Winter weddings are a popular choice for couples who love the cosy, magical vibe of the season. London has a huge offering of charming community venues perfect for a festive wedding celebration.

Here’s everything you need to know to make your winter wedding magical, including tips on planning, trending inspirations, and our top winter wedding venues in London.

Why Choose a Winter Wedding?

Winter weddings can create a romantic atmosphere, where the charm of historical architecture and cosy interiors lend a unique look to your big day. Winter weddings are typically more budget-friendly than a peak season wedding, and you also get to enjoy the enchanting feel of seasonal decorations and magical lighting.

Top Tips for Planning Your London Winter Wedding

1. Pick a Winter Wedding Venue near you with Character

Choose a community venue with built-in charm to take advantage of natural features like fireplaces, arched roofs, rich woodwork, or grand windows. London has many hidden gems perfect for a winter wedding, and using Sharesy, you can explore local venues that offer an intimate vibe with great facilities for entertaining.

Suggested Venues: Explore spaces like The Amadeus in Little Venice, known for its warm wood beams and characterful architecture, or Refettorio Felix, which boasts elegance in a calm and welcoming space.

2. Embrace Seasonal Decor

Winter weddings are perfect for embracing a rich, seasonal colour palette of deep reds, forest greens, and metallics like gold and silver. Enhance the warmth of the season by decorating with plenty of fairy lights, and velvet drapery for added richness. Seasonal greenery like eucalyptus or winter berries also makes beautiful, cost-effective additions to floral arrangements.

Decor Tip: Incorporate seasonal fruits like pomegranates or figs into your decor to add a natural pop of colour. Venues like The Crypt on the Green with its vaulted ceilings, parquet flooring and exposed brickwork, this historic Crypt is a magnificent and unique venue in the heart of London that is perfect for a winter wedding.

3. Plan for the Weather

London’s winter weather can be unpredictable, so consider offering warming options like an indoor hot chocolate station for guests. Ensure that your venue has reliable heating or that outdoor areas are equipped with heaters to keep everyone comfortable.

Pro Tip: Choose a venue with great indoor photo spots to capture memorable moments without the need to brave the cold! The Heritage & Arts Centre Church Hall offers a spacious, grand indoor setting perfect for amazingly atmospheric photos.

4. Opt for Hearty, Festive Catering

Winter weddings are perfect for offering comfort food with a gourmet twist. Consider serving seasonal dishes like roasted meats, winter vegetables, or a warming soup starter. For drinks, think about a festive cocktail bar with mulled wine, hot toddies, or spiced cider.

Catering Trend: Interactive food stations are gaining popularity! Work with your caterer to offer DIY dessert tables with options like mini pies, chocolate fondue, or even a s’mores bar if the venue allows. If you don't have a sweet tooth, maybe a savoury s'more will be a good choice.

5. Create a Cosy Dress Code

Encourage your guests to dress warmly by letting them know they’re welcome to wear formal coats or even gloves to ensure they stay comfortable. Consider adding a cosy lounge area with vintage furniture or blankets, creating an inviting space for guests to relax during the reception.

Bridal Inspiration: Winter weddings call for heavier fabrics, long sleeves, and luxurious textures like velvet or satin. Brides and bridesmaids can look stunning and stay warm by layering with faux fur wraps, cosy shawls, or chic capes.

Trending Winter Wedding Inspirations for 2024

Winter weddings are moving toward rich, immersive themes that celebrate the season’s beauty. Here are some trending inspirations to help make your wedding feel fresh and magical:

Moody Romantic Lighting

Soft, ambient lighting continues to be on-trend for winter weddings, adding a romantic glow that feels especially magical during winter months. Use a combination of pillar candles, lanterns, and fairy lights to create layers of warm light throughout the venue.

Eco-Friendly Winter Florals

This season, couples are opting for sustainable floral options, incorporating locally grown winter foliage, dried flowers, and greenery. Pampas grass, eucalyptus, and even winter berries create a beautifully natural look, reducing the carbon footprint while enhancing the winter aesthetic.

Vintage Glamour

Many couples are opting for a vintage look, drawing on old-world charm with touches like vintage lace, antique silver accents, and art deco-inspired designs.

Venues with historic architecture, like The Fitzrovia Chapel, create the perfect backdrop for a vintage-inspired winter celebration. This Grade II-listed venue, once the chapel of the former Middlesex Hospital and now beautifully preserved and restored, is a stunning hidden gem in the heart of the city.

Personalised Winter Favours

Consider giving your guests personalised winter-themed favours like mini bottles of spiced liqueur, scented candles, or handmade hot chocolate kits. These little touches will ensure they remember your wedding long after the day ends.

Finding the Perfect Venue on Sharesy

Finding a venue in London can feel overwhelming, but Sharesy offers a variety of affordable, community-centred spaces with the charm you want for a winter wedding.

Planning a winter wedding in London can be an enchanting experience, especially when you know where to find the perfect venue and how to make the most of the season’s natural charm.