Winter weddings are undeniably enchanting. The season brings its own sparkle, from snowy evenings to cozy candlelight, making it a beautiful backdrop for saying “I do.” Couples often fall in love with the idea of a romantic winter wonderland, and for good reason—it’s pure magic.

But along with that magic comes a few practical realities. Cold weather, shorter days, and travel delays are all part of the mix, and they can sneak up on even the most organized couples. That’s why it’s so important to think ahead. With a thoughtful checklist, you can sidestep the stress and fully enjoy everything this season has to offer. Here’s what a handful of seasoned pros suggest adding to your winter wedding checklist.

Photography by Halie Child

Create a plan B (and C)

If there’s one thing winter loves to do, it’s surprise us with a snowstorm or icy roads at the most inconvenient times. That’s why every couple planning a winter wedding needs a backup plan (and sometimes even a backup to the backup!).

Loni Peterson, MLS, Owner of LP Creative Events, notes, “One thing that will always win for a winter wedding is over planning and preparing a risk mitigation strategy and plans B, C, and D! Also, making sure you hire a qualified team to execute, meaning, a planner who has experience working on mountain in the winter and vendors who have staff who can ski/snowboard to get to remote locations.”

Talk with your vendors about how they handle weather delays or cancellations, and work with your venue to understand your options. Knowing you’ve thought through different scenarios allows you to focus on enjoying your big day, no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.

Add touches of warmth

Winter weddings already have that comfortable, intimate vibe built in, so lean into it by adding thoughtful touches of warmth for your guests. Think hot chocolate bars with fun toppings, mulled wine stations, or spiced cider served as a welcome drink.

“Warm hands = happy guests,” reminds Craig Peterman, Photographer & Videographer at Craig Peterman Photography & Videography. “Offer hand warmers at the door, add a hot drink station the moment the sun drops, and stash a couple of fleece throws by the photo spots.”

Offering blankets or pashminas is a sweet way to show you’re thinking about everyone’s comfort. Bonus: these items double as memorable favors guests can take home.

Photography by Cactus Collective Weddings

Look into wedding insurance

It might not be the most glamorous part of wedding planning, but wedding insurance can be a real lifesaver, especially for a winter celebration. Weather can be tricky this time of year, and insurance helps protect your investment if a storm or unexpected issue forces a last-minute change of plans.

Lucy Struve, Owner of Lucy Struve Photography, shares, “Winter weddings often come with more unpredictable and volatile weather, depending on where you’re located. For this reason, I always recommend couples have wedding insurance, which protects their investment in the event of extreme weather conditions.”

Think of it as peace of mind. You hope you’ll never need it, but just in case, you’ll be grateful to have that safety net in place.

Have indoor + outdoor locations for photos

Winter weddings give you a chance to capture two very different (but equally stunning) looks in your gallery. The outdoor setting offers that frosty, fairytale vibe, while indoor spaces bring out the cozy side of the season.

“A common mistake is assuming outdoor photos will work out without issue,” admits Natalia Zuk, Co-Owner of Lilac Studios. “Even if couples can handle the cold, their skin will react by turning red, blotchy, and uneven, which doesn’t photograph well. That’s why I always recommend having a beautiful indoor location lined up for portraits. We can split time and take some romantic portraits outside, capturing the beauty of the season, then move inside where everyone’s comfortable and looking their best.”

That’s where mapping out multiple options is smart, as it gives you the flexibility to move between outdoor beauty and indoor comfort as the day unfolds.

Amos Gott, Chief Event Architect at AmosEvents, agrees, adding, “While snowy outdoor portraits are stunning, it might simply be too cold, or too icy, for extended time outside. Scout indoor spaces that are both beautiful and functional. Spaces like a cozy lounge with architectural charm, a sunlit conservatory, or even a hallway with vintage wallpaper and soft lighting can become your photo magic zones, especially if the weather turns. Bonus tip – coordinate with your photographer in advance to build a shot list that maximizes comfort and minimizes travel.”

Balance is everything. Once you’ve soaked up the outdoors, having an indoor option means you can keep the photo fun going without worrying about frozen fingers or uncomfortable smiles.

Glamour & Grace

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