Lough Eske Castle in Donegal, Ireland, is a beautiful wedding venue known for its picturesque location and historic charm. Planning a winter wedding at Lough Eske Castle can be a magical experience. Here are some tips to consider and some inspo from Sarah and Sam’s beautiful winter wedding.

Winter Theme and Decor:

• Incorporate a winter theme into your decor, combining luxury with cozy elements. Consider rich color schemes, elegant lighting, and luxurious fabrics. Sarah chose golden velvet bridesmaids dresses from a designer on Etsy.
• Enhance the ambiance with elements like plush blankets, soft pillows, and warm lighting to create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

Seasonal Flowers and Greenery:

• Work with a florist to choose flowers and greenery that are in season during winter. Deep-hued flowers, winter berries, and evergreen foliage can add a touch of luxury to your arrangements. Sarah and Sam were fortunate to have a florist in the family and chose florals personal to them, the season and their story. They embraced the winter season by incorporating seasonal decor. Using rich, warm colors, candles, and fairy lights to create a romantic atmosphere.

Timeline and Coordination:

• Work closely with your photographer and the venue’s event coordination team to create a well-planned timeline. Ensure that all vendors are on the same page, allowing you to relax and enjoy your day. Time is everything on your wedding day, especially during a winter wedding where the daylight drops from around 3pm. Sarah and Sam chose to have their ceremony and reception all on site, meaning no time was lost travelling between locations during the best light of the day. We were able to take a short leisurely stroll in the beautiful golden light of a winters afternoon around the castle and grounds.

Lough Eske Castle Winter Wedding Photos

The castle itself offers the most epic backdrop for photos, which makes for a relaxing experience for bridal party photos and family photos, with everything just a few steps away. If you’d like to explore to gorgeous Donegal countryside nearby, there are so many beautiful options to consider like Barnesmore Gap, Biddy O’Barnes pub and the picturesque view points along the shores of Lough Eske andit’s scenic drive.

Sarah and Sam continued their relaxed theme for the day by choosing to cut their cake during shortly after their ceremony and hold their speeches during the cocktail hour with their family and friends gathered around over glasses of champagne and cake.

Gemma G Photography’s Top Tips for Planning a Winter Wedding

1. Get married on the same site as your reception venue or consider an earlier ceremony if you have to travel. Check what time the sun sets on your wedding day and work back through your timeline from there.
2. Consider a ‘first look’ with your spouse to be. This where you see each other before the ceremony, have a few quiet words together, some tight hugs and intimate portraits
3. Consider the season when choosing your colour scheme, your menu and your entertainment. Creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere for your guests.
4. Be prepared for the weather. Consider coasts, jackets, furs and long sleeves and make it a statement look for the season. It’s also a wonderful excuse for an outfit change for both of you later in the day. This also means choosing venue that has beautiful indoor spaces should the weather not allow time to be outdoors for photos.
5. Go the extra mile in considering how your venue is lit. Adding lanterns and candles adds so much to your photos and your atmosphere.

Find out more about having me along to document your wedding day, get in contact here. I can’t wait to hear from you!