Outdoor Winter Wedding Photography: A Snowy December Wedding at Buckeye Woods Park
Winter weddings often come with one big question: Can we really take photos outdoors? The answer is a resounding yes. With a little planning, the right mindset, and a couple willing to embrace the moment, outdoor winter wedding photography can be nothing short of magical. Courtney and Aaron’s intimate December wedding is a perfect example of how snowy wedding portraits, even in the coldest conditions, can become some of the most memorable images of the day.
Planning an Intimate Winter Wedding
Courtney’s wedding was being planned by her mom, Kim, who said her daughter, being rather shy, wanted a small wedding with just close relatives attending. When she mentioned her desire to have some photographs taken outdoors nearby (to her house) at Buckeye Woods Park, a park I suggested, we agreed to meet there before the wedding so I could get a lay of the land.
Scouting the Location for Outdoor Winter Wedding Photos
Courtney came with her mom. They led me down a wooded path, tunneled with tall pines, dotted with cones and needles, and backed by a magnificent expanse of sky. It was as if Mother Nature was preparing it for the wedding. And with the addition of a romantic couple, I could truly visualize how great their outdoor winter wedding photos would be in that wonderful setting.
A Cozy Indoor Ceremony with Warm Details
On the wedding day, I arrived at the house an hour early so I could set up some lighting and check out the ceremony room. Their dog, Daisy, an older German Shepherd, followed me with a wary look on her face, wondering what I was up to. As I scanned the room, I noticed that Courtney and Aaron had a draped backdrop set up with a floral vine cascading down the side. Portable chairs lined the aisle where the bride and groom would walk. Several candles adorned the serving counter, visible from the ceremony, adding a warm glow to the event—especially welcome for a winter wedding ceremony.
A Meaningful Ceremony Before Heading into the Cold
Their ceremony was officiated by a family member. Courtney and Aaron took turns exchanging vows from their cell phones. I snapped away, capturing the emotions and ambiance. Noticing the candles again, I photographed one of them with the wedding couple softly blurred in the background. They kissed, and we all bundled up and were off to the park!
Stepping Into the Snow on a True December Wedding Day
I never dreamed we’d be photographing in an Arctic blizzard, but there we were, on a deep December day, wind howling and snow swirling all around us. When we got out of our cars, we all felt the sting of arctic air, propelled across our faces as if from a jet engine. The shivering couple gave me the thumbs-up, and we proceeded down that same path—only this time, our trail was covered with snow.
Photographing Family First in Cold Weather
Since there were some elderly folks in the family, we decided to photograph them first so they could return to their cars. I worked quickly, shouting above the roar of the wind: “Move a bit closer!”… “I can’t see you, Alicia!”… “Everyone huddle close now!” Humor worked well and helped ease the pained expressions on everyone’s faces, many with their eyes closing to shut out the blinding snow.
This was a brave group of people who persevered for the sake of a memory that would endure long after this brutal weather was forgotten—a true testament to embracing cold-weather wedding photography.
Snowy Wedding Portraits in the Pines
Courtney, Aaron, and I returned to our cars to warm up a bit before the short drive to the pine forest where the future bride and I met the week before. We walked about 50 yards down the wooded path, where the wind had died down, buffered by the encircling trees, and the blowing snow was reduced to softly falling flakes. Then, the magic happened.
I told the couple to start walking away while interacting. Several times, I beckoned them to turn and look in my direction. They kissed and embraced many times while I snapped away, my camera wrapped in plastic sheeting and now being covered with wet snow.
Ending with Timeless Outdoor Winter Wedding Photos
We finalized our winter wedding photography session with all of us walking back to our cars—me staying ahead the whole time, taking frame after frame—and ended with this iconic visage.
Why Outdoor Winter Wedding Photography Is Worth It
Winter weddings require a little flexibility and a sense of adventure, but the rewards can be extraordinary. With thoughtful planning, a willingness to step outside—if only for a few minutes—and a photographer who understands how to work quickly and creatively in cold conditions, outdoor winter wedding photos can become the most cherished images of the day. Courtney and Aaron’s portraits are proof that even in the heart of winter, beauty, emotion, and unforgettable memories are always within reach.
