The Ultimate Winter Elopement & Ski Wedding Planning Guide

If you love skiing, snowboarding, and winter adventures in the snow then maybe a winter elopement or ski mountain wedding might be exactly the vibe you’re looking for. Snow-covered peaks, quiet trails, cozy cabins, and fewer crowds make winter one of the most underrated seasons to get married.

This guide is designed to walk you through literally everything you need to know about planning an epic winter elopement or ski wedding, especially in the mountains. Whether you’re dreaming of a snowy overlook, a frozen alpine lake, or exchanging vows on the slopes, this is your all-in-one planning resource. As a specialized Colorado elopement photographer that has photographed over 200+ elopements and is obsessed with skiing, snowboarding and backcountry touring I have a lot of info to share!

Why Choose A Winter Elopement?

To some people, getting married in the snow might sound a little insane. However I know there are people out there that couldn’t imagine a better way to get married. If this is you, then you’re in the right place!

Here are some of the top reasons why I recommend a wedding in the snow:

• Magical Winter Wedding Vibes: There’s a distinct charm to saying your vows amid snow-covered mountains and frosty pine trees. The quiet calm of falling snow creates an intimate romantic atmosphere like no other. It’s a true winter wonderland setting that can feel straight out of a fairytale. My personal favorite.
  
• Privacy & Fewer Crowds: Popular outdoor locations that are packed in summer become peaceful and secluded in winter. You can enjoy famous spots with far fewer tourists around, meaning your ceremony is more private. Even busy national parks see a fraction of the visitors in winter (Example: Rocky Mountain NP sees up to 10× fewer visitors in February than July). No need to worry about photo-bombers on your big day!
  
• Vendor Availability & Off-Season Perks: Peak wedding season is spring–fall, so a winter wedding/elopement means many in-demand vendors (photographers, venues, etc.) have open dates. You’ll have a better chance of booking your dream team and might even snag off-season discounts. Many venues and hotels also have lower rates in winter, and travel can be cheaper outside of the holiday rush. NOTE: Certain Colorado mountain towns will NOT have cheaper accommodations in the winter, sometimes the opposite. Off-season months like April and November tend to be the cheapest and will still have a chance at snowy weather in Colorado.
  
• Unique Adventure Opportunities: For adventurous couples, winter also opens the door to experiences you simply can’t have any other time of year. You can’t sled down a hill or cozy up by a fireplace in the mountains during a summer wedding! A winter elopement lets you incorporate skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, hot springs, sleigh rides, and cozy cabin evenings into your wedding day.
  
• Cozy, Intimate Atmosphere: There’s nothing like snuggling up by a crackling fire or sipping hot cocoa together after playing in the snow. Winter weddings naturally lend themselves to cozy touches, think twinkling lights, fur wraps and blankets, and maybe a holiday vibe. The whole day can feel like one giant romantic winter retreat for you (and a few close loved ones, if you invite any, no pressure).
  
• Gorgeous Lighting & Scenery: Most photographers love winter elopements because of the light and scenery. The sun stays lower in the sky on short winter days, creating soft, golden light hours before sunset. And if you’re in Colorado, you still get around 300 days of sunshine a year, so odds are good for a blue-sky day with sparkling snow. The combination of sun on snow, dramatic clouds, and even snowfall can make for jaw-dropping photos of your adventure.

PRO TIP: The sun can be extremely bright on a sunny day if there is snow on the ground. So bright that it will be tough to walk around without sunglasses or goggles. I recommend opting closer to sunset or early morning for most winter elopements so you’re not being blinded by the light (literally).

When is the Best Time to Get Married in the Winter?

Most winter elopements happen between January and March, when snow coverage is more reliable and crowds are at their lowest. December can be beautiful too, but holiday travel and ski season crowds can make logistics trickier, and sometimes Colorado doesn’t see a lot of snow in December.

Winter days are shorter, so timeline planning matters more than other seasons. Sunset often happens between 4:30–5:30 pm, which means ceremonies typically happen earlier in the day. The upside? Soft, dreamy light and no 5 a.m. sunrise alarms.

If you’re planning a winter elopement, flexibility is key. Weather can change quickly, so building in buffer days or backup plans makes the experience far less stressful. You never know when a highway can close in the midst of a blizzard, so it’s best to be prepared for anything the weather might throw at you!

