What do I wear for an outdoor winter wedding?

Whether you're tying the knot in an outdoor ceremony or anticipate taking photos with a snowy backdrop, it's best to dress in layers. Try pairing a long-sleeved gown with a wrap or faux fur jacket for an enchanting look.

How do I take picturesque bridal portraits in the snow?

This is where a professional photographer comes in handy. While the bright white of a fresh snowfall could create washed-out, overexposed photos, your wedding photographer will be able to handle the lighting for perfect portraits.

Beautiful Winter Wedding Dresses Worn by Real Brides

Winter bride in the snow — Photo by Danielle DeFiore

The summer months may steal the wedding spotlight, but when it comes to providing a stunning backdrop for bridal style and beauty, winter months take the cake—just look at these dreamy winter brides!

Not to mention all of the swoon-worthy accessories (and the deep, sensual color schemes of rich berries, warm ambers, and glittering golds) you have at your disposal. Whether it's a festive red lip or a seasonal flower crown of evergreens, winter brings a myriad of options to steal for your wedding-day look. But proceed with caution, these looks may have you completely rethinking your summertime shindig and opting for a cool and moody celebration in the later months.

Need some inspiration for your own wintry fête? Browse through the 20 cold-weather beauties below.

01 of 20

A Winter Wonderland

Bride and groom embrace in snow — PHOTO BY LAUREN NEELY PHOTOGRAPHY; PLANNING BY 3ELEVEN EVENTS

It doesn't get much more dreamy than this picture-perfect moment captured on camera. Everything from the bride's elegant open-back dress and the couple's sweet embrace to the enchanting snowy backdrop is giving us chills.

While the temperatures may be frightful, don't let that stop you from selecting a sleeveless or backless gown. With the right accessories (a fur coat and earmuffs), you can easily bundle up during an outdoor session.

02 of 20

A Vintage Snowscape

Newlyweds in the snow — Photo by Travis J Photography

Is there a better winter wedding accessory than snowflakes in your hair? We didn't think so. Although this bride's berry-hued lip certainly also complements her long-sleeve, winter-appropriate lace wedding dress to a tee. We're getting some major vintage vibes here.

03 of 20

Bring Props

A bride with an umbrella in the snow — PHOTO BY LAUREN NEELY PHOTOGRAPHY; PLANNING BY 3ELEVEN EVENTS

When looking back at your wedding day, you'll be glad that you asked your photographer to capture candid moments like this. In between photos, don't hesitate to reach for an umbrella to help protect your tresses from the elements.

04 of 20

An Ethereal Dream

Winter bride wearing a flower crown — Photo by Maggie Grace Photography

This bride looked absolutely ethereal in her romantic flower crown and illusion lace wedding dress surrounded by a silvery mountainous landscape and icy waters. We love how the bold colors of her lush bouquet pop against the glistening white snow, injecting some warmth into the look.

05 of 20

A Cool-Girl White Wedding

Newlyweds Kissing — Photo by Laura Gordon

There's no cooler (pun intended) way to top a wedding dress than with a fuzzy jacket. Not only does it keep out the winter chill, but it makes you irresistibly soft and touchable. The white topper gorgeous contrasts with this bride's feminine glittering reception dress and glossy chignon.

06 of 20

Mixed-Metal Minimalism

Bride and colorful coat — Photo by Danielle DeFiore

This bride's long, luxe coat kept her cozy on her blustery big day. The modern pattern and metallic threading were totally eye-catching, and the white accents complemented her sleek, minimalist wedding dress. She continued the modern bridal theme by pulling back her hair in a no-fuss, simple updo and accessorizing with a clutch and metallic silver shoes.

07 of 20

A Winter Romance

Winter bride wearing a stunning lace illusion back gown — Photo by Tatyana Chaiko

How romantic is this bride's classic wedding dress with a lace illusion back and sleeves? The gown's full, fluffy train looks like snow itself, while the bride's glamorous hairpiece even resembles freshly fallen snowflakes in her hair. She is a porcelain vision before the gray facade behind her. We've got chills.

08 of 20

A Whimsical Winter Wedding

Groom hugs bride with red berry crown — Photo by Jadie Jo Photography

Enchanted forests get snow, too, and this bride nailed the look without going overboard. Winged eyeliner and a bold berry lip framed by full fringe and textured tendrils are all festive glam. A crown of seasonal red berries, complete with minimal greenery and wood accents, makes a beautiful statement in a way that no veil can.

09 of 20

A Sweater Topper

Newlyweds with bridal party — Photo by Carrie Patterson Photography

How sweet is this bride's sweater? It's such a unique, relaxed way to keep warm at an outdoor winter ceremony while still looking wedding appropriate. She couldn't look cozier—or chicer for that matter. An ideal choice for laid-back brides looking to stave off the first chills of the season.

