Winter Wedding Preview: Trends & Ideas for the Upcoming Season

Photo Credit: Callie Riesling Photography

Spring and summer weddings are beautiful, but winter weddings hold a special place in our hearts at Spruce Mountain Ranch. Something about the warm lights, crackling fire, cozy venues, and gorgeous mountain landscapes create a truly magical experience during Colorado’s chillier months—especially when there’s a fresh blanket of snow on the ground. 

And we’re not alone in our love for winter weddings. 

In recent years, we’ve seen winter-loving couples embrace the season in astounding ways. The results have been truly remarkable! In this blog, we highlight the captivating winter wedding trends that are here to stay.

Dazzling Winter Color Palettes

From traditional Christmas reds and greens to wintry silvers and creamy whites, your winter color palette options are abundant. 

Some of the biggest emerging winter wedding color trends are: 

• Gold & emerald green
• Deep burgundy/merlot & white
• Earthy tones (brown, green, & gold)
• Coffee-shop colors (mocha, cappuccino, & creamy white)

Photo Credit: Callie Riesling Photography

Seasonal Florals & Greenery

Incorporate in-season flowers and greenery to create a unique winter aesthetic. Don't shy away from pine branches, pinecones, and holly berries! Beyond the traditional seasonal greenery, other beautiful winter blooms include:

• Amaranthus
• Amaryllis
• Anemone
• Brunia Berries
• Ginestra
• Hellebore
• Ranunculus
• Star of Bethlehem

Going for a vintage vibe? Experiment with dried flowers, feathers, crystals, and other non-traditional floral arrangement pieces.

Photo Credit: Callie Riesling Photography

Soft-Textured Décor

A winter wedding is the perfect time to break out the velvet, faux fur, and knitted linens. From velvet napkins and drapery to faux fur accents and knitted table runners, softer materials offer an elegant contrast to lush greenery, prickly pine cones, and glowing candlelight.

Photo Credit: Callie Riesling Photography

Homey Get-Ready Amenities

When it comes to winter weddings, personal comfort is key. There’s no better way to set the tone for a truly magical celebration than a warm, inviting lounge area to get dressed, pampered, and mentally prepared for the big day. 

And that’s not to mention the pre-wedding photoshoot potential. 

Think matching bridal party flannel pajamas, coffee in hand, huddled around a fireplace. Or groomsmen gathered around a pool table for some casual competition before heading over to the ceremony venue.

Photo Credit: Callie Riesling Photography

Cozy Wedding Attire & Accessories

Add your personal style and flair to your outfit with a touch of velvet, faux fur, cashmere, or other winter-inspired material. 

For brides and bridesmaids, consider:

• Long-sleeve dresses
• Elegant bridal shawls & coats
• Matching hats, scarves, and mittens

Grooms and groomsmen can mix it up with a velvet or tweed suit or tuxedo.

Photo Credit: Katie Corrine Photography and Erika Peterson Photo (respectively)

Scenic Outdoor Photoshoots

Don't let the cold deter you from outdoor photos. The pictures will be downright AMAZING, especially if there’s a little snow decorating the ground and tree branches. Maybe you’ll even get lucky and it will snow ON your wedding day. 

And if you’re looking for a wedding venue that will look just stunning on a wintry day, Spruce Mountain Ranch is absolutely the way to go. 

Photo Credit: Katie Corrine Photography and Callie Riesling Photography (respectively)

Cozy Ranch Atmosphere

Vintage or rustic wedding themes are all the rage right now—no matter the season. Elevate your winter wedding charm with natural elements like wood, stone, burlap, feathers, dried flowers, wooden barrels, crates, lanterns, and antique metal elements. 

Want to bring your winter wedding to the next level? Choose a venue that offers a cozy cabin-in-the-woods vibe. Spruce Mountain Ranch is beloved by couples for its upscale lodge-style aesthetic, hand-crafted wooden details, magnificent stone fireplaces, and breathtaking mountain ranch backdrops.

Photo Credit: Callie Riesling Photography

Warm, Intimate Lighting

Perhaps the biggest appeal of winter is the warm illumination of homes and greenery decorated for the season. And when you have your wedding in this magical time of year, you can (and should) take full advantage of that décor style. 

A few lighting ideas for your romantic “winter wonderland” wedding: 

• Candle-lined ceremony aisle
• Candlelight ceremony backdrop
• Lanterns fill with fairy lights
• Strung market lights
• Traditional fur trees wrapped in white lights

Remember, if using candlelight or a fireplace, make sure you understand your venue’s rules regarding open flames. To ensure guest safety, many venues limit how you can use traditional candles.

See Spruce Mountain Ranch’s candlelight policy.

Photo Credit: Callie Riesling Photography

Themed Drinks & Cuisine

There’s nothing like drinking a steaming mug of hot cocoa or a plate of soul-warming comfort food on a brisk Colorado night. Over the years, we’ve seen couples have a lot of fun designing tasty winter-inspired menus for their wedding reception. 

Some of the most prominent trends have been: 

• Hot beverage stations: Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and apple cider are all big hits!
• Themed seasonal drinks: Go warm with mulled wine or hot toddies. Or offer guests a refreshing glass of eggnog, sangria, or a DIY signature cocktail.
• Comfort food stations: One of our personal favorites? A gourmet mac & cheese bar.
• Hearty, Colorado-themed cuisine: Think braised short ribs, elk tenderloin, and whiskey-smoked pork.
• Non-traditional s’mores station: Guests can roast marshmallows over the fire—inside!
• Simple “snow-covered” wedding cakes: Consider a “naked” wedding cake topped with dark berries and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Photo Credit: Callie Riesling Photography

Spruce Mountain Ranch: The Perfect Winter Wedding Destination 

All the stunning images in this article showcase real winter weddings at Spruce Mountain Ranch in Larkspur, Colorado. Explore our wedding venues and amenities, or book a tour today to start planning your magical winter celebration.

For more inspiration, visit our gallery page and follow us on social media:

• Instagram
• Pinterest
• Facebook

Read more:

• Modern Wedding Décor Ideas For Any Budget
• How To Enhance Your Guests’ Experience
• Unique Ways to Make Your Wedding Epic & Personal
• 14 Tips for Weddings on a Budget