Although summer and spring are great seasons to hold your wedding, there’s something dreamy and enchanting about winter weddings. From moody decor to cozy attire, winter wedding destinations give you endless inspiration and opportunities for unique wedding details.
As you know, not all snowy locations are the same. From a red rocky backdrop in Utah to a full blown white winter wonderland in Michigan, we collected our favorite destinations to book the icy wedding of your dreams. Complete with prime winter wedding months as well as additional venue and lodging recommendations, this roundup will make it easy for you to choose the ideal spot for your big day.
Keep reading to find out what makes each of these places special, browse activities for your guests and read general tips for each location. If you’re having a destination wedding, make sure you and your guests rent a car that can safely drive in snowy weather. If you’re on the fence about having your wedding during extremely low temperatures, check out these picturesque towns for a warmer fall wedding.
15 US Winter Wedding Destinations Your Guests Will Fall in Love With
Note: This is a syndicated post, republished with permission. You can find the original here.
Tenaya Lodge – Yosemite National Park, CA
Located near Yosemite National Park’s south entrance, this beautiful lodge offers a wide range of different venue options to accommodate a wedding of any size both indoor and outdoor. Nestled in a blanket of Giant Sequoias, your guests are sure to have the most relaxing experience at your wedding.
For activities, you can book guided snowshoe tours, check out thundering waterfalls, go ice skating or gaze at starry skies at Glacier Point. The best lodging will also be at Tenaya since it offers plenty of options including individual lodge rooms, cabins and suites.
Treehouse Point – Issaquah, WA
This is perhaps the most beautiful venue for a nature lover who dreams of a fairytale wedding. Surrounded by moss-covered trees, lush greenery and dangling vines, this cabin will check off every item on your list. Booking this venue includes a one-night accommodation for up to 18 guests, a bridal suite, ceremony and reception areas, tables, chairs and a day-of coordinator.
Once there, your guests might not want to leave the tranquil atmosphere of their treehouse but, in case you were wondering, some nearby attractions include hiking trails, farmers’ markets, a lavender farm and the Snoqualmie Falls.
Stowe Mountain Resort – Stowe, VT
If you’re hoping for a snowed in wedding, Vermont’s most beautiful ski town is the venue of your dreams. For a larger wedding of 100 to 300 guests, book Stowe Mountain’s Great Room. The Cliff House is excellent for more intimate weddings with a maximum capacity of 75 guests. It’s also only accessed through a gondola so you and your guests are destined for a unique experience.
Stowe offers endless winter sport activities and opportunities to connect with nature. Whether you head out to watch the sunset on the mountain or host a craft beer tasting for your rehearsal dinner, this postcard-perfect place will allow you to plan a fun-filled wedding weekend.
Sweeney Barn – Manassas, VA
An old milk barn turned wedding venue, Sweeney Barn offers a dreamy rustic background for your winter wedding. With an all-white exterior, stunning architecture and modern interior, you’ll have everything you need to host a cozy wedding. The venue offers a lower or upper deck seating option, a warming kitchen, ceremony sites and a bridal suite among other amenities. You also have the freedom to bring in your own vendors or book from their recommended list.
Although there aren’t a lot of hiking or nature roaming opportunities, Manassas offers plenty of options for the history junkie. Book group museum visits or head out to a local distillery for an understated yet fun wedding weekend.
Washington School House Hotel – Park City, UT
Take your winter wedding indoors with this all-white venue. The Washington School House makes for an unforgettable wedding with crystal white snow in the winter, nearly year-round blue skies and a historical landmark building. With mountain chic decor, a capacity of 45 guests and a private chef, the hotel lends itself to elegant and sophisticated wedding themes.
Located only 45 minutes away from Salt Lake City, this venue is also easily accessible and offers a varied range of activities for all of your guests. From skiing to dog sledding, you and your guests will leave Utah feeling relaxed and elated after your stay in this charming historic town.
Dunton Hot Springs – Dunton, CO
If you’re going for rustic charm but looking to add a unique twist to your winter wedding, the natural Dunton Hot Springs is the perfect setting. Its picturesque views include majestic mountain peaks, rivers and meadows. This ghost town turned glamping site also comes with 13 luxury cabins to accommodate up to 40 guests.
When snowed in, your guests will be able to enjoy a variety of winter sports including ice climbing and sledding. You’ll be able to customize your menu with their private chef and make use of the facilities for an entirely private and personalized wedding.
Old Faithful – Yellowstone National Park, WY
With various locations designated for weddings, Yellowstone National Park is a great venue for a small, budget-friendly winter ceremony. Keep in mind that you’ll need to apply for a permit and follow some strict regulations. These include no outside tables, chairs, signage or more than 40 guests. Even with these rules, having a ceremony surrounded by a lush forest and dramatic frosty views as far as the eye can see is incredibly romantic.
