Why You Should Consider a Winter Wedding in Ottawa

Believe it or not, some of the most beautiful weddings I have been to have been winter celebrations. Here in Ottawa, the winter wedding season is longer than the summer, and as a photographer it’s beautiful to see how couples use that to their advantage. Despite the idealized summertime stock photos we’re fed in advertising, winter weddings in Ottawa have a special kind of magic. 

Why book a winter wedding in Ottawa?

1. More options and opportunities

When you’re open to a wider time span, you’ll have a broader pick of gorgeous Ottawa wedding venues, reception halls, churches, and even special off-season pricing on some hotels and packages for guests.

1. It’s absolutely beautiful! 

Obviously being photographed outside in the winter is, well, colder. But the breathtaking backdrops of snowy hills, ice, skating canals, pine trees, frozen lakes, and roaring fireplaces can add a special romance. 

1. Winter honeymoons are the best

It’s lovely to take a honeymoon in the winter months, when we’ve all been experiencing the snow for a few months in a row. Choose a tropical destination, or save money and stay at a beautiful local Airbnb or bed-and-breakfast. You could always head over to Montreal as an alternative to a European vacation close to home. Staycations are fun as well, with a skate down the Ottawa canal or a visit to a winter market.

Did you know: snow acts as a natural reflector for winter wedding photos

Here’s a fun fact. Snow also acts as a great natural reflector. Photographers often use a “bounce” or reflective shield that’s white, silver, or gold, to send light onto faces when they’re photographing subjects in natural light, especially on a darker day. Think about it like a natural ring light, or a softer version of a mirror to direct sunlight onto faces to light them up. When there’s a fresh snowfall in Ottawa, photographing a couple against the snow can light them up and gives the photo a gorgeous glow. It’s a great natural tool at my disposal in the colder winter months!

The best way to enjoy a winter wedding in Ottawa? Lean into the season.

Here are some tips to inspire winter wedding creativity and ideas:

• If you’re getting married in December or around the winter holidays, try including ivy, red and green, or festive accents to celebrate the themes that already exist all around you. Consider beautiful photo ops in front of giant, decorated Christmas trees or holiday lights.

• Make sure you add clothing accents that keep you warm outside. A wool coat that perfectly matches a suit for the guys, a vintage fur stole, or matching winter gloves that go with your wedding dress. 
• There’s a growing trend to draw out wedding festivities which are well suited to winter fun. In the past guests came from out of town for just one ceremony together, leaving 24 hours later. Now it’s increasingly common to have a few activities: a rehearsal dinner, a family brunch the following morning, or perhaps to have the extended family all stay at a house together to enjoy quality time for a few days. In Ottawa, there are a wealth of snowy activities that everyone can enjoy. If you are the adventurous type, go for a day of sledding with all the kids after the wedding, or have a cozy evening with a roaring fire for your rehearsal dinner, with special accents like mulled cider.
• Have everyone bring a pair of skates and make it part of the wedding party! We tend to think of the winter season as more serious and cold, but those of us used to living through an Ottawa winter know how to celebrate and make the most of a season, which can also be full of adventure, delight, and the perfect backdrop to a winter wedding.
• Consider planning your wedding on a date that’s already a holiday like New Year’s Eve! You’ll give loved ones a chance to celebrate together, and this also means you are inviting everyone to come to town on a day when they are already booked off of work and don’t need to make special arrangements. 

You can always choose a destination wedding instead

Not sure about the cold weather wedding but looking to marry in March? Look into destinations that are a short flight away. If you’re having a smaller wedding, it might be fun to enjoy a warm trip with those you love. You can pair a smaller destination wedding with a big wedding party back home. This day is for you and those you love, so make it suit whatever will bring you joy and cause for celebration.

Ready to book an Ottawa wedding photographer?

I come armed with a rich resume of experience, warmth, skill, and an ability to capture your memories in a way that you’ll always treasure. I’d love to talk about your wedding and share my approach. Send me a message and let’s connect.