, lots of them. Check your venue’s rules first. Many are fine with candles in glass holders but not open flames; LED candles look convincing now.
- Deep colours. Forest green, burgundy, navy and plum all look rich against stone walls and dark wood.
- Seasonal greenery. Eucalyptus, pine, ivy and dried flowers last well in cold weather.
- Texture on the tables. Velvet ribbon, linen napkins and heavy glassware make a room feel warm.
Why black and white suits a winter wedding
Winter palettes are moody and rich, and black and white photography matches that mood perfectly. Our Glam Booth shoots in black and white with flattering beauty lighting, so whatever the colour scheme, every print looks timeless and polished, and nobody looks washed out after a long cold day.
If you prefer the warmth of wood and candlelight, the hand-crafted solid oak Vintage Booth sits beautifully in a country house or barn, with a choice of backdrops to suit deeper winter colours. Either way, we can design your print borders in your winter palette.
Because winter evenings start early, it is worth thinking about booth timings. The standard three hours suits most weddings, but if your evening guests arrive early and the party runs late, extra time is available.
Keep guests warm and happy
- A hot drinks station. Hot chocolate with toppings, mulled wine or cider, or good coffee after the meal. It is a lovely welcome for evening guests coming in from the cold.
- Blankets or wraps for anyone stepping outside, and for photos.
- Comfort food in the evening. Pies, stews, cheese boards or a hog roast feel just right in winter.
- Tell guests what to expect. Mention in your invitations if part of the day is outdoors, so people bring warm layers and sensible shoes.
Have a weather plan
Snow photos are magical, but icy roads and car parks are not. Ask your venue how they handle gritting and paths, and make sure your suppliers’ contacts and arrival times are confirmed in the week before. A wet-weather plan for any outdoor part of the day is a must.
FAQs
Are winter weddings cheaper?
Many venues price their quieter months differently, so it is always worth asking. Supplier prices vary by business.
What time should a winter wedding ceremony start?
Earlier than in summer. Talk to your photographer about how much daylight they need for the photos you want, and work back from sunset.
Does a photo booth work at a winter wedding?
It is perfect for winter. With the party indoors from early evening, the booth becomes a natural gathering point all night.
Planning a winter wedding in Yorkshire? Request a quote using the form below and we will check your date.
