WINTER WEDDING WONDERLANDS

ESCAPE THE ORDINARY AND EMBRACE THE EXTRAORDINARY

While many flock south for a winter wedding with their toes in the sand, there are those who dream of creating a wedding wonderland that rivals a scene from a shimmering snow globe. Since 'wedding season' is typically over by winter, we offer a 20% discount on venue hire from January to March, as well as 20% off Sypsies Farmhouse - perfect for anyone looking to extend their stay.

If you're still on the fence about throwing a winter wedding, you'll warm right up to these winter wedding advantages. From less stress over the weather to better venue rates, here's why you'll be grateful you married in the winter season...

LESS WEATHER WATCHING

One of the things we love about winter weddings is the lack of stress about the weather, since our weddings typically take place inside due to biting temperatures at this time of year. By simply taking Mother Nature out of the equation, you'll place less stress on yourself, your suppliers, and your guests.

AVAILABILITY AND AFFORDABILITY

Winter is considered the off-peak season for weddings, making it easier to secure your preferred dates at The Cow Shed Crail. Additionally, many of our suppliers offer special discounts during this time, helping you save on your wedding expenses. Feel free to get in touch if you'd like to know more about who is offering what during the winter months.

INTIMATE ATMOSPHERE

Winter weddings at our barn venue tend to be more intimate, allowing you to spend quality time with your loved ones. The cosy ambience with roaring fireplace, twinkly lights and warm candlelight can create an atmosphere of warmth and togetherness, which also lends itself to amazing photo opportunities.

CHOICE OF INDOOR SPACES

The Cow Shed Crail has one-of-a-kind indoor spaces, all with heating and natural daylight, that makes it perfect for winter weddings - even for the photoshoots!

There are so many options you can choose from, and we can offer our advice depending on your number of guests and the format of the day. For example, for larger weddings you could use The Barn for the wedding ceremony, with drinks in The Workshop and The Roundal, and then dinner and dancing in the Steading Marquee. Whatever you want goes! The Steading Marquee can seat up to 200 guests, and is a unique space combining marquee roof with exposed steading wall. The Barn, on the other hand, can seat 150 for a ceremony, and The Workshop 180 guests (if you use both aspects). For smaller, perhaps even micro-weddings, The Roundal is an ideal space for creating a cosy atmosphere, and can seat from 20-80 guests for a ceremony, with the fireplace providing a perfect backdrop for an ethereal ceremony.

NATURAL BEAUTY

Crail's coastal landscape transforms into a breath-taking canvas for winter sunsets and sunrises, making it the perfect backdrop for romantic photos. We have lots of favourite spots for photoshoots around the farm, as well as in Crail - our advice to get started, is to spend some time scrolling through our Instagram grid for inspo, and take note of your favourite photos.

IT'S SOMETHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY

Have you always identified as an unconventional soul? One of our favourite advantages is simply that it's something different. From colour palette to flowers and decor, we see both couples and suppliers alike honing the elements of the season to inspire their theme. You can go dark and moody, keep it clean and fresh, or go bright with bold jewel colours. If you want a romantic setting on your wedding day, then a candlelight ceremony by our fireplace in The Roundal really can't be beaten!

NOW FOR OUR HOT TIPS!

Hear it from us, winter weddings have a lot going for them! Here are some of our hot tips for organising a wedding during this time of year:

• Timing - We often remind couples that depending on which month you are getting married in, it is typically dark around 5pm during winter. If you want to get those golden hour images with your photographer, you'll want to aim for a 3.30pm ceremony start time. A bonus with the sun setting earlier in the day, is you can start your evening party a bit sooner, which means you have longer to enjoy it!

• Comfort Food and Drink - While speaking with your catering team, consider food and drink options that will complement the chilly outdoors. Mulled wine or a gourmet hot chocolate bar will keep guests nice and warm, and are a great way to warm up your bridal party after coming in from an outdoor photoshoot!

• Styling and Decor - Much like summer weddings, the decor options for winter weddings are endless. You can embrace outside colours in your wedding tones, play with lighting design, innovate with florals (or even lack of), layer textiles and textures, and build upon the rustic environment of our indoor spaces. Our own Jo from the Cow Shed got married in December and filled the venue with the 'winter' scent from the White Company. Every year for her anniversary she gets the same candle to transport her back to her own magical wedding. You can style your wedding to specifically reflect your style, and by bringing your big day to the winter season, you will fill your heart with warmth.

Laura and Michael’s February wedding has been pictured. The wonderful team behind the scene:

Venue @thecowshedcrail

Photographer @willowandwilde.co

Styling, floristry and OTD stationery @wearegloam

Catering @wildroverfood_

Tables and chairs @virginiasvintagehire

Lighting @stevepagelighting

Artist / on the day painting @paintmylovestory