Are you planning your elopement and noticing that all of your available dates are gradually moving towards the winter months? There are a few things to keep in mind whether the winter season works best for you or you have your heart set on a winter wonderland elopement!

There are a variety of benefits and drawbacks to having your wedding in the cooler months, just like there are for any other season. Yet, choosing a winter elopement has a number of advantages and can be one of the most romantic times of year to tie the knot!

Check out our very own list of benefits and drawbacks for a winter elopement in the paragraphs below to learn more about whether this is the ideal time of year for you.

Pro: The Winter Scenery

Winter scenery can be stunningly gorgeous, with snow-covered hills and trees, misty mountains, and crystal-clear blue skies. The amazing background of a winter wonderland sets the stage for a seriously epic elopement! The winter environment is guaranteed to make an impression, whether you’re exchanging vows by a crackling fire or having your picture taken in a snow-covered field, there are many options to be considered within this magical season!

Bonus Tip: If you need more suggestions for winter elopement activities, check out this blog for more detailed suggestions.

Con: Unpredictable Weather

The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about a winter wedding is probably the unpredictable winter weather, which may range from clear skies to heavy rain (or snow, depending on where you live!) and icy cold temperatures. When organising your elopement, the chilly weather can result in travel delays or cancellations, which can be a huge worry especially if you’ve got your heart set on a particular location. In the event of bad weather, you’ll need to have backup plans in place to ensure a smooth and successful wedding.

Bonus Tip: Weather shouldn’t be something to worry about, especially if you’ve got multiple plans in place. Save yourself any additional stress and concern by creating different weather plans for your elopement day! And remember: rain is actually good luck on a wedding day!

Pro: Travel

Winter elopements can provide the chance to benefit from off-season travel fares and get away from the large crowds. Fewer visitors will make for a more tranquil and romantic retreat with your special someone, allowing you to fully experience the marvels of the winter wonderland and the joys of your special day without interruptions.

This is particularly true if you’re wanting to have your ceremony at a particular location that is known to attract people, particularly during the warmer months such as lookouts, hiking tracks or popular venue spaces.

Con: Less Daylight

Because winter days are shorter, ultimately there is less light for outside activities or photographs. To guarantee that you can capture all of the beauty and essence of your special day, you might need to adapt your timeline and plan your elopement around the shorter window of sunshine.

By being in continual communication with your photographer and vendors, you’re ensuring that you’re getting the most out of your day and taking full advantage of the time that is available!

Bonus Tip: You still have plenty of time on a winter’s day to plan an abundant timeline for your special day, so don’t rule out an elopement in the winter out of concern for shorter days and less light!

Pro: Intimate & Romantic

Elopements are frequently more private and intimate, with only the couple or a small number of your loved ones present. The cold weather offers a warm, inviting ambience that is perfect for cuddling up with your significant other and savouring the romanticism of the moment. And don’t forget hot chocolates! It’s the perfect excuse to indulge in many sweet beverages together!

Con: Cold Temperatures

Wintertime temperatures can be super breezy and cold, but that doesn’t mean you need to avoid being outside during a winter elopement! You may simply need to dress correctly for the occasion, from heavy coats and boots to warm gloves and caps. But this can also be an incredible way to incorporate fun little elements into your big day!

You could, for instance, wear similar coats or have a special message stitched on your scarves. If you have some guests coming, your wedding favours could be blankets or pairs of gloves to keep warm during the ceremony.

Bonus Tip: In addition to being a great way to stay dry in the event of rain, clear umbrellas also make for stunning photo subjects.

Pro: Unique & Memorable

Eloping in the winter can give your big day that extra dash of charm, enchantment and romance. The colder months offer a chance to create a magical and unforgettable experience that sticks out from the crowd. The winter wonderland provides the perfect setting for an amazing wedding, complete with toasty fireplaces, sparkling lights and endless amounts of hot drinks!

The cooler months can be an incredibly romantic time to conduct your elopement, so don’t let a little bit of cold weather or shorter winter days deter you! A winter elopement may really be a fantastic wonderland for your love story, with a variety of exciting activities and unique locations.

If you’re seeking some activity ideas for your elopement, head over to our blog post here and check out our suggestions!