Documentary Wedding Photographer in DC | The Magic of Winter Weddings: Why You Should Consider a Holiday Celebration

Tis’ the Season to be Married

The bride and groom participate in their first dance together while guests look on. The bride is wearing a long sleeve lace gown with flowers in her hair. Photograph taken by wedding photographer in DC, Sheridan Mangold

When most couples imagine their dream wedding, it often takes place in the warm months of spring or summer. However, there's something uniquely magical about tying the knot during the winter or holiday season. If you're planning a wedding in the DC, Maryland, or Virginia area, here are some compelling reasons why a winter wedding might be the perfect choice for you.

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The groom and his father stand together while waiting to walk down the aisle. They are both wearing dark colored suits. A Christmas tree is featured in the ceremony space. Photograph taken by wedding photographer in DC, Sheridan Mangold

Availability & Cost Effectiveness

Winter is considered the off-season for weddings, which means you'll likely have more flexibility with your venue and vendor choices. Many venues offer discounts during the winter months, allowing you to get more value for your money. Plus, you'll have a better chance of securing your first-choice photographer, caterer, and other vendors.

The bridesmaid is wearing a deep red dress with fur wrap covering her shoulders. The outfit is a perfect ensemble for a winter or Christmas holiday wedding. Photograph taken by wedding photographer in DC, Sheridan Mangold

Guest Experience

A winter wedding offers a cozy, intimate setting that can be a refreshing change for your guests. With fewer weddings happening during this time of year, your event will stand out and be a memorable experience for everyone involved. Plus, your guests will appreciate the opportunity to attend a wedding during a less hectic time of year, compared to the crowded summer wedding season.

The bride is wearing a long sleeve floral lace gown with a long sheer veil with lace trim. The wedding dress also features a low cut back. Photograph taken by wedding photographer in DC, Sheridan Mangold
The bride is wearing a long sleeve floral lace gown. The wedding dress also features a low cut back. Photograph taken by wedding photographer in DC, Sheridan Mangold

Enchanting Atmosphere

The winter season naturally lends itself to a cozy, intimate, and romantic atmosphere. Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by twinkling lights, flickering candles, and the soft glow of a fireplace. The cooler weather also means you can comfortably incorporate luxurious fabrics like velvet or faux fur into your attire and decor, adding a touch of elegance to your big day.

The bride and groom stand at the alter surrounded by flowers. The bride is wearing a long sleeve floral lace gown with a long sheer veil with lace trim. The groom is wearing a suit.  Photograph taken by wedding photographer in DC, Sheridan Mangold
The bride and groom stand together for a portrait. The bride is wearing a long sleeve floral lace gown with a long sheer veil with lace trim. The groom is wearing a suit.  Photograph taken by wedding photographer in DC, Sheridan Mangold
The bride and groom share the dance floor. The bride is wearing a long sleeve floral lace gown with florals in her hair. The groom is wearing a suit.  Photograph taken by wedding photographer in DC, Sheridan Mangold
The bride and groom stand together on a home porch before the wedding. The bride is wearing a long sleeve floral lace gown. A Christmas wreath and wooden sled is featured. Photograph taken by wedding photographer in DC, Sheridan Mangold
Wedding guests stand together and chat outside before the wedding. Men are wearing dark suits. Photograph taken by wedding photographer in DC, Sheridan Mangold
The bride stands and smiles while fixing her veil. The bride is wearing a long sleeve floral lace gown with a long sheer veil with lace trim. Photograph taken by wedding photographer in DC, Sheridan Mangold

Perfect For More Dramatic Attire

Wanting yourself or guests to wear more formal attire? A holiday and winter wedding is the time. Long sleeves, darker colors, and textures like velvet, fur or sequins will be more common during this time of year. Black-tie attire is more comfortable during winter months and more fitting for the holidays such as Christmas or New Year’s.

Two children run around the dance floor. A little girl is wearing a sparkly dress with a bow in her hair. Photograph taken by wedding photographer in DC, Sheridan Mangold

Holiday Cheer

If you choose to have your wedding around the holidays, you'll benefit from the built-in festive spirit that comes with the season. Many venues are already beautifully decorated for the holidays, which can save you time and money on decor. Your guests will also be in a celebratory mood, ready to enjoy the festivities with you. Imagine the joy of celebrating your first holiday season as a married couple surrounded by your loved ones!

The bridesmaid is wearing a sage green dress. Two ring bearers wear suits with pine green velvet jackets.  The outfit is a perfect ensemble for a winter or Christmas holiday wedding.  Photograph taken by Sheridan Mangold Photography.
The bride and groom stand together in a church during a portrait photo. The bride is wearing a long sleeve floral lace gown with a long sheer veil with lace trim. Photograph taken by wedding photographer in DC, Sheridan Mangold
The bride and groom walk back down the aisle after sayin their vows. The bride is wearing a long sleeve floral lace gown with a long sheer veil with lace trim. Photograph taken by wedding photographer in DC, Sheridan Mangold
The bride and groom stand together while cutting their cake. The bride is wearing a long sleeve floral lace gown and white flowers in her hair. Photograph taken by wedding photographer in DC, Sheridan Mangold

Unique Wedding & Photography Opportunities

A winter or holiday wedding is great for couples wanting something different. From colors, flowers, attire, atmosphere, and decor. Color schemes used for winter events tend to be deeper or jewel toned. This can be seen in guest and bridal party attire in the wedding featured in this blog. Flowers used will most likely be winter white and evergreen. Attire at a winter or holiday wedding will have long sleeves, darker colors, and textures like velvet, fur or sequins. The best atmosphere for winter or holiday is cozy or rustic. The event space featured here had wood beams and warm lighting. Decor is unique in the sense that it can be holiday decor.

As a documentary-style wedding photographer based in DC, I can attest to the beauty of winter weddings through my lens. The soft, diffused light of winter creates stunning photos, with a dreamy quality that's hard to replicate in any other season. Whether it's capturing the contrast of a bright white dress against the snow or the warmth of your celebration inside a beautifully decorated venue, winter weddings offer endless creative possibilities for candid and emotive photography.

The groom smiles while getting ready with family in an inn. The background features a Christmas tree. All men are wearing dark suits. Photograph taken by wedding photographer in DC, Sheridan Mangold
A reception table features thin glass vases with white florals, long white candles, and greenery on the table. Photograph taken by wedding photographer in DC, Sheridan Mangold
The bride and groom dance together while surrounded by other guests. The bride is wearing a long sleeve floral lace gown. Photograph taken by wedding photographer in DC, Sheridan Mangold
The bride and groom stand together in a garden before the wedding. The bride is wearing a long sleeve floral lace gown. The groom is wearing a dark blue suit. Photograph taken by wedding photographer in DC, Sheridan Mangold
The groom is getting ready with family in an inn with Christmas decor on the fireplace. All men are wearing dark suits. Photograph taken by wedding photographer in DC, Sheridan Mangold

Plan Your Dream Wedding with me!

If you're considering a winter or holiday wedding in the DC, Maryland, or Virginia area, I'd love to capture the magic of your special day. My documentary-style approach ensures that every candid moment is beautifully preserved, creating a timeless record of your love story. Contact me today to discuss how we can make your winter wedding dreams come true.

Other Favorite Photos From This Wedding

Looking for a wedding photographer to capture your dream wedding? Inquire below. Sheridan Mangold Photography is located in DC, but has traveled to several locations around the DMV.

Let’s Discuss Your Day!

 

Looking for a documentary wedding photographer in the DC, MD, or VA area to capture your wedding? Click below. Sheridan Mangold has also traveled to many destinations throughout the US, the Caribbean, and Europe.

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