Winter wedding tips for your perfect barn celebration
Winter has it’s own magical charm: frost covered grass, crisp air, soft light and a warm cosy atmosphere you simply can’t recreate at any other time of year. With thoughtful planning and a few practical decisions, couples can create a day that feels warm, inviting and perfectly seasonal.
Capella Photography & Stories Event hire
Get the lighting right
Daylight is more limited in winter months, so timing is everything.
If natural outdoor photos are a priority, plan for an earlier ceremony to make the most of the soft winter light.
We always recommend having an early conversation with your photographer about the structure of the day. Agreeing on timings upfront means there’s no rush, and you can take full advantage of our indoor and outdoor backdrops, from the beautiful courtyard to the warm backdrop of the barns.
What if the weather turns? The barns offer more than enough space to capture atmospheric indoor shots too.
Lean into the season: warm, cosy and atmospheric
Winter weddings are all about warmth, visually and physically.
Candles, layered textures, rich florals and soft lighting go a long way in creating an inviting atmosphere.
Our Prop Shop offers several lighting options that elevate the barns beautifully in winter, including fairy lights that add instant warmth and sparkle. Combined with the natural character of the barns, it creates a setting that feels timeless.
Festive touches…without going full Christmas (unless you want to!)
There are so many directions you can go in, and winter doesn’t have to mean Christmas if you don’t want it to. Think subtle seasonal foliage, deep winter tones, soft metallic accents, wreath style centrepieces and winter inspired tablescapes. The barns’ exposed beams and backdrop of natural materials work perfectly with understated winter styling.
Image: Bethany Smith Photography
Seasonal drinks and canapes
Winter is the season for comforting flavours and crowd pleasers! Ideas that always land well include mulled wine or cider, winter themes cocktails with citrus, spice and darker spirits, and warm canapes of familiar favourites like mini Yorkshire puddings, rich arancini and seasonal produce.
Our recommended caterers are incredibly flexible and love designing seasonal menus. If you are thinking of going bespoke, winter is a fantastic season to be creative with flavours.
Create snug spaces
Winter weddings are the perfect excuse to add a layer of styling or a fun interactive element.
Cosy lounge areas complete with blankets, cushions and soft lighting give guests somewhere to settle between moments. They also help to create a warm, intimate feel throughout the barns.
A hot chocolate station is another winner, especially once the evening draws in. Go all in with a fully styled station overflowing with marshmallows, whipped cream, flavoured syrups and maybe even a bottle of Baileys!
Stephen Walker Photography
Prepare for wind and rain
Good winter wedding planning isn’t about fearing the weather, it’s about planning and controlling what you can.
At The Granary Estates, you have the advantage of multiple indoor and covered spaces that ensure guests stay comfortable regardless of what’s happening outside.
Some quick, practical tips include umbrellas for your photos (don’t worry we always have some to hand), a second pair of shoes if you want to explore the grounds with your photographer, talking through all of the indoor options ahead of time with your photographer and building in a little buffer into your timeline in case weather slows things down.
One of the most popular options is our Fire Pit Package, which creates a natural gathering point outside while keeping guests warm. It’s ideal for toasting marshmallows as well!
A winter wedding with us at The Granary Estates offers plenty of indoor space, atmosphere and warmth. With the right lighting, smart scheduling, seasonal food and drink, and a few carefully chosen styling choices, couples can create a day that feels both beautifully wintery and deeply personal.
If you're planning a winter celebration, this is your season to make the barns shine.