The two most popular ceremony venues include the Artist Point Canyon and the famous Old Faithful geyser. There’s also no shortage of activities — from wildlife watching to natural hot springs, your guests will fall in love with Yellowstone. Keep in mind that most vendors close shop during the harsh winter months so we recommend speaking to your coordinator in advance to set the right date.
Dover Hall Estate – Richmond, VA
Another fairytale venue for an elegant and sophisticated winter wedding, Dover Hall is a private estate showcasing stunning chandeliers, brick walls, a stone terrace and a romantic ballroom. It’s perfect for larger weddings as it can accommodate up to 400 guests in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Unique and fun activities include a tour to Edgar Allen Poe’s house, the GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens and a stroll through The Grounds at Maymont.
Nature Bridge Olympic – Clallam County, WA
This is another great option for those who dream of getting married in the middle of a lush forest or national park. Unlike many other national parks, Nature Bridge Olympic offers plenty of reception, ceremony and lodging options. Whether you choose the Rosemary Inn, Storm King Hall or one of their outdoor spaces, you won’t need to sacrifice any amenities for an outdoor or nature wedding.
Your guests will have a great time surrounded by stunning views of Lake Crescent, impressive peaks and hiking trails. For a glamping option, choose to stay in their standard cabins, which include air heating and private bathrooms. For a more charming stay, their historical cabins feature the original construction of the property and private restrooms.
The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe – Truckee, CA
For those with a larger budget, the Ritz-Carlton in Lake Tahoe makes an excellent venue for a luxury winter wedding. It’s ideal for large weddings as it can accommodate up to 400 guests and offers 170 guest rooms with spectacular mountain, valley and lake views. You’ll have the option of both indoor or outdoor areas with all-inclusive package options.
For your adventure-seeking guests, there’s no limit of winter sports including skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating and sledding. If you’re considering Lake Tahoe as your winter wedding destination, be sure to book early as possible as the crowds begin to flock after Thanksgiving.
Pitcher Inn – Warren, VT
A quaint and magical inn for a charming winter wedding, Pitcher Inn in Warren Vermont offers a lantern-lit garden for 120 guests or a private restaurant that’s perfect for 50 to 85 friends and family. Filled with antiques and original art, this venue is perfect for a couple who’s looking to plan a cozy and slightly nostalgic wedding.
Take your guests to one of Vermont’s sugarhouses for a taste of their sweet maple, hit the nearby slopes or head to town for some antiques.
Union Hill Inn – Sonora, CA
Perhaps one of the most enchanting, fairytale-esque locations on our list, Union Hill Inn is a historical rich and flexible option for weddings of any size. With multiple outdoor and indoor spaces available, you can host a small intimate wedding or a full blown winter bash.
Your guests can take a stroll through the inn’s beautiful facilities, hit the hiking trails or even take a day trip to Yosemite National Park. They’ll also have the option to book individual rooms or cottages for a lovely bed and breakfast stay.
Central Park – New York City, NY
New York City is a classic when it comes to winter wonderland weddings. Since any wedding venue in New York can break the bank, we thought we’d present you with a budget-friendly but equally stunning option. The park requires a $25 application fee for those hosting over 20 guests. Similar to Yosemite National Park, keep in mind that having your ceremony here will come with quite a few restrictions.
Luckily, the stunning white backdrop this venue creates doesn’t require much work on your part. Make sure your guests come prepared with warm clothing and book a restaurant to enjoy an intimate dinner with your loved ones after the ceremony. If you’d prefer to book a venue within the park, the Conservatory Garden also makes a great choice.
Planterra Conservatory – West Bloomfield, MI
The Planterra Conservatory makes for a breathtaking backdrop to any winter wedding. This glass-enclosed space houses a beautiful collection of exotic botanicals that, when surrounded by snow, can create one of the most unique wedding experiences. This full service venue can accommodate up to 200 guests and offers availability from September 1 to June 15.
Although your guests will have a wonderful time enjoying the lush greenery at the conservatory, fill their weekend with fun activities like visiting one of West Bloomfield’s world-class museums, going ice skating or checking out the local cider mill.
The Whiteface Lodge – Lake Placid, NY
If you and your spouse are outdoor adventure enthusiasts, book your wedding at America’s winter playground. You and your guests will have access to the East Coast’s highest vertical drop, Olympic facilities, romantic sleigh rides and countless scenic overlooks.
Whiteface Lodge also offers a variety of outdoor and indoor wedding spaces for both intimate and medium-sized weddings. Whether you go for the winter sports or snow covered evergreens, this lodge will make a stunning location to plan the wedding of your dreams.
Now that you’ve gathered tons of inspiration for your winter wedding, book a trip to the venue that speaks to you and check out the grounds. Remember to book early and speak to your day-of coordinator to discuss the best dates to plan a winter wedding at your destination.
Truly beautiful places no matter the occasion! Since I’m already married, we will have to come up with another reason to go! Tom