If possible, avoid major holidays when ski towns and airports are busiest (MLK weekend, President’s Day, Christmas/New Year’s). Even better? Consider a weekday elopement. Popular ski resorts in places like Colorado are farrrrrrrr less crowded mid-week than on Saturdays. This way you’ll have more privacy and less traffic.

Top Tips for Planning an Elopement in the Winter

A successful winter wedding comes down to smart planning and being prepared to roll with whatever winter throws at you. As an elopement photographer who also helps plan elopements and someone who is obsessed with winter, here are my top tips to ensure your snowy celebration goes smoothly (and stays safe and fun).

Choose A Cozy Home Base

Having a warm, comfortable home base to get ready and hang out in is clutch for winter. Instead of a generic hotel room, consider renting a cabin or chalet with character, somewhere you’d love to spend the day if a blizzard hits and you can’t go outside as much. Think log cabins, A-frame chalets, or Airbnb rentals with fireplaces, large windows, and even hot tubs. This way, you have built-in backup options for photos (or even the ceremony) indoors. You’ll never regret choosing a cute cabin with a fireplace over a basic hotel as it can really enhance the vibe of your elopement (and your photos).

Have Backup Locations & Stay Flexible

Winter weather can be unpredictable. A sudden road closure or white-out snowstorm might mean Plan A isn’t possible. Always have a Plan B (and even Plan C). For example, if you’re planning an outdoor mountain pass ceremony, also scout a lower-elevation spot or a sheltered overlook you could use in case high winds or avalanche danger closes the pass. If you’re set on a certain alpine lake but the trail is snowed in, have an alternate accessible lake or scenic overlook in mind. Discuss backup options with your photographer or planner; experienced folks will have suggestions. Don’t forget to build flexibility into your schedule. Try to be in town at least a full day or two before your elopement in case of travel delays, and if possible, keep the day after your planned date open as a weather backup day. Many winter elopement photographers (myself included) will hold the next day free for you, just in case. The more you embrace a flexible, go-with-the-flow mindset, the less stressed you’ll be if Mother Nature throws a curveball.

Pad Your Timeline (Everything Takes Longer in Snow)

From driving on icy roads to hiking in boots and layers, winter activities just take a bit more time. Build in extra transit time between locations. If Google says 30 minutes, give yourself 45 or 60. It’s not just driving slower on snow; it’s also parking, walking carefully on ice, warming up in the car, etc. If things run behind, don’t fret, part of winter’s beauty is in those spontaneous moments.

Drive Safe & Prep Your Vehicle

If your elopement involves traveling in the mountains, a little vehicle prep goes a long way. Rent or use a 4WD/AWD car with good all-terrain or winter tires if you can. Carry tire chains (and know how to put them on) if heading into areas with chain laws. In Colorado, for instance, highways have traction laws in winter requiring certain tire tread or chains, so be prepared to avoid legal or safety issues. Stock the car with an emergency kit: jumper cables, a shovel, tow strap, ice scraper, first aid kit, blankets, and some food/water. Also, check road conditions on your elopement morning. If one mountain pass is closed, you might need to pivot to another location. Give yourselves plenty of time to get places safely!

Talk to Your Vendors (Winterize the Plan)

If you’re hiring any vendors (florist, hair/makeup, etc.), let them know early that this is a winter outdoor elopement. A winter-savvy florist will use hardier blooms and techniques to help bouquets/buttonholes hold up in the cold (and will avoid uber-delicate flowers or too much white that could brown with frost). A hair/makeup artist might use different products (like extra setting spray or avoiding super glossy makeup that could “freeze”). If you’re having any food (cake, charcuterie, etc.) or drinks, plan for how to keep hot things hot and cold things from freezing, insulated containers are your friends. And importantly, ensure all your vendors are comfortable driving in winter conditions to reach your location, or have a contingency to join via 4WD or carpool if needed. Choosing local vendors is smart; they’ll be more accustomed to the climate and less likely to be waylaid by weather. Overall, don’t be shy about asking each vendor, “Hey, any tips for doing this in winter?” they might have great ideas from past events.

Safety First. Know Your Limits:

An adventurous spirit is fantastic (that’s probably why you’re eloping in winter!), but safety always comes first. Be realistic about your and your partner’s comfort with cold and snow. If neither of you has backcountry winter experience, your elopement day might not be the best time to trek into avalanche terrain or try snowboarding for the first time. Stick to activities you’re comfortable with, or hire a guide for anything extreme. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and avalanche reports if you’ll be in mountainous backcountry areas. In short, don’t become the subject of a search-and-rescue story on your wedding day. Also, remember to stay hydrated and fed even if it’s cold (it’s easy to forget to drink water when it’s chilly). Pack high-energy snacks, your bodies will burn more calories just staying warm. Finally, listen to your body: if you’re getting too cold, take a break and warm up. No photo or plan is worth numb fingers or mild hypothermia.

