Winter weddings have their own magical charm, offering a cozy, romantic and often snowy backdrop to your big day. Couples often choose a winter wedding because they love the season! However, it also often comes with the advantages of off-peak pricing, providing more flexibility with budgets and venue selections. So in this blog, I’d like to give you some tips on how to prepare for a winter wedding! I’ll also showcase Caitlin and Dawson’s winter wedding in Des Moines Heritage Center for inspiration of what your day could look like!

Things to Consider While Planning a Winter Wedding

Plan for an Indoor Ceremony and Reception: Opt for a venue that offers beautiful indoor spaces to keep your guests warm and comfortable. If the weather permits, you can, of course, still go outside for photos!

Indoor and Outdoor Photo Ops: Depending on the weather, you’ll most likely be able to still go outside for your wedding couple’s portraits. Unless it’s really stormy and crazy outside, I always encourage going outside for the photo ops (listening to the couple’s wishes, of course!). It’s important to have a venue you really love, so that the indoor wedding portraits turn out beautiful as well.

Winter Shoes and Layers: Bride and bridesmaids can wear stylish boots under their dresses. Not only does this add a unique touch to your wedding attire, but it also keeps you comfortable and warm. I also recommend preparing layers, like elegant shawls, faux fur wraps or a cute jacket.

Seasonal Decor and Colors: Embrace the winter season with your decor choices. If you’re getting married around Christmas time, even Christmas decor could be a fun choice. Think twinkling lights, pine cones, and greenery to create a cozy winter wonderland atmosphere. You can also use these winter colors in the table settings, your wedding details, bridesmaid dresses, and more!

Consider Your Timeline: With shorter days in winter, plan your ceremony earlier to make the most of natural daylight for photos, especially if you’re aiming for outdoor shots.

Guest Comfort: Ensure your guests stay warm and comfortable by providing heaters or blankets if any part of your wedding day is outdoors.

Transportation: For winter weddings, I recommend trying to keep the reception and ceremony in the same venue to avoid danger and delays that could be caused by snowy or icy roads.

Caitlin & Dawson’s Winter Wedding in Des Moines Heritage Center

The Des Moines Heritage Center, best known for its beautiful architecture and rich history, provides an unparalleled ambiance that enhances the romantic feel of any winter wedding. When planning your wedding here, consider both the indoor spaces and the picturesque outdoor areas that can serve as stunning backdrops for your wedding photos, weather permitting.

Caitlin and Dawson’s winter wedding here was truly beautiful. From their intimate indoor ceremony, the winter wedding colors, to the sweet outdoor photos captured amidst a gentle snowfall, every moment was a celebration of their love and the season.

Client Love

“We are so excited to see the final gallery. The sneak peaks make me so incredibly thrilled. We love your work!’

Let’s Plan and Capture Your Winter Wedding in Des Moines Heritage Center Next!

If you’re planning your own winter wedding day in Des Moines Heritage Center or anywhere else, let’s make it happen. If you’re reading this blog, you may be on the lookout for THE photographer to capture your day. I specialize in capturing candid moments and unique details that make your wedding day truly unforgettable.

Let’s create something beautiful together! You can learn more about me here! If it sounds like I’d be the perfect photographer for you, then inquire with me here. I’d love to hear from you!

CASSIE BETH PHOTO | DESTINATION WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Come and see more of this winter wedding in Des Moines Heritage center below!

Venue: Des Moines Heritage Center
Dress: Bridal Dreams – Oskaloosa
Stationary: Hometown Press – Sully Iowa