Outside Winter Ceremony

@Jessie 'So we left before the reception with our regrets'

What did you say to the couple? Did you tell them you weren't sticking around because of the gap?

Try to find an indoor space with lots of Windows so you see the outdoors. Our ceremony space has a wall of windows that we will stand in front of when we say our vows so pictures look outdoors.

Natalie, why are you sticking up for this? Most of us have limited free time, limited dollars to spend on being a guest, and limited enthusiasm for being uncomfortable in the name of Pinterest. There is nothing here to defend.

I've done several weddings like this (not the one in my last photo) where literally half the guests refused to come outside. Great way to celebrate, right? nope.

@Celia I'm not.

How about you select a venue with a view where your guests can watch you and FH get married outside? You'll have to find an officiant who doesn't mind being in the freezing cold though. Or you could just elope somewhere where this would be common...

I was bummed about a December wedding in SC so, I wouldnt be pleased...

Anyone with arthritis (this disease can strike anyone, not just the elderly ) or with chronic pain conditions (invisible disability ) would really suffer at an outdoor winter ceremony. They would also suffer from the after-effects, not just go home and call it a day like healthier guests can . Having the photos outside (keeping the comfort of the WP in mind ) is a much better option.

I absolutely love this idea as a bride but as a guest nope. I would not want to be sitting outside in 20 degree weather watching people get married. It would feel like time was standing still until finally the I do's are said. The worst would be if it's windy that day then the heaters wouldn't be much help.

Yes, i would hate it. I have enemia and the cold hurts me. As it will your older guests. Make sure to keep it short and sweet as to not make people freeze to long

I agree with previous posters. Try to find a nice "lodge like" venue with big windows to incorporate the snowy/winter vibe you're going for. I love frolicing around in the snow with FH and our dogs, but for about 10 minutes, in all out winter gear. Wouldn't care for it in formal wear at all. But you can do a lot with your vision inside. Good luck!

No way! I would complain the whole time. Have it inside and then just take some pics outside

I'm sorry but yes. This would be a "I can't believe they did that it was awful" moment. I would definitely tell my friends later and whenever the subject of bad wedding stories got brought up for years to come I would always tell the story of how I froze my ass off at an outside JANUARY wedding. It sounds miserable. Please don't do this.

And odds are you wouldn't even get the snow you want. It will probably just be freaking cold. Dreary. With your guests not paying attention because they are shivering wondering when will this thing be over so I can go inside. Or it could be sleeting. Or you could get your snow and your guests will still be miserable wondering omg when can I go inside.

And as a girl there are not good winter wedding clothes. I don't even know what I would wear to an outdoor wedding in January that would be half warm enough.

I would leave. You shouldn't put your vision over the comfort of your guests. I would rather go have a nice dinner with FH rather than freeze my ass off just so you can have some pretty pictures.

Could you get married at a ski resort in a lodge with floor to ceiling windows? That way you still have the beautiful snowy backdrop (and can take photos outside to your heart's delight) but still keep your guests warm and happy.

Sorry, nope. Would not sit outside and freeze through a ceremony. I think other suggestions of an indoor ceremony with outdoor pictures of the two of you sounds like a good plan. Comfort of your guests is more important than your vision.

I would not be able to attend this ceremony. I have a condition (that only my closest friends and family know about, because it's so odd) where I will swell up and break out in hives if I'm out in the cold for too long. Like I can't go skiing (I know, first world problem, but just stating it as an example) or walk out in the snow for very long. Hell, my tongue swells up if I eat ice cream, it's how we found out about this when I was a child. And then coming out of the cold and into warmth is actually very painful for me.

Find alternatives to making the cold and snow part of your wedding. I would definitely talk about this in the "I can't believe they did this" way.

My cousin had an outside ceremony by the lake when it was just north of freezing. My aunt brought blankets for the family to share and still the only thing i can remember from the ceremony was how i couldn't feel my toes. Which i hated, because the ceremony is my favorite part!

I love the idea of engagement pictures or pictures after the ceremony in the snow while your guests enjoy cocktail hour. Would make for some beautiful pictures!

Sorry, but most likely this would be one of those situation where I would talk crap behind the couple's back. Formal clothing is generally not warm for women and I hate being cold.

Nope. I'm sorry - but if this is how you must have your ceremony, you should do it privately and have a reception indoors. Guests will not enjoy this.