How to Achieve Timeless Winter Wedding Photographs

January 9, 2024 Junilo Ugo

Canadian and Northern Spain winters are notorious for being unpredictable. It’s true that the unpredictability of the weather systems definitely requires some thought for your wedding and engagement photographs; however, with a bit of planning, the photos can be incredibly beautiful and memorable. How can you plan for beautiful photographs no matter the winter forecast?!

Our first tip is: be realistic. Winter can provide a gorgeous background for photos; however, that background usually includes a windchill, slippery conditions and at times, snow squalls and blustery winds. Posing for photos while trying not to fall or get a frostbite is a challenge. Therefore, be realistic with your expectations of how long you can have your photos taken outdoors. It IS doable; however, we would recommend only a few minutes before having an indoor space (or car) nearby to warm up in. Having the ability to warm up between photographs can help you brave the elements and look good while you’re doing it!

Our second piece of advice, especially for a couple’s wedding day, is to plan for and book an indoor space for the bulk of your bridal and family photographs. Having a warm space with lots of natural light allows us to focus on capturing timeless wedding photographs at an unhurried pace. Everyone present (bridal party, family and you) will feel relaxed and comfortable which will definitely add to the ease of your wedding day.

So what types of indoor photography spaces would Junilo and I recommend? There are so many great options for couples here in Toronto. Here are some of our favourites:

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIOS: More and more professional photography studios are popping up in Toronto, the GTA, Hamilton and Niagara regions. Their whole purpose is to provide a location to create and capture beautifully curated professional photographs. Talk to us about some of our favourite locations suited for different sized groups and parties.

YOUR WEDDING VENUE: Arrange with your wedding venue to arrive before your guests to take the bulk of your photos before your ceremony. Your ceremony set up can provide the perfect backdrop for your photographs!

HOTELS: High ceilings, loads of natural light and large, open indoor areas make some hotels an ideal space for wedding photographs! Some hotels allow couples who are getting ready there to use their spaces for photographs and others allow wedding photography in their common areas if the couple is hosting their wedding in one of their event spaces. Ask us about some of our favourite locations in and around Toronto and the GTA!

PERSONAL RESIDENCES AND CONDO BUILDINGS: Some of our favourite group photos have been in people’s personal residences and condo buildings. It feels personal, keeps everyone relaxed and even allows time for an extra sip of champagne ;) Condo buildings very often have stylish party/common rooms which can very easily fit wedding parties and family members. They can be a great winter alternative for wedding day photographs!

YOUR FAVOURITE CAFÉ/BAR: This is a great alternative for more intimate wedding parties and bridal photographs. With a little coordination with the café/bar, a couple can enjoy the prettiest intimate shots in their favourite spot, all the while enjoying a coffee (or favourite drink ;) to kick of their wedding celebrations!

Our final tip for planning for your winter wedding photographs is to keep in mind the number of hours of natural light during the winter months. If you would like photographs during daylight, your plans may have to include having the bulk of your photos done before your ceremony or planning for an earlier ceremony to slip away for wedding photos afterwards.

Timeless and beautiful winter wedding photographs are possible not matter what the winter forecast says! Please contact us for more information on anything discussed above!

As seen on 100 Layer Cake