How to Make the Most of Shorter Days: Top Photography Tips for Autumn and Winter Weddings in South Wales

Autumn and winter weddings bring a special kind of magic, but they also come with their own set of challenges. The shorter days mean limited natural light (which CAN be a photographic NIGHTMARE), and the colder weather might make couples nervous about being outdoors for too long. There’s always the possibility of rain or snow to contend with as well. But as a wedding photographer who adores the cozy vibes of winter in South Wales, I believe these very elements can provide the perfect opportunity to create stunning, unique images. With a little planning and flexibility, we can turn the challenges of autumn and winter weddings into some of the most beautiful moments you'll ever have captured.

Plan Around the Light

When it comes to autumn and winter weddings, natural light is a precious commodity, so you’ll need to plan carefully around it. Since the sun sets earlier, the best time for portraits will likely be in the early afternoon. Instead of aiming for sunset, when it’s likely already dark, I recommend scheduling your couple portraits and group shots just after the ceremony—this is when the natural light will be soft but still strong enough to work with. And, while we’re on it, you won’t be having a 3/4pm ceremony!! Not unless you want a candle-lit, insanely dark and atmospheric ceremony. I’d recommend having your ceremony as early as 12 or 1 o clock.

One of the wonderful things about autumn and winter is that the golden hour still exists; it just happens earlier in the day. The lower angle of the sun can create an almost ethereal light, perfect for capturing romantic and cinematic photos. If you’re dreaming of those glowing golden hour shots, simply plan for them to happen around mid-afternoon. The lighting conditions in the colder months can actually be more forgiving—there’s less harsh sunlight to contend with, so you get a softer, more flattering light all around. It really is a gorgeous time of year to photograph.

For me, photographing in the winter months is a challenge I love to embrace. I enjoy the unique demands of formal group shots and couple portraits taken indoors. The shift to indoor settings, especially in grand, stately homes or rustic barns, creates opportunities to craft intimate, beautifully lit images that capture the season's cozy atmosphere. As usually, it’ll be after a hectic summer wedding season for me, where all the group and couple shots will have been taken outside. It’s nice to have something different going on!

Incorporating Artificial Light

When daylight fades, it's time to turn to artificial light to add warmth and drama to your photos. Autumn and winter weddings often lend themselves to more creative lighting setups, especially in the evening. String lights, fairy lights, candles, and lanterns can create a soft, romantic ambiance. I love using these warm light sources to frame the couple or to light up intimate moments at the reception. The soft glow they cast adds a timeless, magical touch to evening photos.

Candles and fireplaces in particular can give your images an old-world, cosy feel, while string lights and fairy lights can create a more modern, whimsical atmosphere. These lighting elements can make the entire venue feel warm and welcoming, which contrasts beautifully with the cold outside. If you’re having an evening reception in a barn or marquee, using these light sources can make the space feel like a winter wonderland.

I also use a flash to highlight the details that matter most. Plus, direct flash has become such an instagram trend at Weddings in 2024! I love it so much.

Embracing the Weather

Autumn and winter weddings in South Wales come with the unpredictability of weather, and this is where some of the most memorable photo opportunities can arise. Rather than dreading the possibility of rain, snow, or fog, I encourage couples to embrace it. Rain-drenched portraits under a clear umbrella can be incredibly romantic, while a snowy backdrop adds a magical, almost fairytale-like quality to photos. Even mist or fog can bring a dramatic, moody effect to your images, creating a dreamy atmosphere that’s hard to replicate in any other season.

To make the most of these elements, I always recommend that couples have a few winter accessories on hand—whether it's a shawl to stay warm or a clear (always clear!) umbrella to keep dry. These not only help with comfort but can also become a part of the visual story. Imagine a couple cuddled up together under a cosy blanket or sharing an umbrella while snowf falls around them—those are the kinds of moments that create lasting memories and beautiful images.

I find this season truly inspiring because of how it encourages couples to connect with each other in a way that feels intimate and relaxed. The weather often brings everyone closer together, and you can see that warmth and togetherness reflected in the photos.

Making Indoor Spaces Shine

When the weather pushes us indoors, it opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities. Whether it’s a stately home (like Hensol Castle, or Cefn Tilla), a rustic barn (like Rosedew Farm), or a chic modern venue (Like Fairyhill, or St Tewdrics), indoor spaces during winter weddings can feel especially cozy and intimate. One of the things I love most about this time of year is making these indoor spaces shine in their own right, bringing out their warmth and charm.

For group and couple shots, I love working in areas with large windows where the natural light pours in. I also make use of all those architectural details that you fell in love with on that first viewing; like grand staircases, wood-panelled walls, or huge cosy fireplaces to add depth and richness to the shots. These features can frame my couples beautifully and highlight the venue’s character. Posing my couples near light sources like chandeliers or next to a roaring fire creates a lovely balance of light and shadow, giving the images a cinematic feel.

As for posing indoors, I aim to keep things natural and intimate, as I always do. This might mean encouraging the couple to snuggle up by the fire, enjoy a quiet dance in a softly lit corner, or share a toast at a candlelit table. These kinds of photos capture the essence of a winter wedding—the intimacy, the warmth, and the joy of being surrounded by loved ones in a beautiful, welcoming space.

The Details

Finally, let’s not forget one of the hidden gems of autumn and winter weddings: the details. I always get excited about the creative, seasonal touches that couples include in their wedding receptions, whether it’s the décor, the favours, or the food. Winter weddings often feature rich, cosy colors, like deep reds, forest greens, and metallics, which photograph so so beautifully.

I also love capturing the seasonal wedding favors that reflect the couple’s personality and the season. Winter weddings tend to have a totally different feel compared to their summer counterparts, with adorable little winter (CHRISTMAS!!!!) touches like hot chocolate stations, mulled wine, or blankets for guests to wrap up in.

Autumn and winter weddings in South Wales definitely may come with their share of challenges, but with a little creativity and careful planning, they offer incredible opportunities for unique, atmospheric photography. By planning around the light, embracing the weather, and making the most of indoor spaces, you’ll capture not just the beauty of the day but the warmth, intimacy, and magic that come with marrying in the colder months.

Ready to book me for yours? Contact me!