The time for winter weddings is now, before they start becoming the norm and venues start to become unavailable. So why not have a winter wonderland wedding on a budget? Why would anyone want to have a winter wedding, you may be asking yourself. Besides the beauty of the gently falling snow, twinkling lights, and gorgeous white shawls the bridesmaids can wear; consider the untapped, breathtaking venues. From Canada to Sweden all the way to Iceland; these are the seven best places for a winter wedding. Don’t blame us when you want to switch your wedding date from summer to winter!
7. Swedish Ice Hotel (Jukkasjarvi, Sweden)
From December to April, couples can say ‘I do’ here at the Swedish Ice Hotel, the world’s largest hotel made of ice and snow. The choices for ceremonies here include the Ice Church, one of the most unique locations in the world. Every year it is hand-carved by designers, different than the year before, and can hold up to 40 guests. The walls and ceilings are made of snow while the altar details and benches are made of ice. If you are a civil ceremony, the majestic Main Hall or one of the hand-carved art suites are perfect. The extras here include hand-carved ice blocks with your names in them, plenty of champagne, and world-class food. Couples can spend the night huddled together in a luxury suite, snow room, or anything in between. Don’t worry about being cold; this hotel has you covered with specialty sleeping bags made for two.
6. Budir, Iceland
If you are looking to be married in a beautiful yet desolate landscape, there is no better place for a winter wedding than Iceland. Hotel Budir is where you lovebirds will want to head as they offer an unforgettable wedding experience. Situated on the oceanfront, the hotel is surrounded by a lava field with the Snaefellsjokul glacier in the background. The small, yet breathtaking church is located right beside the hotel although many people choose to get married on the white sandy beach or on the moss in the midst of the lava field. After the ceremony guests and the couple will head to the hotel for dinner, the restaurant here is considered one of the most romantic restaurants in all of Iceland. The happy couple can book to stay in the one suite while all other guests can occupy the additional 27 rooms.
5. Yoho National Park (British Columbia, Canada)
The secluded Emerald Lake Lodge in the heart of Yoho National Park is the perfect winter wedding destination. During the winter snow envelops the area and turns Emerald Lake into a true winter wonderland. There is a choice of three venues at this lodge, featuring seating from 24-88 people. Ceremonies can be held outside, with the mountains as the backdrop, or in the same room as your reception. Simple flowers, candlelight, and twinkling lights will set the stage for the utmost romantic experience. Snow-capped mountain peaks, crackling fireplaces, and snow gently falling make getting hitched in the Rocky Mountains, one of the best ideas for a winter wedding.
4. Dunton (Colorado, USA)
Think rustic charm meets natural splendor of the hot springs meets cowboy boots and cocktails in the saloon, that is what wedding guests will expect at this winter wedding venue in Colorado. The Dunton Hot Springs Resort is set deep in the San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Rockies and this restored ghost town turns into a winter wonderland with luxury cabins, an outdoor chapel, a saloon, and absolutely breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy sweeping views of 14,000-foot mountain peaks, alpine springs, and frozen rivers as you say, “I do” under gently falling snow. Enjoy a world-class dinner created by the finest chefs using organic ingredients to create the menu you have always dreamt about. Experience heli-skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling as a new married couple, as well as letting your guests experience a wide range of activities that await you in the winter months.
3. Quebec City (Quebec, Canada)
This truly romantic destination is the perfect place to tie the knot any time of the year, but it gets even more magical in the winter months, alas a bit chilly, but definitely worth it. The European-inspired atmosphere, gourmet dining, stunning churches, chic hotels, and legendary hospitality make this a day you will never forget. Arrive at your ceremony in the legendary horse-drawn carriages, say ‘I do’ at a traditional sugar shack, or even get hitched at the Ice Hotel. Stay in a gorgeous hotel such as the Fairmont, customize your meal at one of many restaurants throughout the city and wander the historic streets of Old Quebec with the thousands of twinkling lights and beautiful decorations. There is truly no bad place to have your winter wedding in this iconic romantic destination.
2. Colorado, USA
If you just can’t imagine having a wedding day without being blanketed by a covering of snow, Colorado is the perfect winter wedding destination for you. Colorado is blessed with a number of ski resorts, where you and your partner can get a few ski-runs in before or after the ceremony, as well as get married atop a mountain with stunning views and enjoy a luxury lodge experience. Or choose to exchange vows in one of many small chapels that are tucked into the Rocky Mountains. Whatever snowy experience you are after, it is easy to find in this state. From Aspen to Breckenridge to Telluride the choices are endless of winter weddings here.
1. Lake Tahoe, USA
You will have to bundle up when you get married in Lake Tahoe in the wintertime as the temperature drops, but it will be well worth it when you are standing atop a mountain saying “I do” while looking out into the beautiful views. Stunning snow-capped mountains, fine dining, and elegant venues are located all around the lake, along with dramatic sunsets that seem to be even better in the wintertime. Think s’more stations, outdoor fire pits, mulled wine, and crackling fireplace indoors. The choice of where you choose to say your vows, well that’s up to you. The possibilities here are endless and whether you are looking for an intimate gathering or a full-blown winter wedding party; you will be sure to find it at Lake Tahoe.
