The Pros and Cons of Winter Weddings

It's important to weigh the positives and negatives.

Winter may not be the most popular time of year to tie the knot, but that certainly doesn’t mean choosing the colder time of year is a bad thing.

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Photo: Meghan Rose Photography

Summer may be considered “wedding season,” but of course there are couples tying the knot all year long. While those brides and grooms who live, or are hosting their weddings, in temperate climates may not be too concerned about the weather, there are factors that go into planning a winter wedding that matter no matter where it is hosted. Winter may not be the most popular time of year to tie the knot, but that certainly doesn’t mean choosing the colder time of year is a bad thing. There are plenty of benefits! However, it’s also important to know the downsides as well, before you make your decision.

pros and cons of a winter wedding, should you get married in the winter?

Photo by Joel & Justyna; Planning & Design by KA Mariage

Below are the pros and cons of having a winter wedding:

Pros

Beautiful scenery. Snowy weddings tend to stun. A kiss with your beloved somehow looks that much more romantic when your hair is dusted with snowflakes, and everything just looks magical after snowfall. 

More options, and at a discount! Because winter is considered the “off season” for most vendors, they will generally have more availability and may even have lower rates than during the peak months. This makes winter an especially good choice for those wanting a shorter engagement. Even accommodations for your out-of-town guests should be more readily available and affordable. 

Less competition and comparisons. Though every wedding is special and unique, it can help both you and your guests to get married at a different time than most. You won’t have to balance planning your nuptials and attending several others, and your nearest and dearest will be more excited to go to yours instead of dreading the third wedding in as many months. 

Cons

Unpredictable weather. You can’t always count on snow making everything look beautiful, but there can always be too much snow that affects the roads. Places without harsh weather can still experience dreary days. 

Indoor only. While those who do not get rough winters may still be able to host an outdoor event, many couples will have to accept that the ever-popular alfresco ceremony just isn’t realistic at this time of year.  

Difficulty traveling. The holidays will leave many of your guests busy, while the months following the festive season may have them needing to save money. Add that to how tough traveling can be to and from places with snow, and you’ll find a good portion of your guests may not be able to make it.

Get further inspiration with a sneak peek of our winter issue, and find out if you have to host a morning-after brunch