Baby it’s cold outside. Why winter weddings are wonderful

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September through March is often considered to be the height of wedding season when the weather is (fingers crossed) warm and sunny. The warmer months mean green grass, full trees, beach views and (if you’re lucky) less chance of rain.

Balmy weather and sunshine aside, winter weddings are becoming increasingly popular, especially since marrying off-peak can be more affordable than holding your dream wedding during summer or spring. We’ve pulled together a list of the reasons why you should consider saying ‘I Do’ when it’s cold outside.

Romantic evenings

With shorter days you can start your evening party that bit sooner which means you have longer to enjoy it. Dress up your venue and get the atmosphere going from the moment dusk sets in. Use fairy lights to create a whimsical setting or candles to light a walkway outside. If you’re lucky your venue might have an open fireplace or outdoor brazier.

Enhance your wedding photos

An overcast sky always makes for better photos than sunny days. Romantic outdoor images are enhanced by autumn leaves and bare trees contrasted against the sky.

Winter skies create a dramatic backdrop for wedding photographs. Images from Wild Romantic Photography

More wedding venue availability

If you’ve set your heart on a particular venue, you’ll probably find it easier to get a Saturday date in winter, and mid-week bookings are even easier. Your guests will also find it easier to get accommodation locally and may decide to have a mini mid-winter break as a result. Melbourne is arguably the most exciting Australian city to visit during winter with its many festivals, spectator sport and cosy cafes and restaurants.

Make your money go further with a winter wedding

Winter is not considered to be peak wedding season so you may find that your suppliers will have more availability and may even offer off-peak rates. Why not take advantage of Peter Rowland’s special winter wedding rates where you’ll save up to 20% on wedding packages at Rippon Lea and Butler Lane. See details below.

Save up to 20% on Peter Rowland’s winter wedding packages

Enjoy a winter wedding feast

Cold weather calls for a menu that is warm and comforting. Peter Rowland Group Executive Chef Matthew Haigh says “Couples who are celebrating the most important day of their lives naturally want everything to be perfect and the food needs to look as good as it tastes”. A popular winter wedding menu this year has included an entrée of pressed duck leg with a truffled bean croquette and apple ketchup followed by a main of slow cooked wagyu brisket with salt baked celeriac, foraged mushroom ragout and crisp parsnip. Dessert is where things get really pretty with a steamed almond sponge, textures of mandarin and white chocolate snow.

On the menu: lamb rack with crushed pea, goats cheese and beetroot and for dessert pink peppercorn pavlova with lemon curd, charred pineapple, raspberries and coconut. And of course, champagne

Winter weddings at Butler Lane

Located in Richmond, Butler Lane is popular with couples looking for a venue with cool, urban vibe. The converted warehouse space provides the perfect contemporary backdrop and is also fully heated. The leafy courtyard has a green wall which remains fresh and green throughout the colder months and provides an optional outdoor space with the addition of an open fire pit and mood lighting. Butler Lane offers winter wedding menu packages starting from $161 per person with minimum spend of 120 guests.

The green wall in the courtyard at Butler Lane stays fresh and verdant throughout the colder months

Winter weddings at Rippon Lea

Rippon Lea’s famous gardens are stunning during the colder months when the trees are bare and the lawns are decorated with fallen leaves. Peter Rowland have winter wedding packages starting from $135 per person (required minimum spend is 120 people) which provides access to the gardens, famous art deco ballroom and undercover fully heated pool terrace.