The How To’s of Planning a Festive Christmas Wedding

Christmastime is inherently magical. The twinkling lights, greenery, sweet treats and family gatherings automatically lend themselves to a celebration. It becomes even more of a memorable occasion when you theme your own big day after the holiday. Planning a wedding at Christmastime is the ultimate way to celebrate! If you’re a couple who loves cozy vibes, plus the sparkles that the holidays bring then a Christmas wedding may be the best fit for you! 

How to Effectively Plan a Christmas Wedding

While I have been photographing weddings in DC for so long, it’s not often that I have the chance to capture one around Christmas. This time of year is beautiful in the city with its decorated venues and crisp cold weather that sometimes means snow! 

Though colder temperatures are found during wintertime in Washington, DC, there is still so much that the city has to offer. Whether you’re planning winter engagement photos or an outdoor winter wedding ceremony, we’ll make sure you are properly prepared! These are my top recommended tips to keep in mind when planning a Christmas wedding:

• Monitor the temperatures and how much it will drop in the evening. Even if your day is indoors we will still go outside for the winter wedding portraits! 
• Ways to keep yourself and guests warm: providing blankets or furs, heaters (if outdoors), or perhaps a warm cocktail during cocktail hour. 

• Twinkle lights are a requirement for your Christmas wedding decorations because they bring all of the cozy vibes! 
• Consider the sunset time when making your wedding photography timeline which is why I always suggest a first look due to these early winter sunsets.

It can also be expected of most businesses at this time of year that they may have increased pricing or limited availability due to the popularity of booking during this season. This can be true of both winter wedding venues and vendors as some take off for the holidays entirely. It’s crucial to plan ahead and confirm what is available when you build the day of your dreams!

What a Christmas Wedding Could Mean to You

Kristina and Darren

This couple found themselves planning for a Christmas wedding in December at Antrim 1844, a historic home-turned-hotel found in Taneytown, just outside of Baltimore, Maryland.

Kristina chose very simple colors, using all shades of winter greens on the reception tables with black candles. The bridesmaids also wore deep winter green silk gowns coordinating with the setting. She wanted to create an environment that was romantic yet soothing set against an old-world background at this historic site. The venue goes all-out for the holidays with its large decorated Christmas tree surrounded by garland, lights, and candles throughout the mansion. 

The bride shared, “Christmas is a really important holiday for us since our first Christmas was so beautiful. We spent it in this old Victorian home in Baltimore, and we bought a huge tree. Darren had never had a live one before! I can’t begin to explain how magical and beautiful it really was.”

The entire day was simple and sweet with only three wedding party members each and a small guest list. They had plenty of time for photos and relaxation as they planned the day according to their space and time limitations. The couple’s sweet first look in front of the Christmas tree really says it all! 

Alyssa and JD 

Alyssa and JD actually extended the Christmas wedding theme into January at a venue that left their decorations up late enough to make it work. Hillbrook Inn of West Virginia is a historic mansion on extensive grounds with space for up to 150 guests offering exclusive access to the grounds. The couple described what first drew them to the venue as “the historical features of the property, the natural quietness of the area, and the delicious food.” 

Alyssa and JD embraced the intimate feel of their environment and the holiday incorporating mostly DIY wedding decorations. These decorations included the signage, table design, and the entire look of the ceremony space design. Even the florals were taken care of by the bride who ordered the bouquets from Farmgirl Flowers. Adding to the DIY elements was a crochet boutonniere worn by the groom matching the crochet version of the couple used as a cake topper. 

The chosen colors were black, white, gold, and burgundy creating the look of a winter wonderland. All of the glowing Christmas trees and evergreen together built a warm winter feeling. Winter is Alyssa’s favorite time of the year and all of the couple’s most memorable trips have also happened in the winter. As these two summarized, on their day they wanted to feel “warmth and coziness and all of the love.”

Most important to the couple was highlighting their first kiss and the love they received from friends and family. The colors and lights of Christmas found at this wedding destination blended perfectly with the family focus of their day. The reception ended with a family game night together at the inn!

If you are looking for a smaller, more intimate wedding that aligns with your love for the holidays then a Christmas wedding is for you! 

Wedding Vendors

Photographer | Shelly Pate Photography

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