Baby it’s cold outside. Why winter weddings are wonderful
September through March is often considered to be the height of wedding season when the weather is (fingers crossed) warm and sunny. The warmer months mean green grass, full trees, beach views and (if you’re lucky) less chance of rain.
Balmy weather and sunshine aside, winter weddings are becoming increasingly popular, especially since marrying off-peak can be more affordable than holding your dream wedding during summer or spring. We’ve pulled together a list of the reasons why you should consider saying ‘I Do’ when it’s cold outside.
Romantic evenings
With shorter days you can start your evening party that bit sooner which means you have longer to enjoy it. Dress up your venue and get the atmosphere going from the moment dusk sets in. Use fairy lights to create a whimsical setting or candles to light a walkway outside. If you’re lucky your venue might have an open fireplace or outdoor brazier
Enhance your wedding photos
An overcast sky always makes for better photos than sunny days. Romantic outdoor images are enhanced by autumn leaves and bare trees contrasted against the sky.
More wedding venue availability
If you’ve set your heart on a particular venue, you’ll probably find it easier to get a Saturday date in winter, and mid-week bookings are even easier. Your guests will also find it easier to get accommodation locally and may decide to have a mini mid-winter break as a result. Melbourne is arguably the most exciting Australian city to visit during winter with its many festivals, spectator sport and cosy cafes and restaurants.
Make your money go further with a winter wedding
Winter is not considered to be peak wedding season so you may find that your suppliers will have more availability and may even offer off-peak rates. Why not take advantage of Peter Rowland’s special winter wedding rates where you’ll save up to 20% on wedding packages at Rippon Lea and Butler Lane. See details below.
Enjoy a winter wedding feast
Cold weather calls for a menu that is warm and comforting. Peter Rowland Group Executive Chef Matthew Haigh says “Couples who are celebrating the most important day of their lives naturally want everything to be perfect and the food needs to look as good as it tastes”. A popular winter wedding menu this year has included an entrée of pressed duck leg with a truffled bean croquette and apple ketchup followed by a main of slow cooked wagyu brisket with salt baked celeriac, foraged mushroom ragout and crisp parsnip. Dessert is where things get really pretty with a steamed almond sponge, textures of mandarin and white chocolate snow.
Winter weddings at Butler Lane
Located in Richmond, Butler Lane is popular with couples looking for a venue with cool, urban vibe. The converted warehouse space provides the perfect contemporary backdrop and is also fully heated. The leafy courtyard has a green wall which remains fresh and green throughout the colder months and provides an optional outdoor space with the addition of an open fire pit and mood lighting. Butler Lane offers winter wedding menu packages starting from $161 per person with minimum spend of 120 guests.
Winter weddings at Rippon Lea
Rippon Lea’s famous gardens are stunning during the colder months when the trees are bare and the lawns are decorated with fallen leaves. Peter Rowland have winter wedding packages starting from $135 per person (required minimum spend is 120 people) which provides access to the gardens, famous art deco ballroom and undercover fully heated pool terrace.
Atmospheric Grandeur: Cosy Winter Wedding Venues in Melbourne
Opting for a celebration during the cooler months unlocks a world of rich textures, atmospheric lighting, and distinct architectural charm. While summer demands frantic outdoor heat planning, a winter wedding allows you to embrace the romance of a fully styled indoor landscape from the outset. From historic, wood-panelled ballrooms with roaring open fireplaces to striking Art Deco settings flooded with moody twilight, the cooler season offers a dramatic background that elevates bridal fashion, candle-lit tablescapes, and opulent floral installations.
Peter Rowland provides exclusive access and comprehensive event production across Victoria’s premier winter-friendly destinations. Our styling team works with you to optimise indoor spaces, mapping out ambient lighting arrays, rich velvet draping, and intimate lounge configurations. Hosting your reception within a grand, climate-controlled historic property guarantees complete guest comfort, eliminating weather-related stress and providing a seamless, sophisticated sanctuary for your entire celebration.
Decadent Seasonal Gastronomy: Winter Wedding Catering Solutions
The true highlight of a winter wedding lies in the opportunity to serve a deeply comforting, indulgent epicurean narrative. Cooler weather allows our chefs to move past light summer salads into robust, complex culinary profiles that truly satisfy. Peter Rowland designs tailored winter menus that celebrate the rich bounty of regional Victorian agriculture bringing warmth, theatre, and sensory indulgence to your dining tables.
We specialise in crafting interactive food stations and multi-course banquets designed to warm your guests from the inside out. Imagine welcoming your party with artisanal mulled wine or spiced espresso martinis, followed by a seated feast featuring slow-braised regional meats, rich truffle-infused risottos, and decadent heritage puddings. To guarantee an inclusive dining experience, all seasonal package options are fully customisable to accommodate complex guest dietary requirements delivering beautiful, uncompromised vegan, plant-based, and coeliac-safe configurations across your entire menu.
Plan Your Magical Winter Wedding
Leverage the off-peak season to secure your dream venue and design an unforgettable, intimate winter culinary experience. Contact our expert wedding curators today to explore our premium indoor properties and seasonal menu packages.