Where to Elope in the Winter | Best Locations Worldwide
Most people think of the summer as wedding season. In my humble beginnings as a New Yorker in a big Italian family, I could almost expect to go to a few weddings every August… and now as a photographer based in Portland OR, late summer and fall tends to be my busiest time of year.
Although it may seem like your outdoor elopement may be best suited for the summertime, there are a bunch of great spots both in the US and worldwide for your winter elopement! I rounded up some of the best destinations to elope in the winter months- most of which that won’t make you freeze 😉
I should clarify that by winter I mean December through February- the colder season for us northern hemisphere folks.
But first- why elope in the winter?
Eloping in the winter months is SO underrated. Here’s why-
Popular spots are far less crowded! Think about places like Yosemite and Zion National Park… the peak season for places like this is during the summertime. In lots of these places, the weather is still great in the winter! You can skip the crowds and have more privacy on your day.
Vendors have more availability. Think about all of the vendors who you may want to book for your elopement- a photographer, videographer, florist, hair and makeup artist, officiant, etc. Chances are, since winter is the “slow” season for many of these vendors, they’ll have more open availability.
Transportation and lodging is cheaper. Since far less people are traveling in the winter, airfare and lodging will most likely be cheaper and have more availability. Whether you plan to elope locally and honeymoon afterwards, or elope further away, this has the potential to cut costs significantly!
Best USA Winter Elopement Destinations
Yosemite National Park Elopement
Yosemite National Park (California, USA)
By now you’ve probably seen the magic of eloping at Yosemite… it has rock features that don’t even seem real, mixed with incredible views all over the park. When I visited Yosemite this July, I was enchanted to say the least, but frustrated at the same time while dealing with traffic and other tourists.
Believe it or not, Yosemite has great weather in the winter! As described by their website, during the winter the park is “A season of snow & solitude.” Although Glacier Point Road is closed, there are plenty of amazing spots and vantage points in the park that will give you the same incredible views (although they may require a bit of a hike! (Glacier Point Road will be closed throughout summer 2021 for construction as well, so if you’re planning to elope in Yosemite, know Taft Point and Glacier Point may be unavailable without a hike) The best time to visit in the winter is February or March.
Page, Arizona Slot Canyon Elopement
Zion National Park (Utah, USA)
I traveled to Zion National Park last winter in the midst of February weather- and although it was a spontaneous endeavor, it’s one I’m so grateful for. As we drove into the top of the park we experienced the most beautiful blanket of snow, that slowly faded as we kept driving down into the valley. Once we reached the bottom we were in awe- the beauty was striking, and the weather was great.
Like Yosemite, Zion National Park is far less crowded during the winter months- giving you privacy and a level of enchantment I believe you just can’t reach with tourists all around.
Page, Arizona
Have you seen photos of the incredible winding slot canyons, that seem like they must be located in Mars? They’re actually right here in Page, Arizona- which has amazing winter weather!
Like Zion, I visited Page in mid-February and was met with great winter temperatures. The slot canyons were a bit cold, (understandably because they’re essentially underground) but there were essentially no crowds at all, and the weather was mild! I believe it’s a bit difficult to enter the slot canyons during the summer, as you need permits/a guided tour from the native people in Page in order to navigate through the canyons. In February we were the only people in the entire canyon!
Besides the slot canyons, there are other great elopement-worthy spots in Page that you shouldn’t miss. We loved to see Lake Powell, the Toadstool Hoodoos, and Horseshoe Bend. It’s a great spot for an all day elopeement, where you get to see multiple views and adventure to different diverse places on your day!
Mount Hood National Forest
Hawaii
Hawaii has great weather in the winter, with temperatures up in the 70’s. Although the winter is the “wet” season, the weather is still great, and the landscape is lush. It’s a great destination to head to, with beautiful landscapes across the island!
At the top of my bucket list personally is Kauai. Imagine a boat tour or a helicopter tour around the mountainous island, hikes to incredible ocean views… oh yeah, and wild chickens. It’s made up of rainforest and incredible cliffs. The island of Moloka’i is another great spot for an elopement. It’s nickname is “The Friendly Isle,” and while only half the size of Kauai, it sports the same epic scenery. There are also a few waterfalls on the island!
Big Bend National Park (Texas, USA)
Big Bend is the perfect location for you if you love and feel connected to the desert. Remaining hot for most of the year, the winter is Big Bend’s peak season.
Since Big Bend is so big (I mean, it’s literally in it’s name!) there is plenty of room for you to have privacy on your elopement day. We can explore the dessert, find wildlife and stargaze under the endless night sky that the park offers.
Mount Hood National Forest (Oregon, USA)
How could I make a list of great US destinations without mentioning any in my beloved home state? Mount Hood is a winter wonderland in the winter, and an extremely accessible one at that. While the majority of the Portland area stays snow-free throughout the winter, a short drive up into the mountains takes you to another world. Just grab some studded tires or tire chains and you’re set.
There are lots of great winter spots in Mount Hood, but one of my favorites is Trillium Lake. A popular summer spot turns private during the winter, as the road leading up to it closes. It’s a great option if you want to have a snowshoe adventure on your day!
Best International Winter Elopement Destinations
Torres Del Paine, Patagonia. Source: National Geographic.
If you want to avoid snow and cold weather completely, there are quite a few international destinations that are at their peeks in the winter months! It’s summer in the Southern Hemisphere, and the weather is optimal for adventuring.
Torres Del Paine/ Patagonia (Argentina/Chile)
Patagonia has some of the most breathtaking views on the planet. From alpine lakes, to jagged mountain tops… even looking at photos of this place makes you feel like you’re dreaming. The “winter” months are Patagonia’s prime, with the highest temperatures in the region reaching 72° during December, January, and February.
These months are the busiest season for Patagonia, so it’s important to plan in advance if you would like to elope. However, all of the planning is worth it- this region of the world is one of the most unique and extreme. Talk about starting your marriage with an adventure!
New Zealand
New Zealand’s summer falls between December and February, giving you high temperatures and long days for your elopement! Between it’s beautiful blue waters and mountainous terrain, New Zealand has a little bit of everything. You know it’s epic because that’s where they filmed Lord of the Rings. (Also there’s Kiwi birds, which in my opinion is a HUGE selling point. (-; )
The mountains on the island reach up to 12,000 feet in elevation! For reference, that’s the height of Mount Hood in Portland, but on an island. New Zealand really has it all- and a quick google search will show you the beauty and diversity of this area. Think crystal blue waters with mountains towering above. It’s basically heaven on Earth.
New Zealand. Source: https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/96507725/new-zealand-named-third-most-beautiful-country-in-the-world
Khao Sok, Thailand. Source: https://www.placesofjuma.com/khao-sok-national-park/
Thailand
December through February is when the weather becomes drier in Thailand, the cools down to a comfortable temperature for traveling and outdoor activities. (By “cool” I mean low 80s- perfect for hiking and spending your elopement day outdoors!)
Between jungles and beaches Thailand is extremely diverse. Locations like Khao Sok National Park are amongst Thailand’s most stunning locations- and also amongst the most wild. Trekking through the jungle to waterfalls is definitely for the truly adventurous. The park has incredible peaks and clear blue waters, as well. You can take boat tours through the mountains and stay in a floating bungalow at Cheow Lan Lake, or take a tour of an elephant sanctuary.
Would you elope in the winter months, and where would you go? If you’re planning a winter elopement, I would love to chat more and help you in planning your day. >INFO< >CONTACT ME<
