Ultimate Guide to Winter Weddings in Nova Scotia
Ultimate Guide to Winter Wedding in Nova Scotia
Behold the winter wedding: the sparkling snow, the cosy vibes, the sumptuous décor, and the quiet fireside tête-à-tête. Not to mention the sudden availability of venue dates and discounted accommodations. A winter wedding in Nova Scotia is beckoning you and we’re here to help with our Ultimate Guide to Winter Weddings!
5 Tips For Planning The Perfect Winter Wedding in Nova Scotia
Timing: Make the most of the waning winter light by planning for photos early in the day. To take advantage of the sparkle on the snow, plan outdoor photo sessions before 2 pm and save those evening hours for indoor festivities! Don’t forget to pack a blanket to huddle under, warm shawl, cosy footwear if you’re planning on any escapades, a pack of tissues for the chill in the air, and a little backup powder for your rosy cheeks!
Stay Cozy: ‘Tis the season for velvet, silk, vintage lace, cosy plaid, fur and corduroy. Layer your look and choose footwear with your comfort and those slippery steps foremost in your mind. If an outdoor wedding is in the works – or if you’re expecting guests to hop between locales – have a few extra wraps on hand and be sure to give your guests all the info they need to go with the flow and the forecast. Secrets to success: warm drinks will keep the loved ones happy, outdoor heaters are available for rent, and short and sweet is the way to go with vows when there’s snow on the horizon.
Seasonal Touches: Make the most of the festive season (and save your budget for the honeymoon!). If you’re celebrating more than your vows during the winter months, don’t be afraid of layering on the holiday cheer. The winter months are all but asking for an ambience of low lights, a little glam, and fresh greenery. Whatever your post-party plans are – assuming you’re not hopping on a plane – pop some fuzzy socks, candles and a lighter in your bag – you’ll be ready for a power outage or the pretence of a power outage. Whatever works.
Embrace the Feast: If a culinary celebration is part of your plans, there are sumptuous options in this land aplenty… the local fare at restaurants is decadent this season, soul filling, and you don’t need to break the bank: hearty soups and fresh bread have always worked to warm chilly hearts. Whether you’re popping into a pub in town, have reserved a private venue for you and everyone you know, or grabbing your first burgers as a legal duo… now’s the time to indulge.
Backup Plan: While winter weddings are brimming with romance, they can come with their fair share of drama as well. Nova Scotia is making a name for itself when it comes to winter storms, so be sure to have a backup plan in place should this weather-wonderland turn against you. What’s the deal with your venue’s cancellation policy? Can your out-of-town guests arrive a little early to avoid last-minute delays? Are your festivities flexible enough to accommodate a little change of plans should a few snowflakes start to look like a blizzard? Better to make a plan you don’t end up needing than to end up stranded in a storm.
Pick the Spot! Nova Scotia is a Winter Wonderland for Weddings
Wolfville Wedding Chapel is cosy, totally perfect for small gatherings, right in the heart of Wolfville. They’ve got the heaters on and the hassle down to zero. You do your part: dream the dream, dress the part, say the vows, laugh and cry a bit (or a lot), and pop the champagne – and they take care of the rest.
Oceanside resort in winter … while the ocean breezes may be chilly in the winter months, here us out. These fully-equipped and winterized seaside cottages will keep your guests toasty. The onsite eatery, Rhubarb Restaurant, is open year-round and the resort has event space enough for everything from intimate to extravagant or better yet, extravagantly intimate. And last but not least, the Hydrothermal Spa!
A beautiful, newly opened boutique inn and gathering space, The August House offers everything you need for a cozy elopement for two or a tiny wedding surrounded with friends + family this winter. Gorgeous interiors, second-to-none hospitality, and their beautiful Myrtle’s Lounge- complete with a gorgeously styled mantle place-is the perfect spot to tie the knot indoors.
Built in 1906, formerly known as The Myrtle Hotel, this inn was created to meet the needs of Riverport’s booming fishing industry. Located in a protected bay, it was ideal for serving both fishermen and later, rum-running sea captains who were willing to help circumvent American prohibition. If staying here, we encourage you to chat with the owners Ben and Leanne to get your invite to the most local and fun experiences, they have the inside scoop.
This collection of unique accommodations along the South Shore includes cabins, an A-frame, and a stunning “fire ranger’s” tower perched 30ft above the ground with 360° ocean and forest views. Whether you’re saying your vows fireside, high up in the sky or on the edge of the whimsical woods as snowflakes start to fly, the shack up crew has the place for you.
Cathedral ceilings, four seasons private spa with hot tub, full spectrum infrared sauna, indoor & outdoor rainfall showers …. seriously, the amenities feel endless here and the view is just as spectacular. Looking out over Mahone Bay, with a variety of onsite locations for ceremonies. Stunning in all seasons.
Keltic Quay’s Cape Breton cottages are located on the northeastern shore of the Bras d’Or Lakes in the village of Whycocomagh. Perhaps one of the greatest features of staying at Keltic Quay is the amazing views right outside your suite. From the mountains surrounding Whycocomagh to the shining (or frozen) waters of the Bras d’Or Lake. If you go at the right time of the year you may even see folks ice fishing on the lake just a few hundred feet from your front door.
Winter Wedding FAQs
What about flowers?
While it might be difficult in a rural location to lock down that summertime bouquet you clipped from a magazine one time, cut the heartache and embrace the foliage of the season: evergreen boughs, holly and mistletoe couldn’t be more seasonal, and when romance is in season, roses are always a sure-thing, whatever the weather and wherever you are. Bonus Tip: forget about what’s in season and consider dried floral arrangements.
What colour schemes work in winter?
A backdrop of sparkling snow never said no to any colour scheme, but as the days get shorter and the nights grow longer, gem tone palettes are begin taking centre stage. Bring the romantic shadows of the dipping sun inside. Consider your outfits and complexion, what might you want to wear and then gear your florals to work with that … almost all colour palettes will pop against the calm of silently falling snow.
Interested in tying the knot with us this winter? Reach out!