A winter wedding in the snowy mountains of Colorado is a unique way to say ‘i do’. There is something about the cozy vibes of a winter wedding that make these events special and give guests an experience they will never forget.
As a Crested Butte wedding photographer, I love winter weddings because they have an entirely different feeling than summer celebrations. They tend to feel a little more intimate and adventurous and the snow creates an incredible backdrop for photographs.
But winter weddings in the Colorado mountains also require a little extra planning. If you are interested in a winter wedding in Crested Butte or other Colorado locations, here are a few things to know before choosing your date.
Why Choose a Winter Wedding in Crested Butte?
Crested Butte often receives 30 feet of snow in winter. A blanket of white covers the mountains, while green pines dot the landscape. For those who love adventure- skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snow-cat rides- this is the place for you. You can enjoy an easy ski or snowboard ride down the mountain (in your wedding attire) for some fantastic action shots. Then enjoy an apres-ski drink by the cozy fire wrapped in warm blankets before heading into the ballroom for your wedding event.
What Are Winter Wedding Photos Really Like?
People often worry for outdoor photos in the winter they have to freeze or dress in long -sleeves and furs. This is not true. February and March in Crested Butte are quite warm in the afternoons and create beautiful early evening sunsets. They are totally worth a little chill!
Good planning is the key! Use your photographer and planner to discuss when is the best time for the outdoor photos. Typically the best time of day in the Colorado mountains for winter photos is between 11am-2pm. Your timeline could look something like this:
- Action shots on mountain 12-1:30pm
- Ceremony 2-3pm
- Family photos 3-3:30pm
- Portraits 3:30-4:30pm
- Cocktail hour by fire-pit 4:30-5:30pm
- Dinner and reception 5:30-10pm
What About Colorado Winter Weather?
A winter day in Crested Butte might bring bright blue skies, softly falling snow, heavy snowfall, wind, or rapidly changing conditions. Often these “imperfect” weather conditions are the best to photograph in and make the most unique images.
Keep your guests informed about when they will be outside and what they will need to wear.
- Will they be walking in snow?
- Do they need a change of shoes?
- Coats? Gloves? Hats?
- Do they have time to change from the outdoor ceremony to the indoor reception?
These are important questions to answer for your guests before they travel for your wedding event.
What Should the Couple Wear for Winter Wedding Photos?
You can absolutely wear traditional wedding attire in the snow and it will look amazing! You can always layer under where you can and over in-between your photo locations.
Consider bringing:
- Warm boots that can be hidden underneath your dress
- Thick socks/ tights
- Hand warmers
- A beautiful coat, shawl, cape, or wrap
- Gloves for between photographs
- Traction-friendly shoes for walking between locations
You don’t necessarily need to wear all of these things in your photographs. They’re there to keep you comfortable between shots.
Check out my blog: How to Choose a Wedding Photographer
FAQ Winter Weddings
What is the Best Venue for Winter Wedding in Crested Butte?
The Mountaineer Square Ballroom is a great location for an inside reception with the ski mountain at your fingertips for your outdoor photos. Depending on your guest count for your ceremony there are several outdoor locations that would work for a small ceremony or elopement. Crested Butte has several churches for large religious ceremonies. The Center for the Arts is a great indoor option for a winter wedding with an elevated style compared to the ballrooms.
Check out Best Venues in Crested Butte for more info.
Best Wedding Photo Locations in Crested Butte?
Many of the best photo locations for weddings are hidden gems that only local vendors know of and will be kept secret. But some widely known locations include:
- Emerald Lake
- Chairlift ride up Mt. Crested Butte (perfect for summer or winter weddings)
- Woods Walk
How Much Time Do Wedding Photos Take?
Generally a full day wedding event is 8-10hour long. Elopement events can be much shorter depending on the guest count and locations.
- getting ready photos will take about 60 to 90 minutes
- ceremony will take about 30 to 60 minutes
- family photos will take about 30 minutes
- couple portraits and wedding party will take 60 to 90 minutes
Why Golden Hour Matters for Weddings
The golden hour is a beautiful time of the evening to take pictures. The low light creates magical and dramatic scenes with beautiful sunset colors. This time can be right when the sun is setting and right after the sun has gone below the mountains. It’s an ideal time for some couple photos. Typically the times for each season are as follows:
- Summer: 8-9pm
- Fall: 6:30-7:30pm
- Winter: 3-4pm
Planning a Winter Wedding in Crested Butte?
If you’re dreaming about getting married surrounded by snowy mountains, I’d love to help you plan the photography side of your day.
Whether you’re planning a traditional wedding, an intimate micro-wedding, or an adventurous winter elopement, I can help you think through locations, lighting, timelines, accessibility, and how to get beautiful photographs without spending your entire wedding day posing for the camera.
Crested Butte is my home, and knowing the area makes it possible to adjust when mountain weather, snow, road conditions, or light don’t behave exactly the way we planned.
Because in Colorado, sometimes Plan B ends up creating the best photographs of the entire day.
Looking for a Crested Butte winter wedding photographer?
Reach out to Third Eye Photography to tell me what you’re dreaming up. I’d love to hear about your wedding plans and help you create a winter wedding experience—and photographs—that actually feel like you.
