Planning a Late Fall or Winter Wedding: How to Stay Glowy-n-Gorgeous When the Sun Says ‘See Ya’ at 4 PM
Planning a Late Fall or Winter Wedding
How to Stay Glowy ‘n’ Gorgeous When the Sun Says ‘See Ya’ at 4 PM
When Skylar and Josh tied the knot on a cozy December afternoon at Trinity Tree Farm, they turned what could have been a seasonal challenge into a breathtaking celebration. With careful planning, they scheduled most of their photographs well before golden hour, and the result was nothing short of magical. The soft, diffused light of the winter afternoon enveloped them, casting a gentle glow that made every moment look ethereal and flattering.
In fact, the beauty of fall and winter weddings lies in this unique lighting; it creates a romantic ambiance that summer couples often dream of but rarely get to experience. Don’t let the early sunset dishearten you! With the right strategies, your wedding day can be just as luminous, capturing candid moments that will warm your heart for years to come.
In this guide, we’ll share essential tips to help you navigate planning your late fall or winter wedding in Seattle, Woodinville, Snohomish, and Bellingham. From strategic timeline planning to cozy attire choices that keep you feeling fashionable, we’ll help you unlock the beauty of your winter celebration, ensuring every moment shines brightly—regardless of the season’s chill. Get ready to embrace the early dark and create wedding photos it’s ok to be obsessed with.
Photography Timeline Planning for Your Fall or Winter Wedding
To ensure that you capture the enchanting moments of your late fall or winter wedding, crafting a custom timeline that factors in an early sunset is crucial. Here's how to make the most of the available light, If your ceremony is indoors, schedule your ceremony 1 hr before sunset. This timing allows you to make the most of the natural light before it starts to dim. By holding your ceremony earlier, you’ll not only benefit from the softer afternoon light but also have ample time for portraits without rushing. An earlier ceremony benefits your overall schedule as well. It opens up the timeline for a more relaxed event, allowing you to enjoy each moment without the pressure of fading light.
Wedding Portrait Timing Breakdown
Plan to crush all your portraits before the ceremony to maximize available light & attend cocktail hour.
Time needed for pre-wedding portraits: 85 min to 120 min.
Here’s a suggested breakdown of the wedding portrait photography timeline:
COUPLES PHOTOS
45 minutes
Plan to do this first, allowing you to capture intimate moments in the soft light.
BRIDAL PARTY PHOTOS
45 minutes (4+ in bridal party)
20 minutes (1-3 in bridal party)
Larger groups will require a bit more time to coordinate, herd and capture.
FAMILY PHOTOS
20-30 minutes
My family photo list worksheet will help you streamline these shots and ensure you capture everyone important on your big day. Get the list here!
Depending on the size of your bridal party and the amount of family members you decide to include in pre-ceremony photos, you’ll want to plan for 85 minutes to 2 hours of portrait time. This gives you plenty of breathing room to snap those picture-perfect shots without feeling like you’re racing against the clock. Plus, if you get your photo ops done before the ceremony, you’re golden! You can actually celebrate with your guests for cocktail hour —because let’s be real, this may be the only time in your life that all your favorite people are gathered in one room.
So, when you play your cards right and map out your timeline around those precious daylight hours, you set yourself up for a fabulous, stress-free wedding day. And trust us, those gorgeous photos you’ll walk away with will have you grinning from ear to ear for years to come!
2. Choosing the Right Venue: The Perfect Backdrop
Alright, lovebirds, let’s talk venues! Picking the right spot for your winter wedding can make all the difference, especially when you want that killer backdrop for your photos. Think cozy vibes, stunning indoor spaces, and maybe even a sprinkle of twinkling lights. You want a place that’ll charm your socks off, rain or shine!
Whether you’re dreaming of french country inspired winery like Chateau Lill, unparalleled views of stormy seas at The Edgewater, or Maximalist ballroom glam like the Ruins….Washington has some fab options for indoor wedding venues!
Check out my list of favorites that highlights the best fall and winter wedding venues across the state.
With the right venue, you’ll create the perfect atmosphere and have the stunning photos to prove it—no matter what the weather gods have in store! So go ahead, browse, and find that dreamy spot where you’ll say “I do”!
3. Creating a Cozy Atmosphere: Lighting and Attire Ideas
Now that you’ve locked down your timeline and venue, let’s chat about creating that warm, cozy atmosphere that’ll have everyone buzzing with love and joy—even in the chilly weather.
Lighting for indoor photos
First up, let’s talk lighting! The right illumination can turn an ordinary space into a magical winter wonderland. When shooting indoors, you can still nail that light and airy look with a little photography magic. Think softboxes set up at a 45-degree angle to light you up from the front, paired with a bare flash pointing from behind for that romantic halo effect. Don’t worry about packing these lighting essentials, it’s part of the gear we bring to every wedding.
Extra Shoes
Next, let’s keep those feet happy! Trust us, you’ll want to stash an extra pair of shoes in your bag. Washington state is notoriously damp or downright squishy.Having a dry, comfy pair handy will not only keep your toes toasty, but you’ll thank yourself later when you’re dancing the night away without issue!
Cashmere
And don’t forget about the ultimate cozy cashmere accessory: a stylish cardigan or wrap! You want to look stunning in your wedding gown, but you also want to stay warm. A chic wrap can keep the chill at bay, allowing you to enjoy your big day without the dreaded “brrrr!” ruining your vibe. Plus, it adds a little extra flair to your look!
As you plan your late fall or winter wedding, remember that the magic is in the details! With some savvy planning around your timeline, the perfect venue, and the right cozy comforts, you can create a celebration that’s not only stunning but also immensely enjoyable.
Embrace the softer light of the season, schedule those beautiful portraits at the right time, and don your favorite cozy wrap to keep the spirits high. The early darkness doesn’t have to be daunting—it can be a beautiful backdrop for some truly unforgettable moments. So go ahead, lean into the unique charm of a fall or winter wedding in Washington State.
With your heart full and your wedding photographer poised to create light & airy photos, you’re sure to capture memories that will warm your souls for years to come.
