Why Consider a Winter Wedding?
Many couples dream of a spring or summer wedding, and for good reason. Warm weather, long sunny days, and outdoor celebrations are undeniably appealing. However, the high demand during these seasons means venues and vendors get booked years in advance, making it harder to secure your ideal team. One thing’s for certain, the recent pandemic and the postponed weddings changed the trend, and nowadays, couples don’t want to be engaged for more than a year. But sometimes, they do find themselves struggling to find an available date.
The solution? A winter wedding. This beautiful season offers unique opportunities for romance, creativity, and savings. Whether you’re considering a cosy indoor celebration or a picturesque snowy backdrop, here are 10 reasons to have a winter wedding in Portugal.
Photo by: Rita Plácido Photography
1. More Availability from Vendors
One of the top reasons to have a winter wedding is increased availability from suppliers. Fall and winter are typically the least busy times of the year for weddings. November to April is considered the “low season.” With fewer couples getting married, you’re more likely to secure your favourite vendors, and some may even offer lower prices. This can help you save money while booking the professionals you love.
2. Less Planning Time Needed
Another fantastic reason to have a winter wedding is the reduced need for extensive planning time. With vendors having more open dates, you won’t need to start planning as far in advance as you would for a summer wedding. If you’re busy, not a fan of detailed planning, or simply eager to tie the knot, this is a perfect option. Many couples already contact vendors years in advance for summer weddings, but for a winter date, you can often plan just a few months ahead and still get top choices. According to my research, couples take an average of 6 to 12 months to plan a wedding. Some busy couples prefer to extend the wedding planning timeline to 18 months to give themselves some extra wiggle room, as well. But if you’re getting married in the Winter, you might easily manage to plan your wedding in just 6 to 9 months.
Photo by: Rita Plácido Photography
3. Winter in Portugal Doesn’t Mean Bad Weather
Fear of bad weather is a common concern, but in Portugal, winter often brings mild and sunny days. It may not be 30 degrees or have sunsets at 9 p.m., but beautiful weather is still common. My first wedding as a photographer was on December 21st, and it was sunny and warm enough for the bride to wear a sleeveless dress! Even if it rains, you can embrace the charm with a stylish jacket or cape. And remember the Portuguese saying, “Boda molhada, boda abençoada” (A wet wedding is a blessed wedding).
4. Unique Venue Opportunities
Winter weddings allow you to focus on the beautiful interiors of venues, often overlooked during summer celebrations. Lisbon offers many charming locations with exquisite tiles, detailed ceilings, and artistic touches. Indoor spaces keep everyone together, creating a cosy, intimate atmosphere. Some venues also offer heated outdoor spaces with awnings and stoves for fresh air breaks. If you’re looking for venues for your Winter Wedding in Portugal, check this post.
Photo by: Rita Plácido Photography
5. Endless Decorating Possibilities
Winter offers a unique range of decoration options, making it a compelling reason to have a winter wedding. Imagine tables adorned with candles, pine cones, moss, or dried leaves: elements that might not work in summer. Cosy, rustic themes with warm lighting create a magical ambiance perfect for the season.
6. Winter Color Palettes
The rich, warm colors of winter weddings are stunning. Fall palettes can feature orange, green, and brown, evoking the beauty of changing leaves. Winter palettes may include deep reds, bordeaux, white, and icy blues, creating a dreamy, snow-kissed atmosphere. Even an all-white theme can transform your wedding into a winter wonderland. Or if you prefer to stay trendy, how beautiful would be a Winter Wedding with the 2025 Pantone Colour of the Year, Mocca?
7. Guests Will Anticipate Your Wedding
Another reason to have a winter wedding is that guests will be excited about it. During summer, weekends fill up with multiple weddings, vacations, all sort of exciting stuff, leaving little room for novelty. A winter wedding provides a refreshing social event after the holiday season, when guests are more relaxed and available (You won’t have anyone RSVP’ing No because they already booked a one week vacation in Algarve or Ibiza). Plus, chilly weather means guests may enjoy warming up with a few extra drinks – always a great way to fuel the party!
Photo by: Rita Plácido Photography
8. Comfort Food
Winter weddings are perfect for serving hearty, comforting meals that guests will appreciate. Unlike summer weddings where heat can diminish appetites, winter celebrations call for soups, rich main courses, and decadent desserts. Picture a cosy cocktail hour with warm drinks and guests wrapped in blankets! Pure comfort.
9. Unique Souvenirs
With potential savings in other areas, you can invest in memorable winter wedding favours. Consider practical and charming gifts like scarves, blankets, or festive ornaments if your wedding is near the holidays. These thoughtful touches will keep your guests warm and remind them of your special day.
10. Romantic Atmosphere
Winter weddings are inherently romantic. As the year winds down, people are often more nostalgic and reflective, making your celebration even more heartfelt.
And if you’re really onto the winter magical vibe, who wouldn’t love a snowy wedding at Serra da Estrela? Imagine exchanging vows in a landscape of glistening white snow, with towering mountain peaks as your backdrop. Picture cosy wooden chalets adorned with twinkling lights and roaring fireplaces where your guests can gather. You could host an intimate ceremony outside, bundled in luxurious wraps, followed by a warm reception featuring hot chocolate stations, some red wine, and hearty Portuguese cuisine. Why not make it a weekend-long celebration, inviting friends and family to enjoy snowball fights and nights filled with laughter in this serene, magical setting? The breathtaking views, romantic winter ambiance, and unique experience will make your Serra da Estrela wedding an unforgettable adventure. Imagine cuddling under blankets, soft winter light, and perhaps even snow!
Photo by: Rita Plácido Photography
Extra tip: Getting married in the Winter, also means you’ll be able to go on your honeymoon and get great weather (and make everyone jealous when you get home for Christmas all tanned!). There are some popular destinations that have the best weather from November to April, such as the Maldives, Thailand, South Africa, New Zealand, Mexico, Sri Lanka, among others.
Celebrate the Magic of Winter
No matter when you get married, the most important part of your wedding day is celebrating your love. A winter wedding brings endless charm, romance, and unique opportunities to create a day that reflects your style and story. Whether you’re embracing cosy interiors, snow-covered landscapes, or rich seasonal colours, the magic of winter makes every moment feel extra special.
If you’re ready to create unforgettable memories with stunning winter photography, let’s talk! As a wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing authentic moments filled with love and warmth. Contact me today to start planning your perfect winter wedding experience.
