If fall is for slowing down, winter is for leaning in. And there’s something about this season (so quiet and romantic and crisp!) that makes it one of our favorite backdrops for weddings. From snowy elopements to candlelit celebrations, winter weddings hold a certain kind of magic. 

Whether you’re photographing a snowy ceremony, planning a December event, or filming a New Year’s Eve celebration, here are 12 winter wedding ideas we’re seeing (and loving) lately.

1. Winter Whites, Reimagined

If you’re craving something classic, this is it. We’ve seen winter whites done so well lately — long satin tablecloths, creamy florals, a bride in a white fur coat, a groom in a classic tux, and white-jacketed waiters floating through the room. When working with neutrals, play with textures to add interest. Throw in a snow-dusted backdrop and you’re working with a full editorial palette that feels both crisp and deeply romantic.

These tones work beautifully for winter wedding guest dresses, too—soft neutrals, cozy knits, and a touch of shimmer.

2. Silvers & Crystal

We’ll always love gold and brass, but silver seems to be made for winter weddings. We’re loving silver trays, candelabras, framed bar menus, coupe glasses — it’s the perfect kind of shimmer that feels subtle but cinematic. It’s also a great accent for cooler winter wedding colors like pale blue, mist, or icy lavender. Elegant, understated, and undeniably festive.

3. Ice as Decor

A winter wedding is the perfect excuse to play with ice — and we’re not just talking about sculptures. We’re seeing couples lean into this medium in fresh, editorial ways: oyster towers served in silver ice buckets, frozen drink stirrers, even clear rock candy used as drink garnishes. It’s unexpected, seasonal, and a little indulgent in the best way.

4. Winter Whimsy

Not all winter weddings need to be moody. Lately, we’re loving nods to whimsy. Feather boas, beaded stars, embroidered swans — a touch of whimsy brings wonder back into winter weddings. We’re loving celestial details and vintage touches that feel a little like childhood dreams, all grown up.

Winter wedding guest dresses in soft sparkle or star embroidery are another way to carry the theme, and make for the best styled party shots.

5. Vintage Photo Booths

Let’s make photo booths chic again. This is your chance to retire the oversized glasses and cheugy signage and bring back something special. A vintage photo booth (built or bought) adds an intentional layer of charm. Think: a moon-and-stars backdrop, soft flash, a couple tucked into a tiny booth. Bonus points for analog cameras and old-school signage. For photographers, it’s a chance to capture guests in character. For guests, it’s a nostalgic experience they’ll actually want to participate in.

6. Deep Red and Green

No, a winter wedding doesn’t have to lean holiday… but when it does, it can be iconic. Deep burgundy florals, evergreen garlands, candlelight and pine. We’ve even seen couples pose beside a minimal Christmas tree — understated, but unforgettable.

Red velvet winter wedding guest outfits or forest green winter wedding bouquets are also such a classic nod to the season.

7. Projector Moments

A favorite emerging winter wedding trend: projectors. Whether it’s a slow loop of black-and-white home footage, a romantic script spelling out “Just Married,” or a favorite old film like It’s a Wonderful Life—this detail creates a memorable and photo-worthy experience. Cast it on a blank wall, a fabric drape, or even the side of a barn for maximum atmosphere.

The key is to keep it simple and cinematic. We’d recommend keeping it black and white to add to the vintage feel! 

8. New Year’s Eve Weddings

Not for everyone — but when done well, it’s beyond iconic. Picture a live big band, a midnight fireworks show, a countdown toast with coupe glasses and sparklers. A NYE wedding is the perfect excuse for the glamorous, over-the-top wedding you’ve been dreaming of.

Pair it with a sequin-forward winter wedding guest dress or a sleek winter wedding dress with a party-ready twist.

​​9. Maximal Florals in Moody Palettes

For our moody queens, winter wedding florals don’t have to be simple. We’re also seeing winter wedding bouquets that feel a little bolder: deep plum ranunculus, brown lisianthus, black dahlias, and moody garden roses mixed with berries and dried accents. They feel tactile and artful, perfect for the season’s weightier textures. 

10. Dreamy Backdrops

There’s something undeniably magical about winter wedding settings — whether it’s a glistening frozen lake, a snow-dusted forest, or a moody mountain overlook wrapped in fog. These natural backdrops bring an ethereal, almost cinematic feel to your day.

11. Winter Lounges

Weddings are long days — and the lounge is where people really settle in. We love seeing cozy corners styled with low velvet seating, patterned rugs, vintage tables, and layered lighting. In winter, it feels especially inviting — like the warm part of the story.

Winter wedding colors like deep plum, navy, and taupe add richness and warmth to these spaces.

12. Cozy Favors

Skip the generic favors — winter is the perfect season for something thoughtful. Think mulled wine kits, hand-knit scarves, tiny bottles of bourbon, or handwritten recipes from the couple’s family. Little gestures that feel personal and linger long after the night ends.

Winter weddings are no longer the forgotten season—they’re becoming some of the most stylish, intentional, and emotionally rich celebrations we see all year.

If you’re a wedding photographer, filmmaker, or planner dreaming up your next cold-weather event, I hope this list helps you reimagine the possibilities. These winter wedding colors, textures, and moments aren’t just beautiful—they’re full of meaning.

Want more seasonal visuals and thoughtful touches?

We’ve pulled together even more inspiration in this post on 15 Fall & Winter Wedding Ideas We’re Loving Right Now — perfect for dreaming, planning, and finding your next styling spark.And if you’re dreaming of a brand that reflects this same layered beauty, the Studio Gail Template Shop is a wonderful place to begin. Every template is crafted with intention, made to hold depth, artistry, and your unique way of seeing the world.

Images are sourced via Pinterest as visual inspiration. All rights belong to their respective creators. If you are the copyright holder and would like an image removed, please don’t hesitate to reach out.