Guide to Winter Weddings: Ideas, Themes and Planning Tips

There’s a special kind of magic in a winter wedding. Cozy firesides, twinkling lights, snow-dusted landscapes... you get an atmosphere that feels intimate and elevated, like the world has slowed down just for you.

While a winter wedding can be stunning, you may have to plan a bit more strategically, from travel to timing to weather-ready backup details. Turning Stone is here to help.

Explore our winter wedding availability.

Winter Wedding Pros and Cons

Before you fall completely in love with the idea, let’s take a look at what makes a winter wedding so spectacular – and what you’ll have to plan for.

Winter Wedding Pros

Lower off-season rates: You may find more breathing room in your budget, perfect for elevating the details that make the day feel luxuriously “you.”
Unforgettable photo moments: The contrast of white snow against formal wear is unmatched.
Stronger guest turnout: Without summer vacations in the mix, more of your “can’t-miss” people likely can say yes.
More vendor availability: Your dream photographer, florist or band is often easier to book on the date you actually want.
Coziest ambiance: Think “hygge” energy – crackling fireplaces, velvety textures and warm, golden light everywhere you look.

Winter Wedding Cons

Potential weather delays: Snow can complicate travel for out-of-towners, so build in cushion time. The upside at Turning Stone is that arriving early or staying late feels like part of the celebration – and a great excuse to settle in, unwind and enjoy it all.
Earlier sunsets: There are fewer daylight hours for outdoor portraits, so your photo timeline matters more.
Skin and hair curveballs: Winter air can mean extra dryness and a little more static, so you’ll want a smart beauty plan. Our stylists and expert med spa team can help you prep your glow in advance and polish every last detail on the day.
More “stuff” to manage: Coats, boots, etc. add a layer of logistics.
Tighter floral seasonality: Some blooms are harder to source (or pricier), but winter weddings still photograph beautifully – think evergreen textures, dramatic whites and showstopping details like ice sculptures that feel made for the season.

As an all-in-one resort wedding destination, Turning Stone keeps everything beautifully seamless. Your lodging, dining and ceremony are all in one place, guided by a full-service team that knows winter inside and out. Guests can arrive early, stay cozy and move easily through connected indoor spaces, so travel worries fade and the weather becomes a part of the scenery rather than a source of stress.

Winter Wedding Planning Tips

These guidelines can help you embrace the beauty of a winter wedding while avoiding the most common cold-weather pitfalls.

Do:

Provide Warmers: Elements like a Groom’s Bourbon Bar or hot cocoa station keep the atmosphere – and guests – warm and cozy.
Plan Your First Look Early: With sunset as early as 4:30pm in Upstate NY, move photos to midday for natural light.
Invest in a Second Pair of Shoes: Snow boots for outdoor photos will keep you warm and steady, and you can slip into your heels before the ceremony.
Keep Your Guests Updated: Use your wedding website to share updates on travel tips, shuttles and weather forecasts.

Don’t:

Forget a Coat Check: You don’t want a pile of heavy coats on the back of reception chairs in your photos.
Assume Guests Can Walk in Snow: Prioritize indoor venues for the ceremony.
Skimp on Hydration: Winter air is dehydrating, so ensure water is as available as the champagne.
Forget the Lighting: Since it gets dark early, don’t miss the chance to use uplighting, candles or fairy lights to create a magical glow.
Wait to Book: Winter dates, especially around the holidays, fill up fast at destination venues like Turning Stone.

If you want your Turning Stone winter reception to feel extra special, consider adding an amuse-bouche course. Something like a butternut squash soup to kick off dinner is a simple way to bring warmth to the table and make the whole meal feel cozy and curated.

Winter Wedding Color Palette and Décor Ideas

When it comes to winter weddings, your color palette can do so much of the storytelling. Here are a few ideas to inspire your direction.

December and Christmas Wedding Colors: Classic and Festive

Looking for a romantic winter vibe with a nod to nostalgia? A Holiday Heritage theme delivers. Colors like deep burgundy, forest green and metallic gold set the tone. Add elegant holiday decorations like evergreen boughs, holly berries and velvet ribbons to make the palette feel festive and timeless.

January Wedding Colors: A Clean Slate

A Minimalist Frost theme is perfect for a January wedding. You can capture the quiet beauty of winter with a crisp palette of white, silver and slate grey. This look leans into winter wedding inspiration that feels fresh and modern. Lean in with touches like clear acrylic chairs, sculptural “frozen” branches and cascading white orchids for a clean, icy elegance.

February Wedding Colors: "Winter Romance"

For a February celebration, a Moody Jewels theme brings the warmth you crave in the most elevated way. Pair plum, navy and copper (or blush and gold for a Valentine-inspired twist) with tactile details. Velvet linens, dark wood and glowing metallic accents deliver an irresistibly romantic winter wedding feel.

Creative Winter Wedding Ideas for Your Reception

Winter is your excuse to lean all the way into comfort and glow. Winter wedding décor like layered candlelight, warm metallic accents and luxe textures (hello, faux fur wraps and velvet touches!) make your whole celebration feel magical from the first sip to the last song.

At Turning Stone, you can add a true showstopper by making a custom ice sculpture the focal point of your raw bar at cocktail hour – equal parts artful and photo-ready. And because winter nights are long, keep the energy up with a late-night taco bar to refuel everyone and send them right back to the dance floor.

Why Turning Stone Is the Premier Winter Wedding Venue

At Turning Stone, you get the ease of a true all-in-one resort. Your guests can check in, spend the day at our luxury spa or the casino, then head to your ceremony and reception without driving between locations in the snow – or even having to step outside.

For winter weddings, we have a range of venues that shine. The Shenendoah Clubhouse offers a grand, romantic setting and sweeping, snowy views – not to mention our carved stone fireplace. Our timeless, elegant ballrooms like the Cypress Ballroom or Navajo Ballroom can scale to the size of your celebration, with plenty of room for candlelight, dramatic décor and dancing. Or, heat up your celebration with unique, fun options at Exit 33.

Winter Wedding Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best month for a winter wedding?

January and February are especially popular for winter weddings. They offer a quieter, more intimate feel and often come with greater flexibility in dates and details. December brings undeniable holiday magic, especially at a destination like Turning Stone where seasonal décor adds instant atmosphere.

How do you keep guests warm at a winter wedding?

Keep guests comfortable by planning smartly: hosting ceremonies and receptions indoors, offering coat check and adding warming touches like a hot cocoa bar. At an all-in-one resort, guests can move easily between spaces without braving the cold.

Are winter weddings cheaper?

Winter weddings can offer more value, especially during off-peak months, which may allow more room in your budget for upgrades or personalized details. While pricing varies by date and venue, many couples find winter is a smart way to elevate the experience without stretching the spend.