Greatest Snow On Earth: How to Plan a Gorgeous Utah Winter Wedding With Northridge Valley

Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or you’re getting ready to visit for the future 2034 Salt Lake Winter Olympics, there’s one thing that Utah is well known for: snow. And lots of it. We all love a good summer wedding, but why not take advantage of the Greatest Snow On Earth?

A Utah winter wedding is the epitome of all things romantic; cozy, sparkling, and incorporating holiday cheer are just a few things that make them so “wow.” Take it from Jessica Lake, owner of Northridge Valley Event Center and longtime wedding planner, don’t count out the cold-weather months when you’re choosing your perfect wedding date.

Jessica says, “I love the close-knit, warm atmosphere that comes with the winter weddings. Because most of the events happen indoors, more couples are very mindful of every detail, creating a more homelike feeling that draws their family and guests in close.”

Cozy? Check!

Utah Winter Wedding Details

So how do you lean into creating a dream design for your winter wedding? Between their gorgeous wedding space and their super-fun Christmas brunch with Santa, for Northridge, it all starts with the decor.

“For winter, we have beautiful evergreen garlands that can be and are often used. Northridge is the perfect setting for all the details they bring into the space. With our giant fireplace and our beautiful wood walls, it is easy to feel warmth and comfort. Oftentimes, we have our beautiful flocked tree still set up for the holidays, so couples can incorporate it into their wedding theme and style. We can remove the traditional Christmas colors, and they bring in their colors for accents.”

Who says you can’t have a Christmas tree at your wedding? Especially when it’s as gorgeous as the rest of your decor. And don’t forget the mistletoe, obvi!

“I wouldn’t let the winter scare any couple off, I think anytime of the year is wonderful, but there is a little bit of holiday magic that comes with winter weddings for sure.”

Magical? Check!

Embrace the Sparkling Snow

But a winter wedding doesn’t have to be holiday themed; it can simply be as stunning as the sparkling snow. If you’re not into red and green and garlands, but you love a little shimmer and fur, here’s your chance to embrace it.

“With the surrounding snow-capped mountains and the beauty around our valley, Utah is a stunning place in any season, even in winter. The natural stone here makes it very easy to feel grounded; add a tree or three, and you feel like nature is part of your big day.”

Here’s where we bring in the sparkle, literally. “Add outdoor lights and a few trees donned with twinkle lights, and you are for sure going to feel like your day is extra special. Make your story about you, and have a magical wedding when the lights sparkle off the fresh-fallen snow like shining diamonds.”

Diamonds as decor? Yeah, count us in.

Snow Machine Send Off

Jessica even has a few tricks up her sleeves to make a Utah winter wedding at the venue even more perfect. “Just know we don’t control the weather… but we do everything possible to make it a lovely experience. Even if we have to bring in the snow machine.”

Picture this: send-off photos with snow falling around you like a waltzing fairy ensemble and a chic fur coat wrapped around your glittery getaway dress. See the vision? Cue The Nutcracker.

But glitter and fur aren’t the end of it. Jessica’s top wedding planning tip is to incorporate details that you love.

“Make it yours; what do you love about winter? Bring in the details that represent your love story. Large antique wooden snowshoes, your dating pictures in black and white on a frosted wintery tree; silvers and blues with evergreens are timeless and photograph beautifully. We’ve seen winter weddings with lots of greenery and candles with accents of long ribbons off one side of the mantle. Think jeweled tones and velvets for added textures.”

Velvety Vibes

Like any wedding, you can take your winter fete any direction you like. Dark velvet and burgundy florals? It’s perfect. A silver tiara and opera gloves? Immediately yes. Even a shot ski can make a wedding party feel like a day on the slopes if that’s your vibe!

Speaking of the mantle, why not say I do in front of a roaring fireplace? “I’ve loved seeing ceremonies in front of the large fireplace, decked with candles and evergreens. Photos and ribbon added to a beautiful tree, warm cocoa stations and flaming donuts—we love to see what their ideas become!”

