With gorgeous snow backdrops and the cheery vibes of the holiday season, it’s kinda surprising that eloping in the winter isn’t a more popular choice for soon-to-be-partners. Seriously! Only nine percent of weddings take place during the winter. 

But hey, choosing when to get married isn’t something you should do based on the popularity of the season. In fact, winter eloping is a #joyful way to celebrate your love during the colder months, and there are tons of pros to doing so, too. 

If you’re considering eloping in the winter, great! Here are some things to know when it comes to planning for the big day. 

where to elope in winter

Something to consider about eloping in the winter: Traveling is a lot cheaper during the colder seasons, and odds are you can get a deal on your hotels, flights, and resort stays. That said, you should figure out what kind of vibe you want before you choose your destination and book any of the necessities. 

So, what’s more your style? Do you want a crisp desert vibe or a true winter moment? If you like the dryland, you’ll have canyon scenes that offset your sophisticated wedding attire in a *chef’s kiss* beautiful way. 

And if you go for the picturesque, snow-y, pine tree-studded route, then you’ll truly embody the classic winter feel. Here are some solid location options for either set of winter elopement dreams. 

Loveland Pass, Colorado

If you’re into a good winter sitch, you’ll be obsessed with Loveland Pass, Colorado. Your wedding views will be insane. Why? Picture this: you’re surrounded by gorgeous mountain peaks powdered with snow, there’s a chill in the air, and you and your partner are standing on a rocky (yet safe!) cliff while you say ‘I do.’ 

The Met, New York

Okay, so this one’s for people who aren’t into nature, per se, but still love a winter-themed backdrop. When you get married at The Met, you can take all kinds of pics in front of the art, you can head on the roof for a picture-perfect view, or you can take a walk into Central Park for all the snow-y bridal themes your heart desires. 

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Midwesterners will absolutely love eloping at a Mackinac Island getaway. You’ll forget you’re mere hours from home while you absorb the photogenic winter landscapes filled with ski resorts, lodge-life vibes, and more. Not only is it a great place to commemorate your love, but there are so many fun activities you can do later on (or pre-wedding), too. 

Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

This literal horseshoe-shaped piece of earth in the deserts of Arizona is the ideal location for those of you who love a good warm, outdoorsy-vibe. You can take pictures and say ‘I do’ at the cusp of the canyon for a beautiful moment you’ll look back on forev. Plus, with an abundance of national parks in the area, there’s lots of hiking and camping to do pre-or-post-wedding day. 

Canyon Point, Utah

An absolutely breathtaking place to elope? Say hello to Canyon Point, Utah. You’ll fall in love with the striking canyon landscapes. And yes, there’s lots to do in this location, too. Consider staying at the luxurious Amangiri Resort, where you’ll sit poolside while looking out at the most beautiful desert, getting dream-like massages at its spa and eating five star meals. 

Other awesome places to elope in winter:

• Interlaken, Switzerland
• Olympic National Park
• Banff, Canada
• Grand Teton National Park
• Lake Tahoe, Nevada

benefits to eloping in winter

Another bonus of eloping in the winter? There is *lots* to do while on the romantic getaway, no matter your interests. For the super outdoorsy couples, there’s the classic snow-heavy or nature-style sports like hiking, skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, hot tubbing and more. And for those of you who like to stay inside, you get all the benefits of hot chocolate, sitting by big bonfires, and curling up for all the cozy feels. 

No matter your mood, you’ll definitely be satisfied with all your options when it comes to eloping in the winter. Promise! 

Another benefit to eloping in winter is that it’s wedding ‘off season’. That typically means more vendor availability and you may even find better prices on hotels + flights, depending on where you choose to elope.

what to wear to your winter elopement

And yep, one of the best parts of eloping in the winter is the fact that you can seriously go for it with the accessories and accent pieces. For your wedding look, consider layering on a fluffy white shawl, a classy fur coat, or even a chic, edgy leather jacket. Not only will these style additions keep you warm, but they’re also the perfect accessories for all your wedding pics. 

You can also consider choosing a thicker suit or long-sleeve dress, one that will cover up any goosebumps or redness you may get from the cold. Or, layer on heavier footwear like boots, close-toed shoes, and thick socks or tights. Either way, you want to make sure that you not only look good, but that you feel good on your elopement day. This starts with feeling warm, stylish, and beautiful in you and your partners’ outfits. 

winter elopement packages

I want to make sure that your winter wedding is a day you can remember forever. That starts with helping you pick the perfect location and capturing your experience on camera. For more information about what I can offer you when it comes to eloping in the winter, please take a look at my Elopement Packages page. 

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