Capture the Moment (Hire the Right Photographer):

Winter conditions can be challenging for photography. Lighting can be high-contrast with snow, cameras and batteries need to be handled carefully in the cold, and your photographer might need to ski/snowshoe to follow you. So make sure to hire a photographer experienced with winter elopements (like myself)! Look for portfolio images of other snow or winter weddings to be confident they know what they’re doing. An experienced winter elopement photographer will also help you with planning (like timing for best light/sunset or location scouting) and will come prepared with gear like microspikes, extra winter gear, etc. If you’re planning to exchange vows on the slopes or at a ski resort, try to find a ski resort wedding photographer (someone who isn’t just willing but excited to join you on the ski lift and capture you shredding down the mountain!). The right photographer will embrace the adventure and keep you relaxed, even if a surprise blizzard blows in during your vows.

Best Places to Elope in the Winter (Colorado & Beyond)

Wondering what’s the best winter elopement location? I’ve got you covered on both Colorado favorites and a few winter destinations beyond Colorado. You’re likely dreaming of snow and dramatic scenery, so here are some top options:

Colorado Winter Elopement Locations

Colorado is one of the best places to elope in the winter thanks to its snow, sunshine, and endless mountain scenery. Plus it’s relatively easy to get to if you’re already in the US! Another pro? Colorado allows you to self-solemnize. Which means you don’t need an officiant or witnesses to legally get married in the state. This truly opens up your options and makes Colorado the most elopement friendly state in the country. Winter brings solitude to places that are packed in summer, making it easier to find privacy without hiking miles into the backcountry. Most of the locations I photograph at in the winter are very easily accessible.

Some of the best Colorado winter elopement locations include:

Ski Resort Towns (Breckenridge, Vail, Aspen, Telluride, Crested Butte, Salida)

If you two are avid skiers or snowboarders, why not incorporate that? Colorado’s ski towns are perfect for a ski resort wedding or elopement. Many resorts are surprisingly chill about small ceremonies or photos on the mountain with just lift tickets (as long as you only have a couple of guests). For example, Keystone Ski Resort even runs gondolas into the evening for night skiing on the weekends, meaning you could have a sunset ceremony up top. You could ride a chairlift or gondola to a scenic peak, say vows, then literally ski down in wedding attire for an epic exit! (Yes, this has been done, and it’s amazing.) Plus, these towns have great venues, from luxury ski lodges to intimate cabins, and lots of winter activities for your trip. Crested Butte is one of my favorite locations for a winter elopement, especially if you want dramatic peaks and fewer crowds.

Rocky Mountain National Park & Estes Park

RMNP is incredibly special in winter. Key ceremony spots like Sprague Lake, Bear Lake, or 3M Curve Overlook are accessible year-round (the park plows the main roads). Plus it’s typically easier to get wedding permits in the off-season. Don’t forget, you still need a wedding permit even if you’re just reading your vows in the park! In the town of Estes Park, you have cute cabins and lodges to warm up in. (Fun fact: Only ~5% of weddings happen in winter nationwide, so if you elope in RMNP in February, you’ll feel like you have the park to yourselves!)

Frozen Alpine Lakes & Mountain Passes

Imagine eloping on a frozen lake with snow-capped peaks around you. Locations like Sapphire Point at Dillon Reservoir or Twin Lakes offer that postcard winter scene. Many high alpine lakes in Colorado are only accessible via snowshoe or snowmobile in winter. These spots give you wide-open snowy panoramas. (Be sure to check ice safety if planning to stand on a frozen lake, of course!) A lot of these locations are on National Forest land and most of the time do not require permits, but they might also be tougher to get to.

Hot Spring Towns

Maybe your dream winter elopement includes a hot soak after the cold. Colorado has fantastic hot spring towns like Ouray, Steamboat Springs, Pagosa Springs, and Buena Vista. You could say your vows in the snow, then spend your wedding afternoon/evening relaxing in natural hot springs together, talk about romantic! These towns also offer beautiful winter-friendly venues (think log cabins, intimate resorts) and great winter activities (snowmobile tours, sleigh rides, etc.). Plus lodging is typically cheaper than ski resort towns in the winter.