Northridge is known as The Gathering Place, after all. Have we convinced you to have a Utah winter wedding yet? The possibilities are endless.

Having a Holiday Wedding in Utah

But maybe you want to lean into having a holiday wedding. Here’s what we have to say about that: go for it!

Here’s how Jessica would plan a Christmas or holiday-inspired wedding at Northridge, in case you’re looking for ideas.

“If I were to plan a Christmas wedding, I would have the family and wedding party all come early in vintage Christmas Pajamas for a group picture and serve pancakes or crepes with a caterer. Then, for the ceremony, exchange vows under a huge tree with the guest chairs all in a half circle. Followed by all the cake cutting and first dances, I would lead out the dance party with Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree in the center of the room, of course.”

“A horse carriage would be the couple’s exit, with guests ringing hand-held bells for the send-off. You could even have the bells wrapped up for wedding favors with a thoughtful note of what makes that particular guest special in the couple’s eyes. Or hang an ornament for every guest!”

It’s like every Hallmark movie brought to life. We’d better stock up on red flannel!

New Year’s Eve Weddings

But here’s an even sparklier idea: a New Year’s Eve wedding. We’ve heard from a bride or two about why they loved having their wedding on New Year’s; it’s the perfect excuse to celebrate all night long with all your favorite people, with dancing, a countdown, and disco balls galore. Pop that champagne and lean into it!

Read about this bride who loved her New Year’s Eve wedding!

“For New Year’s Eve, I would decorate with lots of silver and gold, with the guests’ dress code in black tie for sure. Have passing trays for guests to enjoy before the ceremony. Toasts would be served in beautiful glassware. A jazz band would be playing lightly throughout the event and then fill the dance floor for the remainder of the evening. A line of cold sparks for the couple to exit through would be a must. Guest could cheer them on their way… Sparklers, of course.”

And who could forget fireworks?

“I’m a big fan of the fireworks. We had a wedding that went through the county fire department and got permission to light off massive fireworks for their sendoff (a surprise gift from her parents). Everyone was surprised. We love to keep a big secret from the couple when it’s that good!”

Feeling inspired yet? We’re on the cusp of warming up a cup of cocoa and planning a gala dripping in silver for the cold Utah winter months (spoiler alert…we are).

Oh, and don’t forget, Valentine’s Day is a winter holiday too. Why not plan a celebration of your love on the day of love?

Utah Winter Events at Northridge Valley

If you want a little sneak peek into a Utah winter wedding at Northridge, they have more than enough amazing events that are centered around the winter holidays and beyond.

“Christmas at Northridge is one of our favorites for sure. We kick off December by hosting a wreath-making class, done together with Red Poppy Flower Co., where all the proceeds go to a local charity. We host corporate holiday parties the first week of December (book yours today)! We have it catered and decorated for you! Just bring your best people to celebrate another great year together.”

We mentioned brunch with Santa, this one you definitely won’t want to miss. “For the past three years, we have teamed up with Utah Celebrations Catering for holiday crepes with Santa on the first Saturday of December.”

They even have formal date-night events like their Dickens Dinner and Valentine’s Dance. Think plated food, live music, and romantic wintery waltzes with your partner.

Plan a Utah Winter Wedding

If you’re considering a Utah winter wedding of your own, this is your sign to do it. Embrace the sparkle, the coziness, and the best parts of Utah’s most underrated season. And at Northridge, your wedding is guaranteed to be amazing.

“Every season has its charm, and like any other season, winter is beautiful in its own way. Make it your own, and plan A and plan B are both great options.”

Feel free to make your next venue tour appointment at Northridge Valley. “Our slots are limited for the winter because of all the other wonderful things we have planned. Come in and discuss details—who knows, we may just use your event style and ideas to decorate the venue. Which means less work for you!”

“As always, we love to serve and take the stress off your shoulders so you can be present with your loved ones for your special day. Wishing you all a wonderful winter season filled with light, love, and happiness, from Jessica.”

And may we add on, wishing you all the sparkle and winter wedding-planning joy!