When Is the Full Moon December 2024?

Howdy, lovebirds! Victoria here, your Hudson Valley wedding photographer (moon lover too!). As a Hudson Valley wedding photographer, I’ve always had a special connection to the natural world, and there’s something truly magical about a full moon. Its soft glow, casting a silver sheen across the landscape, creates a dreamy backdrop that’s impossible to replicate. Whether you’re planning a wedding, an engagement session, or just looking for the perfect moment to gaze at the night sky, the full moon offers something undeniably fascinating.

A full moon wedding theme is set to be one of the biggest wedding photography trends of 2025—and for good reason! 🌕✨ The moon’s soft glow creates a dreamy, romantic atmosphere that’s pure magic in photos.

So, let’s talk about when December 2024’s full moon will light up the sky and how you can use it to create stunning, unforgettable memories.

Mark Your Calendar: December 15, 2024

The December 2024 full moon will shine bright on Sunday, December 15th—marking the year’s final lunar spectacle. 🌕 Known as the “Cold Moon,” it ushers in winter’s crisp magic, casting an ethereal glow over the Hudson Valley.

For couples planning weddings, engagement shoots, or cozy winter portraits, this date is pure romance. 💕 Imagine standing beneath the luminous moonlight, wrapped in the quiet beauty of Upstate New York, sharing an unforgettable moment with your love. Now that’s a photo worth capturing!❄️

Why the Full Moon Matters for Photography

As a photographer, I can’t stress this enough—lighting is everything. And when it comes to nighttime photography, the full moon is nature’s softest, dreamiest spotlight. 🌕✨

In the Hudson Valley, the Cold Moon transforms already stunning locations like Minnewaska State Park, Mohonk Preserve, and the Catskills (including dreamy mountain wedding venues) into ethereal wonderlands.

I love using the moon’s glow as a natural light source, adding depth, texture, and a touch of magic to every shot. For couples looking for something extraordinary, a full moon session is the perfect way to capture your love story with a truly otherworldly vibe.💫

Planning Your Full Moon Shoot

If you’re as enchanted by the moon as I am, here’s how you can make the most of December 15th:

1. Pick the Perfect Location

The Hudson Valley is packed with breathtaking locations that truly come alive under moonlight. 🌕✨ Imagine a forest clearing, a mountaintop with panoramic views, or the icy shimmer of a frozen lake. Here are some of my favorite moonlit spots:

🌄 Bear Mountain State Park – Wide-open views with the moon reflecting off the Hudson River? Absolute magic.
🏛️ Olana State Historic Site – The stunning architecture paired with soft moonlight creates a storybook-worthy scene.
🌊 The Ashokan Reservoir – Tranquil and vast, this spot offers uninterrupted horizons for dreamy moonlit photos.
⛰️ Catskills Mountain Wedding Venues – With minimal light pollution, the full moon shines brighter, casting an enchanting glow over Catskills wedding celebrations.

Whether you’re planning a moonlit elopement, engagement session, or romantic portraits, these locations are pure photographic gold.

2. Time It Right

The full moon doesn’t just appear for one moment—it rises and sets, offering plenty of time for dreamy photos. Sunset on December 15th will be around 4:30 PM in the Hudson Valley, so the moon will rise shortly after, giving you hours to capture its beauty.

3. Coordinate Wardrobe

For winter full moon shoots, I always recommend layers. Think cozy yet elegant—faux fur wraps, velvet jackets, or flowing dresses paired with warm boots. Lighter colors like whites, silvers, or pastels reflect the moonlight beautifully, creating an ethereal vibe.

4. Incorporate Props

Want to add some extra flair to your session? Lanterns, string lights, or even a small bonfire can amplify the romance of a full moon shoot.

Full Moon Weddings: A Dream Come True

If you’re saying “I do” on December 15th, let’s make the full moon a stunning part of your wedding photography.

Forget worrying about how much a wedding photographer costs in NYC—the magic we’ll capture will be worth every penny. Imagine:

💍 Exchanging vows under the glow of the Cold Moon
🌙 Stealing a quiet moment as newlyweds beneath its luminous light
📸 Capturing intimate couple poses that feel almost otherworldly

The full moon isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime setting for the most unforgettable photos. Let’s make your love story shine! ✨💕

Winter weddings in the Hudson Valley already feel intimate and cozy, but the full moon adds a layer of enchantment that’s hard to put into words. If your venue has outdoor spaces like a terrace or a snow-dusted garden that the Catskills mountain wedding venues have, we can take advantage of the moonlight to create unforgettable portraits.

Capturing the Magic of the Moon

Photographing under a full moon has its challenges, but that’s where my expertise as a Hudson Valley wedding photographer comes in. Low light requires special techniques to keep your photos sharp, clear, and magical. Here’s how I make it happen:

The Right Gear

For moonlit shoots, I use fast lenses with wide apertures to capture as much light as possible. ✨ A tripod is a must to keep images crisp and steady during longer exposures, ensuring every shot is sharp, dreamy, and full of magic.

Creative Lighting

While the moon’s glow is pure magic, I love adding subtle lighting to enhance the mood. 🌙 String lights, lanterns, or candles bring a touch of warmth and romance, perfectly balancing the cool, silvery moonlight.

The result? Dreamy, cinematic photos that feel straight out of a fairytale.

Patience is Key

Night photography takes a little extra time and care, but trust me—the results are so worth it.  I work closely with my couples to make sure they feel comfortable, relaxed, and totally in the moment—even in the crisp evening air. ❄️💍

The goal? Breathtaking, moonlit photos that feel as magical as the night itself. 📸💫

Other Moonlit Adventures

Not planning a wedding or a photoshoot? No problem—December’s full moon is still a perfect excuse to pause and reconnect with nature.

Bundle up, grab a cozy blanket, and step outside to watch the moonrise. Whether you’re stargazing with your partner, enjoying a family bonfire, or just soaking in the peaceful stillness of the night, the Cold Moon offers a rare moment of calm in the holiday season’s chaos. ❄️🔥

Book Your Moonlit Session

As a Hudson Valley wedding photographer, I’m here to help you turn your full moon wedding dreams into reality. 🌕✨ Whether you’re planning a romantic engagement session, a whimsical elopement, or a cozy winter portrait shoot, December 15th is the perfect date to make it happen!

Booking me means discovering why couples choose Stories by Victoria to capture their most meaningful moments. Let’s create something magical together—the Cold Moon only comes once a year, so why not make the most of it?

But wait—if you miss the December 2024 full moon, January 2025’s is right around the corner! Stay tuned, and let’s keep chasing the magic of the moon together. 💫

For more information or to book your session, visit Stories by Victoria. I can’t wait to capture your story under the glow of the full moon!