10 of 20

It's All in the Accessories

Winter bride wearing a faux fur wrap — Photo by Laura Gordon

There's no better time to accessorize and bring out all the glam than when the temperatures drop. This ivory silk gown already made for a stunning vision with a jaw-dropping fitted silhouette complete with a train primed for some epic portrait shots. But this ensemble transforms into pure perfection once topped with a winter-white faux fur wrap and an icy crystal hairpin that gives the illusion of frosty dew drops.

11 of 20

Get Cozy

Winter bride bundled up in a plush fur stole — Photo by David Salim

Doesn't this look just radiate old-world European elegance? This bride bundled up against the lakeside elements with a plush fur stole wrapped over her gorgeous A-line gown of delicate lace but still left her flowing veil unobstructed. We love how the silvery hues of the wrap blend perfectly with the foggy surroundings of the venue.

12 of 20

A Pristinely Monochromatic Look

Winter bride in a white custom-made gown — Photo by ESTHER S YI

City brides, take note! This bride was the epitome of chic in her pristine, monochromatic look. Her crepe column gown was custom-made to show off her growing baby bump and featured a plunging neckline and intricate button detailing on the back. She accessorized with dramatic earrings and a showstopping bouquet of orchids for her December wedding in NYC.

13 of 20

A Vision in Lace

Leave it to Glee's Becca Tobin to rock a winter wedding look like no other. Her Odylyne the Ceremony wedding dress featured off-the-shoulder lace sleeves to brace the chill when she and her newly minted husband went outside to toast their nuptials. Winter wedding bonus: The Champagne can be naturally chilled.

14 of 20

A Furry Pack

Bride and bridesmaids with faux fur wraps — Photo by Laura Gordon

Who doesn't love a faux fur wrap for a winter wedding? This bride and her entire wedding party definitely seem to approve. She topped her wedding dress with a white fuzzy wrap and had her bridesmaids keep warm in similar gray toppers.

Let your bridesmaids' personalities shine through by letting them select a bridal topper. From faux fur coats to cashmere shawls, the options are endless.

15 of 20

Winter Whiteout

Winter bride wearing a demure wedding dress — Photo by Corrina Walker Photography

Minimalism is always a beautiful bridal style for winter weddings, due to the stunning surroundings dusted in snow. This dreamy dress is no exception with its demure neckline and those little hints of lace on the shoulders and sleeves. This bride even kept things gorgeously monochromatic, thanks to her muted bundle of blooms.

16 of 20

Festive Flair

Festive holiday photos featuring bride and groom — Photo by Angela Lauren Company

Why not channel a winter wonderland for your December nuptials? This couple, plus their entire wedding party in tow, successfully captured the magic of the season. The bride's dreamy tulle gown looked stunning with the sparkling snowflake décor and holiday lights glistening in the background. Even the bridesmaids showed up in an array of complementary red and burgundy gowns for the perfect photo-op.

17 of 20

First Snowfall

Bride and groom pose for photos in the snow — Photo by Shalae Byrd Photography

There's something incredibly magical about the first snowfall of the year, especially when it happens on your wedding day. A true snow princess, this bride couldn't have looked more gorgeous—to stay warm, she layered her ball gown with a fuzzy white topper. Despite freezing temperatures, this couple was all smiles as they embraced the snowy scene.

18 of 20

Snowy Mountains

Location, location, location! This bride and groom couldn't have selected a more picturesque mountain to enhance their wedding photos. Set among a snowy Utah backdrop, the bride wows in an elegant lace gown and gray fur coat. Together, the scale of the mountains and the couple's silhouette set the scene for a compelling shot.

19 of 20

City Hall Elopement

There's nothing quite like a sweet city hall elopement to warm our hearts on a chilly January day. Despite frigid temperatures, the bride rocked a minimalist white sheath dress with casual sneakers (anchored by a camel coat for extra warmth). We love the bride's natural-looking makeup and windswept waves.

20 of 20

Intimate Wedding in the Mountains

This couple said "I do" to an intimate at-home wedding in the mountains of Colorado at their family's lodge. For the chic affair, the bride wore a long-sleeve velvet gown, which she accessorized with a white stole and sparkly statement earrings. The groom looked dapper in a custom black velvet jacket and black alligator cowboy boots.

FAQ

What do I wear for an outdoor winter wedding?

Whether you're tying the knot in an outdoor ceremony or anticipate taking photos with a snowy backdrop, it's best to dress in layers. Try pairing a long-sleeved gown with a wrap or faux fur jacket for an enchanting look.
How do I take picturesque bridal portraits in the snow?

This is where a professional photographer comes in handy. While the bright white of a fresh snowfall could create washed-out, overexposed photos, your wedding photographer will be able to handle the lighting for perfect portraits.

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