Are you considering getting married in New York’s Central Park during the Winter? Perhaps you want to be in New York for all of the holiday events and see the Christmassy displays everywhere in the city, and you want to get married when it’s your favorite season. So many people tell me that they have always wanted a winter wedding. Perhaps you have seen photos of Central Park looking stunningly beautiful in the winter time, with the bare trees, fewer people in the park, bright blue skies, and sometimes; snow. Sometimes, lots of snow! Perhaps you don’t like hot weather and you prefer the cold, or perhaps winter is just a better time for you to get married for so many reasons. December is one of our most popular months for weddings in New York, and many come to get married in January and February for greater chance of snow. And of course February brings Valentine’s Day weddings. But is Winter really the right time for you to get married in Central Park?
Firstly, let’s be real about the weather. Winters in New York can be quite cold. January and February especially, sometimes into March; it can be very cold in New York. We’ve seen some unseasonably warm Decembers recently. Like everywhere, New York experiences seasonal variations that can differ from year to year. Some winters are harsher, some are milder. Snowfall is also uncertain; while you can’t be entirely sure if or when it will snow, January and February often bring a good chance of it. When snow does fall, it transforms Central Park into a truly breathtaking scene. Renowned for its beauty no matter the season, Central Park becomes especially magical under a blanket of snow, and it you like snow and you’re prepared for it, you will capture some incredible wedding photos in a snowy Central Park.
If you’re planning to get married in the Winter, then this is probably the time of year when you will need to give the greatest consideration to what you will wear. The ground in NYC will likely be wet during the Winter, and the city is pretty dirty, so keep that in mind when choosing shoes and a dress – a long white dress will pick up the dirt. Perhaps you could choose two pairs of shoes – an indoor pair and an outdoor pair, or make a feature of it and where some glamourous boots. Some of our couples have exchanged their vows while wearing coats, only removing them later for posed photographs. Others choose to purchase a special coat or faux fur shrug just for the day. One bride told me that she wore thermal layers beneath her wedding dress to stay warm.
I think the iconic backdrop of the trees of Central Park with the buildings behind them looks even more striking in the wintertime, because there are no leaves on the trees to restrict the view of the buildings behind. In early December, there are still some autumnal colors left in the park, so if you time it right you can get the best of both worlds.
Photographers tell me that couples should avoid scheduling their wedding ceremonies during the middle of a sunny summer day, as the intense light can create challenges for capturing optimal photos. However, this time frame is often preferred because it aligns with the broader plans people typically organize around a wedding celebration. If you get married in the winter, the midday light tends to be softer and more flattering, which can work well with a traditional wedding day schedule. That said, keep in mind that winter days in New York are shorter, and the sun sets earlier. You’ll need to decide whether you want to move indoors by sunset, as temperatures will drop, or take advantage of the fading daylight with outdoor photos during golden hour.
When it comes to photographs, you may want to limit the time that you spend outdoors taking photos. You may want to take some shots in some of the more iconic indoor public spaces in New York, or have the photographer accompany you inside your hotel or a bar or restaurant where you’re celebrating to take photos of you and your guests in that setting as well as in a frosty Central Park. Some couples have got married with us, taken some photos around Central Park, and then had a horse and carriage ride afterwards, with a cosy blanket over their legs. It’s a great way to get some quiet alone time for the couple.
Of course there’s lots going on in New York during December. If you want to be in NYC to see the holiday displays then this could be ideal for a festive December wedding, with photos with Christmas trees and so on. But the city is very busy in December. Things are much quieter in January and February, so if you enjoy the colder weather, and want to see New York with a little more space, then this might be the ideal time for you to get married. Guests may prefer a trip in January or February, after the chaos of the holidays is over.
If you would like me to help you with your own Central Park wedding, or if you have questions about getting married in Central Park in the Winter, visit our website. You can find links to send me an email with any questions there. Keep updated with our news and see lots of beautiful photos of weddings in the Winter and the other seasons too, follow us on Instagram, or Facebook, or TikTok, or Pinterest.
Discover more from Elopements and Weddings in Central Park, New York
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Type your email…
