The charm of a winter wedding is undeniable – the cozy atmosphere, the allure of snowy landscapes, and the romance of candlelit ceremonies. However, planning a winter wedding comes with its unique set of challenges, and one of the most crucial elements is crafting a timeline that ensures your special day unfolds seamlessly, capturing the magic of the season. 

Winter weddings are a delightful choice for many couples, offering a more intimate and budget-friendly setting. The venues exude a cozy vibe, often adorned with twinkle lights and candles, creating a romantic atmosphere that is truly one-of-a-kind. Plus, the potential for stunning snowy wedding photos adds an extra layer of excitement to your celebration.

Creating a comprehensive wedding timeline is paramount for any wedding, but it becomes even more crucial for winter celebrations. The primary factor at play? The limited daylight hours. With the sun setting early, typically around 5 pm or just after, careful planning is essential to make the most of the available light for your cherished photos.

Here are our key considerations for crafting your winter wedding timeline:

1. Ceremony Timing: We always recommend a 4PM ceremony time, especially for winter weddings. Not only does this timing align with the 5 hours of bar service pouring time that each couple receives with their wedding package, but it also fits in perfectly for sunset photos immediately after the ceremony. During this season, our couples must be prepared to miss the cocktail hour as they’ll be chasing the sunset before entering into the reception.
2. Formal Photos: For winter weddings, we always recommend a first look. Being able to snag formal photos before the ceremony, especially photos of the wedding parties, families, and of course the couple, allows the sunset photos to focus solely on the bride and groom! 
3. Optimal Lighting: They say that the WNC mountains glimmer differently at certain points of the day, and we can confidently say this is 100% true. Chestnut Ridge mountain photos turn out differently from pre-sunset to sunset, meaning the mountains can look green if photos are taken before ceremony (during the first look!) and then they look totally different once orange glows begin from the sunset. This is huge because our CR couples essentially get two different looks for their photos!
4. Winter Weather Pavilion: Our Ceremony Chapel is weather controlled, meaning you don’t need a plan B for any type of weather. Your guests will feel comfortable and warm inside, while still being able to enjoy all of the outside views!

Crafting a winter wedding timeline at Chestnut Ridge requires thoughtful consideration of the available light, your ceremony preferences, and the unique atmosphere you want to create. Whether you opt for golden hour photos or decide to embrace the artistry of colored flash, the key is to align your choices with the vision you have for your special day. Remember, the light may be fleeting, but the memories captured will last a lifetime. Embrace the enchantment of winter, and let Chestnut Ridge be the backdrop to your unforgettable love story.