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Tips for the Ultimate Winter or Holiday Wedding

By Jennifer Stein | December 7, 2023

Nothing says “romance” like a winter wedding. Cuddling up in front of a crackling fire after a day in the snow or capping the evening off with spiked hot chocolate as you take in the twinkling holiday lights hand-in-hand with the love of your life sounds idyllic. It may feel like a scene out of “The Holiday,” but more and more couples are choosing this festive time of year to celebrate their weddings. 

Winter and holiday weddings are popular for a multitude of reasons. Loved ones often have time off work, and kids are out of school, for starters. The holidays automatically give a “togetherness” vibe that’s hard to top, and everything is decorated to the hilt. It’s a pretty great recipe for a wedding. 

Although most destinations are ready for holiday fun-seekers and winter-ready weddings, we have a few that really set the tone for a spectacular wedding away, along with some tips to make your event truly outstanding.

A Fireside Affair

The desert may not seem like an obvious choice for a winter wedding, but for those seeking the “holiday” feel without the snow, The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa is an ideal spot. Snuggle up for a fireside event overlooking the sparkling Lake Las Vegas and keep guests warm with a spiked hot chocolate bar and roasting marshmallows for s’mores under a blanket of stars and palm trees. The temperatures get chilly at night, but during the day, it’s a perfect paradise of sunshine, golf, and gathering.

Cozy Up at The Spa

The holidays are meant for unwinding and connecting with others. With togetherness in mind, not many things can top donning a cuddly spa robe and treating your wedding party to a pre-event treatment. One of the best places to enjoy relaxation and connection is at JW Marriott Parq Vancouver. This urban resort is known for its Spa by JW and treatment rooms, which feature floor-to-ceiling windows for a spectacular view of both the city and surrounding mountains while you unwind. 

Musical Interlude

The sounds of the season are a cherished and time-honored tradition. What better place to embrace holiday melodies at your wedding than a hotel known for its history in music? The Fenway Hotel, Autograph Collection, built in 1924, has a storied past and served as the county’s first radio station. It sits on the shores of St. Joseph Sound on Florida’s East Coast and is a perfect destination for music lovers, beachgoers and food enthusiasts alike. With its sprawling front lawn for an outdoor ceremony in the sun,  followed by a warm indoor reception, the hospitality and service at The Fenway Hotel will encourage you and your guests to extend your stay.

Eat, Drink and Be Married

The holidays are synonymous with food and drink. From seasonal favorite dishes to signature cocktails, eating and imbibing are not only expected pastimes – they are celebrated. Ensure your menu reflects the season, offering hearty and comforting dishes that complement the festive atmosphere. There’s no better place that embraces the culinary creations of the holidays than Epicurean Atlanta. This hotel is known for its distinctive menu offerings. They even have a state-of-the-art teaching kitchen on property. On top of scrumptious food and cocktails, the event space is second to none. With panoramic Midtown views on its Sky Terrace and warm fireplaces, your wedding will truly be a winter wonderland.

Hit the Slopes While You Elope

The convenience of a well-positioned resort cannot be understated when it comes to guests. The ability to walk to a nearby restaurant, shopping or activity is truly a luxury. If skiing or snowboarding is on the list of things to do, a ski-in, ski-out resort is paramount. Viewline Resort Snowmass is in the heart of the action with immediate mountain access and unforgettable venue options. Both indoor and out, your ceremony can be hosted with snowcapped mountains as your backdrop and an elegant ballroom as your reception destination. Guests will enjoy being nestled in the Colorado Rockies with direct access to shopping, their on-site Lupine Spa and even the popular Moët on the Mountain (an après ski party with a live DJ and delectable bites). For a snow-filled summit soiree, Viewline Resort Snowmass should top your list.

Get Personal With Your Own Winter Dome

If you’re planning on a small, intimate wedding or elopement and want an unforgettable dining experience for your celebration, a winter dome is just the setting you’ve been hunting for. At The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver their on-site restaurant, H Tasting Lounge, has a new offering: “Winterlust Dome.” Ideal for a group of six or under, your personal dome has panoramic glass paneling to let the light in, but sliding glass doors to keep the cold out. Complete with spacious, crescent-shaped seating and an independent sound system, your micro-wedding can be as personalized and unique as the love you’re celebrating. Perfect for rehearsal dinners or proposals as well.

Get Away, But Stay Close

For couples seeking both relaxation and accessibility, with an urban feel and a little wilderness thrown in, Edmonton is an ideal holiday wedding destination. With proximity to key attractions like winter hiking on the winding trails of the North Saskatchewan River Valley or snowshoeing right in the heart of the city, a winter wedding will be anything but ordinary. Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton West is in the heart of the action enabling guests to stay connected and engaged, but the relaxing stress-free atmosphere of the hotel will make loved ones feel like they’re getting away from it all. For the couple, they provide a spacious bridal suite for the wedding night with a separate living area, allowing them to get away while staying close.

A Waterfront Winter Wonderland

Waterfront weddings are one of the most popular locales for a reason. From oceans and lakes to rivers and streams, the scenic views and vibes are unparalleled. One stand out destination is. With its luxurious amenities and stunning natural surroundings, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe ensures an unforgettable winter wedding, combining elegance with the thrill of a snowy adventure. If you’re looking to be lakeside or surrounded by snow-covered pines, or even sailing along Lake Tahoe itself, this destination is as memorable as it is fun.

No matter where you celebrate your winter or holiday wedding, enjoy the season, enjoy the festivities and enjoy the journey. 

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