Thinking about planning a winter elopement? This is for you!
When you say the word winter some people think of skiing, snowball fights, and nights spent cozied up next to a fire. Others think of freezing cold weather and sketchy commutes. Whether you love it or hate it, winter is coming so you may as well embrace it!
In this article we’re going to talk all about winter elopements – how to have one, where to have one, and why winter might just be the BEST season for you to elope! We’ll dive into specifics on how to elope in winter in Colorado (my home!) as well as talk about some other places you might want to consider if you want a … warmer … elopement experience.
Ready? Let’s go!
Meet your guide for this adventure!
Hey there! I’m Jen Dz! I’m a Colorado-based adventure elopement photographer who helps couples plan incredible elopements right here in Colorado and destinations worldwide.
I love winter … and I also love escaping winter sometimes … so grab your favorite warm and toasty beverage and let’s talk ALL about winter elopements and how to make them happen!
In this article I’ll be talking about the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere – generally December through February. Having said that, some places (like here in Colorado) have MUCH longer winters so the idea of “winter” is kind of a moving target. Just know that we’re talking about both actual winter (based on the dates) as well as generally cold months (based on climate!).
When is ”winter” anyway?
Best Places to Elope in Winter
Colorado
1.
Colorado knows a thing or two about how to embrace and celebrate the snow! If your visions of a winter elopement involve snowy vibes interspersed with sunny days and/or hitting the slopes, a Colorado winter elopement is for you! Snow season generally runs from December through April (and sometimes beyond) so we have a LOT of winter in these parts!
wHETHER YOU ARE LOOKING TO EMBRACE THE SNOW … OR AVOID IT ENTIRELY … HERE ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITE LOCATIONS FOR A WINTER ELOPEMENT!
MOAB, UT
2.
Winter in the desert can be a bit chilly but it is also MAGICAL! If you've never seen light snow fall on deep red rocks, you're in for a real treat! Winter is a much shorter season in the deserts of Utah, generally running from December – February. Want something slightly less wintery? November and March/April are perfect shoulder season months for warm (but not yet hot) elopements when most of the country is still shivering!
KAUAI, HI
3.
Kauai is one of the most magical places in the U.S. and a great spot for a winter elopement! While the North Short of Kauai can be rainy during the winter, the south shore generally stays warm and dry – and the good news is that the island is small enough that you can chase the good weather down the coast!
MEXICO
4.
Believe it or not there is more to eloping in Mexico than cheesy pre-packed resort elopements! Mexico has TONS of off the beaten path adventures that make it PERFECT for a couple who wants a beach elopement experience in a warm climate. Think hikes, wild beaches, whale watching, and all the margs you could possibly drink!
SEDONA, AZ
5.
Winter in Sedona can be chilly but that cool weather comes with the chance of fresh snow on dramatic landscapes. Winter is a time of year when the crowds are low – which. means you'll have those stunning views all to yourself!
ICELAND
6.
Iceland in winter, you say? Yes and here's why: Winter in Iceland gets you away from the crowds and gives you more of a chance to see the stunning Northern Lights. Because the days get so short in the winter it's best to get married during the shoulder seasons to give yourself a little more light to work with. If you really want to embrace the cold and are up for a BIG adventure, Iceland is perfect!
COSTA RICA
7.
Oh, Costa Rica. You are PURE MAGIC. Winter is the dry season in Costa Rica so you'll most likely have beautiful weather for your elopement. What does that mean for you? A chance to explore ALL that Costa Rica has to offer! From the beaches to the jungles to the cloud forests to the waterfalls and beyond. Get married on an epic adventure with no one but the sloths and toucans as your guests!
Where to Elope in Winter
The list above just begins to scratch the surface of the best places to elope in winter. It's meant to give you ideas and help get you dreaming of what your elopement could look like. But how do you decide where to elope in winter?
If you are planning a winter elopement and trying to figure out where to elope I suggest closing your eyes and envisioning what you want for your day. Were you wanting snowy, cozy mountain vibes? Were you thinking of escaping the snow to somewhere warm? What kinds of activities do you want to do and what kinds of landscapes do you want to be in?
Winter Adventure Elopement Ideas + Inspiration
What types of activities you can do at your elopement will depend on the climate you elope in and your level of comfort in the outdoors. With that being said, here is a not so short list of ideas for activities to do at your winter elopement:
– Snowshoeing
– Sleigh ride
– Skiing or snowboarding (backcountry or in a resort)
– Helicopter tour
– Cozy up in a cabin in the woods
– Hiking
– Whale watching
– Glamping
– Dogsledding
– Snowy bonfire
– Travel abroad
– Elope under the Northern Lights
– Storm watching in the PNW
– Beach elopement in a warmer climate
Winter Elopement Packages
While there are many resorts and companies that provide all inclusive winter elopement packages, I strongly suggest choosing your vendors yourself (with the help of an experienced elopement photographer and planner) (hi, thats me!). Why? You'll get a fully custom experience with vendors whose work and vibe you love. In my experience all inclusive elopement resort-style elopement packages tend to be lower quality than going a la carte.
Sound intimidating? It doesn't have to be! Your photographer/planner will help you every step of the way so you can have your DREAM elopement, crafted just for you, at your location of choice, anywhere in the world!
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