Wedding open days
The next wedding open day will be at Stowmarket Register Office on 08 February 2025 at 10am – 12.30pm. Bury St Edmunds Register Office on22 February 2025 at 10am – 2pm and Sudbury Register Office on 01 March 2025 at 10am – 2pm.
12 Dec 2024
Winter, long the wallflower sibling of summer, is stepping out of the shadow and coming into its own as a coveted wedding season.
And no wonder: with its crisp air and festive spirit, winter has a touch of instant magic that makes it perfect for indulgent elopements and intimate mini weddings. Think roaring log fires, exchanging your vows in a beautiful personal ceremony with only your nearest and dearest in a beautiful cosy setting, champagne and extended gorgeous dinners.
Winter is the perfect season to totally indulge yourself. Go for minimalism with a luxurious twist; maybe a white trouser suit with a fake fur jacket, tuxedos…winter can be so much more glam than a summer wedding!
The smaller number of guests is no reason to hold back:
"If you want a venue that has ‘winter romance’ written all over it, look for features such as roaring fireplaces, candlelight, exposed beams, and cosy rooms, if you’re staying at the venue. Then treat yourselves and your guests to an indulgent winter feast: seasonal dishes, decadent deserts and champagne " suggest James Sanders, General Manager at The Swan at Lavenham.
Add to this a picture-perfect setting like Suffolk’s mediaeval wool towns Lavenham or Bury St Edmunds or a coastal escape to the likes of Southwold or Woodbridge, and it’s winter magic!
"Don’t assume that some seemingly grand venues are too large’ says Gail Ollason, Venue Licensing Officer for Suffolk Registration Service "Most of our fabulous venues have smaller, more cosy and intimate rooms that are the perfect size for an elopement or mini wedding and you can indulge in the spectacular settings. Most venues also have better availability in winter, giving you more choice and often at a lower cost’.
Alternatively, our Register Office ceremony rooms are located in some of Suffolk’s most picturesque market towns that ooze plenty of winter charm and have hospitality venues nearby.
Regardless of the venue though, when it comes to their wedding ceremony some couples prefer the elegant simplicity of a traditional wedding, while others opt for highly bespoke wedding ceremonies:
"Personalize your elopement with special touches that reflect your relationship. Write your own vows, include meaningful rituals, or exchange unique gifts.’ suggests Sarah Dazeley, Ceremony Manager for Bury St Edmunds. "You need two witnesses at your ceremony. If you really want to elope, you could ask venue staff to act as your witnesses. However, if you have friends or family members acting as witnesses, or if you have a mini-wedding with a few guests, you could include them in your ceremony, and not just as witnesses. Acting as ring bearers or letting them do a reading is a wonderful opportunity to highlight how much they mean to you".
Despite the smaller size of your wedding, a professional photographer that perfectly captures this milestone in your life as a couple should be part of your planning.
Snow might be elusive, but even without it, winter has a special appeal that photographers rate highly: ‘Winter light and the sometimes stark backgrounds can be absolutely magical for a wedding photographer. The light can be both very bright making incredible clear sharp images, but it can also be very low and soft in the afternoon before sunset, perfect for that romantic couple shot. I love winter weddings…. Plus you also get a good chance at a star portrait without having to wait till midnight!” says Suffolk wedding photographer Buffy Thompson.
Winter is also the perfect opportunity to go bold on your flowers: instead of the whimsical hues of spring and summer, opt for the strong colours that come into their own in winter: golds, reds, orange and browns really shine in this season.
And if you really want to push the boat out consider live music: “Music has endless possibilities to enhance each part of your wedding day. From welcoming your guests, during your ceremony, to your drinks reception and wedding breakfast, music can enhance every part of your day. Hearing the songs that are meaningful to you as a couple played live on your wedding day is a very special treat to yourselves and your guests" says Chris Slatter of Scintillo String Quartet.
AT A GLANCE
Benefits of a Winter Elopement
- Stunning Scenery: Winter landscapes provide a breath-taking backdrop for your wedding photos. Imagine saying your vows amidst a snowy wonderland or in front of a roaring fireplace.
- Cost-Effective: Winter is often considered the off-season for weddings, which means you can take advantage of lower prices for venues and services. This allows you to splurge on other aspects of your day.
- Intimate Atmosphere: With fewer guests, a winter elopement feels more personal and intimate. You can focus on each other and the meaningful moments without the stress of a large crowd.
- Unique Experience: A winter wedding stands out from the typical summer ceremonies. The season’s festive spirit adds a magical touch to your celebration.
- Availability of Venues: Popular venues are more likely to have availability during the winter months, giving you more options to choose from.
How to Have an Indulgent Winter Elopement
- Choose a Cosy Venue: Look for venues that offer warmth and comfort, such as historic inns, charming cottages, or luxurious hotels. Suffolk has many beautiful locations that can provide a cosy and romantic setting.
- Embrace Seasonal Décor: Incorporate winter elements into your décor. Think fairy lights, candles, evergreen wreaths, and rich, warm colours. These touches will enhance the cosy atmosphere.
- Dress for the Season: Opt for elegant winter attire. Brides can choose long-sleeved gowns, faux fur wraps, and stylish boots. Grooms can go for tailored suits with woollen accessories.
- Plan a Gourmet Feast: Treat yourselves and your guests to a gourmet winter feast. Consider a menu featuring seasonal dishes, hot drinks, and decadent desserts. A hot chocolate bar or mulled wine station can add a festive touch.
- Capture the Moments: Hire a photographer who specializes in winter weddings to capture the beauty of the season. Snowy landscapes and cosy indoor settings make for stunning photos.
- Add Personal Touches: Personalize your elopement with special touches that reflect your relationship. Write your own vows, include meaningful rituals, or exchange unique gifts.
Before you elope, make sure to handle the legal aspects. In Suffolk, you’ll need to give Notice of your marriage at least 28 days before the ceremony. Check with local authorities for specific requirements and ensure all paperwork is in order.
Suppliers featured in this post:
Countless Captures Photography
The Lavenham Swan (The Hotel Folk)
Suffolk Registration Offices ceremony rooms
Please see our Suffolk Wedding Supplier Directory for more wedding supplier listings