Front Range Favorites

If you want to stay closer to Denver (and slightly lower elevation), spots like Garden of the Gods (red rock formations often dusted with snow) or Lost Gulch in Boulder are lovely and more easily accessible. These are great if you want a mix of winter nature and some urban conveniences.

PRO TIP: If you hired me as your winter elopement photographer then I will help you find the perfect ceremony location. Custom location scouting guides are included in all of my packages!

Winter Elopement Destinations Outside Colorado

If you’re open to traveling, other stunning winter elopement destinations include:

• Wyoming (Grand Teton National Park)
• Alaska (glaciers and Northern Lights)
• U.S. National Parks in Winter
• The European Alps

PRO TIP: Always check seasonal road closures for winter locations. Many high-altitude roads or park entrances close in winter – which can actually increase the solitude, as long as you can access safely by another route or by snowshoe/snowmobile.

Winter Wedding Activity Ideas for Adventurous Couples

One of the best parts about getting married in the winter is building your day around what you actually love doing. I think it’s extra special that most of these activities cannot be done year around in most places! Winter elopements are about blending adventure with comfort. You can ski hard in the morning and be wrapped in blankets by a fireplace that evening. There’s no rulebook!!

• Skiing or snowboarding together on your wedding day
• Snowshoeing to a secluded ceremony spot
• Enjoy a dog sledding adventure to your winter ceremony location
• Make snow angels together in the snow
• Go on a horse drawn sleigh ride through a snowy forest
• Ice skating on a frozen lake
• Visit the Colorado Ice Castles
• Exchanging vows at the top of a ski lift
• Snowmobiling into the backcountry
• Cozy cabin mornings with coffee and vows by the fire (add s’mores too)
• Soaking in hot springs while it snows
• Go snow tubing in your wedding attire
• Stargazing or Northern Lights chasing

PRO TIP: Try to mix a big adventure with some cozy, relaxed downtime in your winter wedding timeline. For example, you might spend the morning snowmobiling to an alpine meadow for your ceremony, then the afternoon cuddled up in your cabin with hot drinks. Or do a thrilling ski run together, then later enjoy a quiet candlelit dinner. Balancing excitement with relaxation will keep you energized (and warm!) throughout the day.

What to Wear for a Winter Mountain Elopement

One of the top questions for cold-weather “I dos” is what do we wear?! I get it, finding the perfect ski wedding attire can be tough. The goal is to stay warm and look awesome. The good news: with the right gear and a bit of planning, you can absolutely do both. Long story short for what to wear on your winter elopement… Layers are crucial! Here are some attire tips for a winter elopement (for both ski brides and grooms).

Ski Bridal Attire – Dresses & Cover Ups:

ou truly can wear whatever style you love, but a few considerations for winter: Dresses made of thicker fabrics like velvet, jacquard, heavy silk, or lined lace will keep you warmer than thin chiffon or tulle. Sleeves or high necks can help cut the chill, but even a strapless gown can work if you pair it with a great jacket or shawl. So if you’re stuck between a sleeveless dress that you really love and one with sleeves that you sorta love, go sleeveless and layer up. Many ski brides rock a faux-fur stole, cape, or cloak, it adds old-school elegance and warmth. You can also incorporate color with a beautiful knit cardigan or tailored coat that complements your dress.

PRO TIP: If your heart is set on a lighter dress like chiffon, invest in fleece nude tights and even nude thermal underwear, you’ll get that flowy look and no one will know you’ve got fleece leggings underneath!

Suits & Jackets:

Winter is the time to channel your inner James Bond in the Alps. Opt for suits in heavier materials like wool, tweed, flannel, or even velvet for a luxe look. These fabrics not only look seasonally stylish, but they also insulate better against the cold. A three-piece suit (with a vest) is excellent for warmth – essentially an extra layer built into your outfit. Consider wearing an undershirt or merino wool baselayer beneath your dress shirt. And don’t forget a nice overcoat! A wool overcoat or tailored pea coat can be worn over your suit during photos and removed for the ceremony if you prefer.

Footwear – Boots Over Heels:

This is not the day for stilettos, trust us. Snow and fancy shoes don’t mix – you don’t want cold, wet feet or a twisted ankle. Instead, choose insulated, waterproof boots that you can comfortably walk in snow with. There are lots of bridal-style boots out there now, from rustic lace-up boots to cute white fur-lined booties. If you’re wearing a dress you can even wear winter boots under a long dress and no one will see them. Make sure your boots have good traction; consider attaching micro-spikes to the soles if you’ll be on icy terrain. And absolutely wear wool socks (pack spare socks too, in case one pair gets damp). Warm, dry feet = a much happier elopement day.

