The Benefits of Winter Weddings in Oregon

Winter weddings are rare in Oregon, and that just makes them all the more precious. The vast majority of weddings occur between May and October, so these 6 months are often referred to as “Oregon wedding season.” But there are some major perks to getting married in the off-season between November and April. Read on to learn more!

An Oregon bride descends the sunlit stairs at a winter wedding in January — Photography by Laura Shepherd Images

Increased Vendor Availability

Less weddings in the off-season means less competition for vendors. While your favorite photographer or caterer might be booked a year in advance for every weekend in June… their availability might be wide open in January! Especially if you are trying to plan a wedding on a shorter timeline (6 months or less), choosing a date in the off-season will increase your chances of finding vendors quickly.

Off-season discounts

Some vendors (especially venues!) offer discounts for their services in the off-season. For example, some venues advertise 50% off their site rental fees if your date falls between November and April. That’s a huge savings!

An elegant winter wedding ceremony in Oregon

Increased Guest Availability

In the Pacific Northwest, we are pulled in so many directions in the summertime: camping trips, vacations, and summer weddings can fill our personal calendars. Particularly if you have lots of friends getting married around the same time, it can be hard to find a date for your own wedding in the midst of their schedules! A wedding that falls between January and March is perfect: the Christmas holidays are over, and we all want something to look forward to on these gloomy days before the sunshine returns in spring.

A indoor winter wedding ceremony in Oregon with drapery, string lights, and white florals

Moody, Elegant, and Dramatic Vibes

Winter weddings feel different. As you can see from these stunning photos by Laura Shepherd Images, a wedding in January can still have some sunshine! But the sun sets much earlier, and overall there’s a more dramatic, moody, romantic feeling to the event and the images that are captured. If you’re the type of person who loves the fairytale intimacy of candlelight, the glamorous “paparazzi” look of flash photography, and dancing the night away… a winter wedding might be perfect for you.

A wedding couple smiles at each other in the winter sunshine next to a luxury rental car in Oregon

As you can see, there are many benefits to having a winter wedding.

Congratulations to Caitlyn & Maceo, the wonderful couple pictured here. I loved coordinating your stunning January celebration last weekend! Thank you for choosing Round Pearl Events, and I wish you every happiness in your future together. Cheers, you two!

Vendor Team

Photo: Laura Shepherd Images

Venue: Leftbank Annex

Catering: Reedville Catering

Cake: Here for the Cakes

DJ: PDX DJ’s

Drapery: Bowerbird PDX

Rentals: Arden Event Collective

Hair & Makeup: Kayla Nicole Beauty

First Dance Choreography: PNW Wedding Dance

Bride’s Gown: Eva Lendel

Florals: DIY