While only a small amount of weddings occur during winter months, they are often considered to be the most romantic. From the sun sparkling on the snow to newlyweds snuggled up in front of a crackling fire, here at Rocky Mountain Bride we absolutely adore a winter wonderland wedding.
We teamed up with Iconic Weddings to bring you a few ideas to help your winter wedding stand apart. If you’re planning to tie the knot next winter, talk with your wedding planner or venue about unique and creative ways to create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
Arrive in style in a snowcat or sleigh. This entrance will be sure to wow your guests and is far from the traditional limousine, party bus or vintage car. Be sure to bundle up in a fur shawl to stay warm in cold temperatures. Don’t forget to coordinate with your photographer for a few portraits — you’ll be the talk of the town with this entrance and you will definitely want to show it off!
A few Rocky Mountain locations where you can find snowcats or sleigh driven arrivals and departures:
Snowcat Drawn Sleigh:
Allie’s Cabin (Beaver Creek, CO)
Zach’s Cabin (Beaver Creek, CO)
Snowcat:
Game Creek Club (Vail, CO)
Photographer: Sarah Roshan
Whether you’re hosting a winter wedding up in a mountain town or down in the city, consider this extra fun activity for guests that arrive into town early. Not only is this a unique way to greet your guests, but it is also a great way for your family and friends to enjoy a little slice of your hometown or wedding destination. Skate the night away!
“To make your wedding one your guests will remember for years to come, surprise and delight them with a professional ice skater to take the rink to kick off your skating party. Or provide an ice skating instructor to help them enjoy themselves to the fullest.”
– Cat Ambrose, Iconic Weddings Global Sales Manager
After hosting a rehearsal dinner with your nearest and dearest, indulge in a small s’mores party with your wedding party. Share stories about the two love birds with a little treat and nightcap in hand. Your wedding party will appreciate these intimate moments that they get to share with you.
Photography: Classy Girls Wear Pearls
Give your guests a warm welcome at your wedding reception by incorporating a hot cocoa bar. This traditional winter drink will make your family and friends feel right at home. Offer peppermint schnapps, marshmallow vodka, and coffee liquor as mix-ins.
Photography: Chelsea’s Messy Apron
There is no better winter mountain wedding getaway than a gondola getaway. Share a sweet kiss and wave goodbye to your guests as you snuggle up in cozy blanket to take a romantic ride up/down the mountain. For a little extra pizzazz, ask the venue to decorate the gondola with twinkly lights.
“A gondola getaway is absolutely spectacular, regardless of the season! Although you may be a seasoned skier or rider, think about the wow factor of your out of state guests when they arrive at the gondola dressed to the 9s. It’s an experience they will cherish for the rest of their lives.”
– Cat Ambrose, Iconic Weddings Global Sales Manager
Note: This detail may need a little extra coordination with your venue due to ski season.
A few Rocky Mountain locations where you can find gondola getaways:
Alpenglow Stube (Keystone, CO)
The 10th (Vail, CO)
Photographer: Kim Payant Photography
If a 2019/2020 winter wedding is in your future, be sure to coordinate with your venue and wedding planner to bring some of these ideas to life. We cannot wait to see some of the magical winter weddings next year!