Coats, Jackets & Accessories:

Plan to have a warm coat handy that you don’t mind wearing in photos. A common mistake is people suffer in the cold for the sake of fashion, but if you choose a photogenic coat, you can stay cozy and look great. A classic jean jacket over a wedding dress can be super cute; a leather jacket can be edgy and cool; a colorful scarf or shawl can add personality. Even a bright ski jacket can make for fun shots if you lean into it. The point is, have something to throw on between shots or during any downtime. Also, accessorize for warmth: Bring gloves or mittens, a hat or ear warmer headband that matches your outfit, and hand warmers to slip into your pockets or boots. You can find hand warmers that stick onto your lower back or inside your shoes, use them! You’ll enjoy your day so much more if you’re not shivering.

PRO TIP: Mittens are warmer then gloves. Add hand warmers to your mittens, or better yet get a heated jacket or vest to keep you super toasty. If you plan to go the heated attire route, get extra batteries because they run out quick in the cold.

Hair & Makeup Considerations:

If you’re getting professional hair/makeup, tell your artist it’s an outdoor winter wedding so they can plan accordingly. Go for waterproof eye makeup (wind plus cold can make eyes tear up) and long-wear foundation/lip color. For hair, think about styles that still look great after being under a hat or blowing in the wind – loose curls, braids, or half-up styles tend to hold up better than a perfectly sprayed high updo. You might be putting on a beanie or pulling a hoodie over at times, so a more relaxed hairstyle will be less hassle. And maybe carry a travel-sized hairspray or extra bobby pins just in case. Finally, keep some lip balm handy. Cold air = chapped lips, enough said.

Colorado Ski Resort Elopements & Hiring a Ski Resort Wedding Photographer

If skiing or snowboarding is a huge part of your life, a skiing wedding can be an absolutely epic way to get married! Honestly, it’s my favorite type of wedding day. But as a self certified powder hunter I miiiiiiight be a little biased.

I’ve been skiing and snowboarding since I was a kid, and winter in the mountains has always felt like home to me. Chairlift rides, cold noses, snow-covered eyelashes, that exhausted-but-happy feeling at the end of the day… that’s my comfort zone. So photographing ski resort elopements isn’t me trying something new, it’s me doing what I’ve loved forever, with a camera in my hands!

And honestly, photographing a wedding on the slopes takes more than just being “okay” on skis. Hiring a ski resort wedding photographer means choosing someone who actually gets mountain life and can keep things fun, smooth, and stress-free.

Someone who:

• Can confidently ski or snowboard with camera gear (without panicking 😅)
• Is totally comfortable riding chairlifts and gondolas
• Knows how to work with bright snow, high contrast, and fast-changing mountain light
• Understands ski resort rules, lift access, and mountain etiquette
• Can move efficiently on the mountain without slowing your day down

Ski resort elopements can be so different depending on your vibes. Maybe you exchange vows at the top of a lift, take a few celebratory runs together, and then head straight to après-ski drinks at the lodge. If you have something a bit more relaxing in mind, then how about reading your vows at sunset and visiting local hot springs in the evening after dinner? For the most adventurous folks, maybe it’s going on an epic ski touring adventure. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, just the way that feels like you!

That said, ski elopements do take a bit more planning. Lift schedules, crowd patterns, weather, and timing all matter. Having someone by your side who knows ski resorts inside and out makes everything feel easier and way more relaxed. When your photographer is fully at home in the mountains, you don’t have to worry about the logistics, you just get to enjoy the day!!!

And truly? Getting married on skis or a snowboard is just plain FUN. Your wedding day should feel like an adventure you’re excited about, not something you have to overthink. And ski resort elopements are exactly that!!!

Looking For More Details On Winter Elopement Packages?

Most of my winter elopement packages start at 4 hours of coverage, with options for longer days or custom timelines. As mentioned above, in some cases I offer 2 to 3 hour elopements as well. You can view my full Colorado elopement packages here.

Final Thoughts

Winter elopements aren’t for everyone, and that’s what makes them so special. I may be a littleeeee bit biased but with the right planning and the right mindset, winter can be one of the most meaningful seasons to get married!