Many couples shy away from a winter wedding because of the cold, the possibility of snow, the setting sun and the chance that you may have to scrap outdoor photos. However, winter is a magical time to get married; thanks to glimmering snow, cozy textiles and the hearty comfort foods that our bodies crave. In fact, winter can elevate a wedding in ways that most couples don’t dare to imagine.

Just as we would encourage you to snap some photos with the fall foliage, the first blooms of spring, and the summer sunshine, we are here to say you should embrace a snowy backdrop if you are given the chance. This moment is fleeting, and while you may experience a few moments of discomfort the beauty you will capture with the fresh fallen snow will be breathtaking.

We gathered some pointers from a few of our favorite Charlottesville and DC wedding photographers when it comes to outdoor photos to help get you through the chilly weather while still capturing the beauty of the season.  Whether you fancy having your first look in a snow covered field, or want to snap some portraits in freshly fallen powder, our experts will share some tips on how to capture beautiful wedding photos while still including the spirit of the season.

Angelika Johns, Owner of Angelika Johns Photography

What would be an ideal shot list for a winter wedding?

 Every shot list includes family photos, so make sure there’s a well-lit indoor space for portraits! The space should be large enough to comfortably fit your family. Keeping family photos indoors is especially important to keep everyone warm and happy, particularly older family members. An indoor space also serves as a great backup for wedding party photos and newlywed portraits in case of bad weather!

What advice would you give to a couple that wants to include outdoor photography for their winter wedding? 

For outside photos, wear winter boots under your dress with thermal socks, and tuck hand warmers into your shoes and jacket. Choose a photogenic winter shawl that complements your wedding dress, and keep a coat nearby to throw on and off between photos. Many winter couples think they’ll just tough it out, but once they’re out in the cold, they either can’t handle it or become so tense they don’t look natural in photos. I’ve even had a bride faint because she wasn’t warm enough! Natural, relaxed photos start with being comfortable.

Xiaoqi Li, Owner of Xiaoqi Li Photography

What would be an ideal shot list for a winter wedding?

If you want to do a first look outdoors, I would urge my clients to account for timing and the sun setting early. To expand on this, for any outdoor portrait sessions, I recommend buying a pack of hand warmers to pass out to everyone.  Consider wearing fleece leggings (they sell skin-toned!!) and other base layers.  Most dresses will hide leggings and it will make outdoor photos more manageable. 

Expect to spend more time taking portraits indoors compared with outdoors. It’s just going to be a slightly slower process than working in outdoor settings. Both photographers and videographers may need a little more time to set-up lighting and dial in our settings. You will also likely need a little time to take off your coat and leggings when transitioning between environments, warm up, and lose any redness from the cold. 

Another key investment for your indoor photography and wedding experience is lighting design. It’s a simple yet powerful way to transform a space. I love it when I can lean into well-produced reception lighting rather than having to fight it to produce beautiful imagery.Photographers Tip: Be sure you love your photographer’s work/approach with flash. Ask to see full galleries with similar lighting scenarios to your wedding. I think couples should always ask for full galleries, and this is even more true if your wedding takes place in locations with dark or otherwise challenging lighting situations. Lighting from flash is often more harsh than natural lighting and sometimes requires more skin retouching (it’s not you, it’s the lighting).

In your opinion, what DC/Charlottesville spots are best to avoid when taking winter wedding photos outside? 

It’s best to avoid any areas with strong wind. This is true year round due to its impact on hair styling and clothing, but there’s the added wind chill that can be even more challenging in the winter. An area in DC that comes to mind is the waterfront portion of Georgetown. 

While Charlottesville is known for its beautiful vineyards, they are not in their most picturesque state during ‘stick season’. I recommend waiting until the greenery returns in April/May. This doesn’t mean all vineyard venues are out of consideration though. For example, Early Mountain Vineyard is a reception hall that offers a stunning backdrop year round.

Dancing snowflakes and frosted mountain peaks are a beautiful backdrop for a showstopping wedding day. Place a bride and groom in the picture and the romance of the landscape instantly becomes more dramatized. Battling the cold may not be ideal for most, but for those that can brave it, we promise the white washed fairytale photos will be well worth it.

No matter the season, wedding photos are the one tangible memory that you will get to covet for years to come. Making sure you get every photo that you want on your wedding day is momentous, so carefully choosing your wedding photographer is a big undertaking during the planning journey.   If you are beginning your search, we urge you to take a look at our blog, The Insider’s Scoop on Creating a Perfect Shot List for Your Wedding Photographer, so you can begin planning out your list.