The Growth of the Winter Wedding

As the UK wedding calendar becomes more crowded during peak summer, an increasing number of couples are embracing the magic of off-season nuptials. 

Stats from Pinterest show searches for winter wedding inspiration are on the up, mirrored by Gloucestershire wedding venue Elmore Courts’s own rise in wedding bookings between November and March by 20% over the last three years.

Elmore Court, the 13th-century family estate located on the edge of the Cotswolds near the city of Gloucester, cites reasons for this trend ranging from sustainability, affordability and the growing appeal of the cosiness of a winter atmosphere with misty mornings, roaring fires and candlelit feasts replacing the pressure of chasing the perfect weather during summer.

The allure of winter

“Winter weddings are no longer the back-up plan,” says Anselm Guise, owner of Elmore Court. “They’re becoming the first choice for so many couples who want to create something truly memorable. There’s a magic in a candlelit gathering that feels far more special than worrying about whether it’s going to be sunny.”

At Elmore, the historic court comes alive in winter: guests arrive to flickering fires in the Hall and glowing ceremonies followed by receptions in The Gillyflower, the venue’s striking event space built from rammed earth, as it transforms into a twinkling party den as night falls.

“The Gillyflower is built of earth and timber from the estate, rooted in nature but capable of incredible transformation being designed for sound and light with our high-tech system transforming it into any mood required at the touch of a button. Winter light gives us a blank canvas to work with and whilst you are surrounded by nature the experience is pure theatre inside,’ Guise added.

A venue for all seasons

More couples are making choices led by their passion for sustainability which is at the heart of everything Elmore is about, from the materials used to construct the venue, to the estate’s nature recovery programme. The ‘rewilding’ project started in 2020 when Anselm Guise made the decision to set 250 acres of land aside, moving away from intensive crop growing, leaving nature to do its thing, with a further 200 acres added since.

Then followed the opening of luxury eco treehouses in 2023 allowing guests to stay at the heart of these rewilding lands and enjoy ranger led safaris on the estate and wild swim/sauna sessions at Madam’s Pond, a spring fed lake. These experiences are particularly special during the winter months.

Why winter weddings work

Elmore Court has identified eight key reasons why winter weddings are on the up and how they are becoming just as coveted as the traditional summer season.

    Atmosphere – candlelight and roaring fires create a mood that sunshine can’t replicate.
    Style - Jewel tones, velvets, and seasonal florals bring richness and depth to winter styling
    Fashion – elevated moments such as gloves, textures, capes and long sleeves
    Food & Drink – winter menus can be indulgent by design, from spiced cocktails to venison and roasted vegetables from the estate’s kitchen garden
    Contrasts – misty mornings and invigorating cold water dips and sauna sessions for guests 
    Availability - more dates, less stress and flexibility for couples.
    Affordability – both venue hire and supplier costs are generally lower in the off-season months 
    Photography - winter light is cinematic and the house itself is the ultimate backdrop with the use of early dusk, frost and mist all added to the drama 

“Our couples are looking for experiences that feel personal and atmospheric,” adds Sarah Evans, Head of Marketing. “Winter gives you that - it’s indulgent, it’s intimate and it’s unforgettable.”

2026 wedding trends to watch

Elmore has also published a feature on what they feel the key wedding trends are for 2026 including bold and unique fashion statements, smaller weddings, choices based on sustainability and DIY glam. Find out more at  www.elmorecourt.com/journal/weddings-in-2026-trends-we-re-loving/