The winter chill is in the air, the light is sharp and golden, and Matariki has risen – we’re well into the Wellington winter months! So, I thought this would be a great time to talk about planning a winter wedding in the windy city.
Winter weddings have never been hugely popular in New Zealand – the summer months are more often booked solid. However, winter is certainly a great time of year to have a wedding for a number of reasons.
First tip
When it comes to booking your venue and vendors, you’ll normally be able to get your chosen date without competition from hundreds of other couples. Many venues will also offer special winter wedding rates, so your budget will thank you too!
Another perk of a winter wedding?
No overheating, no scorching sunburn, and less summer mozzie bites. While we adore a good summer wedding – winter weddings can just be a whole lot more comfortable! Elaborate dresses and three piece suits go down a treat, keeping you warm and toasty. There’s also just something incredibly cosy about a winter wedding. Especially if your venue has a fireplace and romantic candle light. And you won’t need to stress about awkward tan lines or fresh sunburn. (that New Zealand sun can sure be harsh!)
If you choose to have your winter wedding around late May or early September, the light is so dreamy. With beautiful long twilight hours – meaning epic golden hour and sunset shots. To make the most of the available light on the shorter winter days, it’s best to adjust your timings compared to a summer wedding. I’d recommend an earlier ceremony time to take into account the fewer hours of daylight. A 1-2pm ceremony will give you plenty of time in the lovely winter light for your photos.
Top tips from me?
If you are having a winter wedding and you’re worried about the inevitable chill, make sure you have some warm shawls or faux fur coats on hand for you and your bridal party (and let your guests know to rug up too!). If you’re feeling super prepared, a thermos of hot chocolate or mulled wine to take along to your creative portrait shoot will keep you feeling snug!
Another tip while planning your winter wedding
Ensure you have a good indoor option for both your ceremony and creative shoot. If Wellington throws all it can at you with gale force winds and torrential rain, you’ll be far more relaxed knowing you’ve got a cosy, toasty indoor space ready to go. Make sure you book a photographer who feels comfortable shooting in low-light or indoor situations, to ensure you get the best out of the locations.
If you’re in need of a little winter wedding inspiration – look no further!
Jaz and Grant wanted to have a family focused ceremony with lots of special moments with their two beautiful children, and plenty of time with their guests. We shortened the creative shoot to allow for the extra socialising time. While also Making sure we had time to do a few night photos (as night shots were one of the reasons they booked me!).
As always Don’t forget to keep up with the latest from me on Facebook and click here to find out more about my wedding photography.
