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Tips From The Experts: How To Have Amazing Toronto Winter Wedding Photography

While the Toronto winter wedding season has never been very busy, there seems to be a bit more traction picking up on the trend (outside of 2020 – where everything is turned upside down).  While going through wedding images from the past couple of years, we decided that winter weddings weren’t getting the representation they deserved.

Every year we get inquiries from couples looking to see Toronto winter wedding photography and struggling to find tips and direction on how to go about planning their winter wedding.  We decided that it was about time we put together our top tips for ensuring amazing winter wedding photos.

TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL TORONTO WINTER WEDDING PHOTOS

COMMIT: 

First things first. Winter is beautiful, but it is COLD.  We’re here for it if you are, but you’ll have to commit.  There truly is nothing more beautiful than seeing Toronto blanketed in fresh snow.  There’s something magical about seeing the city that way.  To get the images we know you’ll want, you’ll have to get out there in it. But let’s be honest, it’s nothing a couple of shots of whisky won’t help you through. (wink, wink)

Bride and Groom crossing a Toronto city street. The building wall behind them has a mural painted on it that says in bold letters "This Is Paradise" There is snow along the sidewalk and the bride is wearing a black leather jacket over her dress.
Toronto Winter Wedding Photo Taken By The Eastcore
A bride and groom crossing a snow covered street. The groom is carrying the bride's dress so it doesn't drag in the snow. The bride has a wrap over her dress and a smile on her face.
Snow covered streets didn’t hold these two back. Photo Taken By The Eastcore

LOCATION: 

Due to the snow and possible slush, it’s crucial to pick a place that you know will have some shovelled walkways, interesting backgrounds and of course, places inside for photos as well.  It’s also a good idea to pick a place where you can pop in and out to warm up quickly.

The women in the bridal party standing against a patchwork looking wall. They are huddled together and laughing with each other.
This is a perfect example of choosing a place that has different options for interesting backdrops if you need to move your shoot inside. Photo Taken by The Eastcore
Bride and Groom sitting in a booth together in a Toronto diner. They are sitting side beside and looking at eachother with the bride's hand holding the grooms face. There are drinks on the table.
This couple chose to stop off at The Dime in Toronto for a quick drink and to warm up. It provided an opportunity for some really great shots. Photo Taken By The Eastcore

PREPARATION IS EVERYTHING:  

The right preparation can make or break the experience, and we have a little checklist of things you won’t want to forget.

  • Extra pair of shoes
  • Boots (if you’re planning on using them in the shots or for moving between locations)
  • Extra socks (in case yours get wet or for extra warmth)
  • Gloves
  • Coat
  • Throw Blanket (to wrap up with and get cozy in)
  • Tissues (in case your nose gets drippy)
  • Umbrella if the forecast calls for wet snow or rain
  • Thermos with your fave hot beverage (annoying to carry around, but it’s your wedding day. Make someone else do it!)
Wraps for the entire bridal party to make sure everyone stayed warm and happy! Photo Taken By The Eastcore
Bride and Groom standing together smiling at the camera. They came to their Toronto winter wedding photo shoot prepared with an umbrella and fur wrap to keep warm.
Prepared for their Toronto winter wedding photo shoot with an umbrella and a wrap to stay dry and warm. Photo Taken By The Eastcore

MAXIMIZE DAYLIGHT:

Toronto gets dark early in the winter.  As I’m writing this, it’s only 5:30 pm but it looks and feels like midnight.  It’s essential to keep this in mind when planning your wedding photography.  You want to ensure that you’ll have enough time with the sun to get the images you want.  We always recommend that our clients do a “First Look” on the morning of the wedding.  Taking your photos beforehand provides more time for outdoor photos to be taken so that you can enjoy your guests once your ceremony is over.  It can feel hectic if you’re rushing through your photoshoot to capture the sun before it disappears for the day.  

This “First Look” took place outdoors at The Novotel Toronto Centre

If a “First Look” isn’t something you were planning on, we highly recommend arranging an early ceremony to maximize your time.

PLAN EARLY: 

Lastly, while this festive season looks completely different than all the ones we’ve ever had, typically, December is a hectic month.  People are committed to so many events during the holidays that it is super important to get your invites out early so that the ones you love can attend or plan around your big day without being massively stressed. 

Bonus:

Here are some shots of some winter wedding details that we loved and thought we’d share for some inspiration.

A rustic wooden sign decorated with snow flakes with the phrase "Sign Our Skis!" on it, directing wedding guests to sign the Bride and Groom's skis instead of the traditional guest book.
Signing skis instead of a traditional guest book is such a unique way to embrace the winter season for your winter wedding. Photo Taken By The Eastcore
A plate of snowflake sugar cookies that are decorated with the bride and groom's first names.
Snowflake cookies with the bride and groom’s names are a fun idea for bombonieres. Photo Taken By The Eastcore
A burner with a stick and marshmallows roasting over it.
Who wouldn’t love roasting marshmallows at a wedding?!?! Photo Taken By The Eastcore

Gotta Love Toronto

As photographers, we count ourselves incredibly lucky to be Toronto wedding photographers.  The backdrops we have access to are world-class. The people are as beautiful as they are diverse. With four seasons on full display every year, we aren’t confined to only shooting flowers and sunshine, but have the variety of snow blanketed Toronto winter wedding photography, as well.  It keeps us on our toes and offers us so much creative license.

If you’d like to see more from one of our winter weddings, watch this feel reel that we shot while photographing Jessi + Alex’s cozy winter wedding at The Jam Factory . 

Let’s Work Together

To discuss having The Eastcore shoot your Toronto winter wedding, we’d be more than happy to schedule a call. 

You can reach us here to schedule a phone consultation and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.  

We’re looking forward to hearing your plans!