Winter Wedding Photography Tips in NYC and Surrounding States

Winter weddings are becoming increasingly popular in New York City and surrounding states, offering a magical, snowy backdrop that adds elegance and romance to any wedding album. Capturing the beauty of a winter wedding, however, requires special preparation. Here are our top tips for creating stunning winter wedding photos in NYC, New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond.

1. Embrace the Season's Unique Beauty

Winter provides a unique aesthetic for wedding photography, with snowy landscapes, festive decorations, and moody skies. Use the season to your advantage by choosing locations that highlight these winter elements. In NYC, places like Central Park and the New York Public Library transform into winter wonderlands. Nearby, places like Princeton University in New Jersey and Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania also provide beautiful backdrops.

2. Dress for the Weather

Winter weddings in the northeast can be chilly, so dressing warmly is essential for you and your wedding party. Consider adding stylish layers, like faux fur shawls, scarves, or coats, to stay comfortable and elegant. Coordinating these layers with your wedding attire can add a touch of sophistication to your photos.

3. Use Natural Light

Winter days are shorter, and natural light can be limited. Plan your photoshoot around midday to capture the brightest light, or embrace the soft glow of golden hour for romantic, wintery images. If you’re shooting after sunset, consider incorporating city lights or festive holiday lights, especially in NYC where streets and landmarks are often decorated beautifully in winter.

4. Plan for Indoor and Outdoor Shots

While outdoor shots in snowy settings can be breathtaking, it’s also important to plan indoor photo options. Venues like the Plaza Hotel in NYC or historic buildings in Connecticut offer beautiful indoor locations for winter wedding photos. Having both indoor and outdoor locations allows you to capture a variety of shots and stay warm when needed.

5. Include Seasonal Details

Embrace winter themes by incorporating seasonal elements into your decor and photos. Pinecones, holiday lights, and winter flowers add texture and warmth to your wedding photos. If there’s snow on the ground, consider throwing snow for a playful, magical effect, or using blankets as props for cozy couple shots.

6. Work with an Experienced Winter Wedding Photographer

Winter photography presents unique challenges, from lighting adjustments to weather considerations. A photographer with experience in winter weddings will know how to work with the season's conditions to create stunning images. At Elysian Frames, we have extensive experience in winter wedding photography, from NYC’s snowy streets to cozy indoor settings in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

7. Capture Candid Moments

Winter weddings are full of special, cozy moments. Capture candid shots of guests warming up with hot drinks, the couple bundled up, and joyful moments in the snow. These small moments bring warmth and authenticity to your winter wedding album.

Final Thoughts

Winter weddings in NYC and nearby states provide a unique opportunity for beautiful, seasonal photos that capture the romance of the colder months. With thoughtful preparation and the help of a professional photographer, you can create a winter wedding album that feels magical and timeless. Contact Elysian Frames to learn how we can help capture the beauty of your winter wedding in New York and beyond.