There is many a benefit to choosing a winter wedding as opposed to the very popular and somewhat cliched summer affair with sunny photos, bright florals and a garden party.

Due to so many people choosing to wed during the summer, the winter months are a cheaper time of year to tie the knot. In fact, many venues advertise special winter deals and offers to entice people to book then instead of the busiest summer period. Savings can be astonishing so look into a package deal. You can even expect service to be more personal as staff have more time on their hands to attend to each couple and their requirements.

With winter a less popular season, venues are also less likely to be booked out very far in advance as they tend to be in the summer. This is good news to engaged couples who don't want to wait 2 years or longer to say their I dos.

Snow makes for an amazing addition to a winter wedding. Though this is never guaranteed, if it arrives on time, your outdoor wedding pictures will look even more spectacular. Imagine yourself and your partner striking a pose against a beautiful backdrop of snow-covered trees and a frozen lake or pond. The colour couldn't be more appropriate for a wedding!

A factor many people might not even consider is how much easier it is to appreciate a three course meal in the winter than during the summer when the heat affects people's digestive systems. In the summer, people can really struggle to finish their portions, while in the winter they'll be happy for the chance to warm up with some tasty food. Besides, the menu should reflect the season so think of all the gourmet goodies it could feature, from hearty soups to chunky pieces of steak.

Wintry venues in the city could include hotels, local attractions such as museums and botanic gardens, and other, more obscure event venues.

To give you an idea of the range of potential settings, here is a selection of venues available for hire in the UK. Hoping to tie the knot in Edinburgh? Consider venues such as the Botanic Gardens, Mansfield Traquair and the Caves. Getting married in Leeds? You can get hitched at Leeds United Conference and Events Centre or Weetwood Hall. In Manchester, venues like the DoubleTree hotel Manchester Piccadilly and The Castlefield Rooms are ideal for a winter wedding.