How to Prepare for Your Snowy Adventure Elopement
eLOPEMENT PLANNING TIPS
JANUARY 2025
We are big fans of the snow and winter. Not like the crazy stuff, like bad roads and ice, but we love the look of snowy photos and have always loved our snowy adventure elopements. The lighting is always amazing for photos (it’s so beautiful with the snow falling down), the waterfalls are epic when frozen and there’s always less people out on the trails during the winter time, which is a great way to have a more intimate ceremony.
Snow is fun, but being in the cold and not being prepared enough is NOT as fun. Trust us! There are so many more things to think about if you are having an elopement in the snow and colder temperatures. The clothes, the date, driving in the weather, the timing, the location are all important. Also, you have to plan a little more if you plan on having other vendors there (like hair +makeup).
Here are some of the main things to think about for your snowy adventure elopement:
01
Location
One of the biggest things to decide is the location for your elopement and ceremony. You will need to choose a place that is easier to access in the winter via car and via the trails. Sometimes the trails aren’t kept up and the roads are closed in the winters to lots of trails in our area.
02
Date
Selecting what date you want is a big decision. We look at the previous years and see what the weather MIGHT be like and can share our ideas, but ultimately it is up to you. We know there is more chance for snow in January near us and if you are adamant about having snow, we have a few ski resorts near us as a backup for some extra photos.
03
Needs/Wants
There’s lots to think about when thinking about vendors and wants for the ceremony/photos. Some things you might need are: lodging, make up/hair, private chef/food, cake/desserts, vow books, florals, permits for the ceremony, just to name some. We will work with you to see what else you might need to make your day perfect.
When we’re working with our couples and planning your snowy elopement, we take into consideration the weather. So when you want to say your vows, keep in mind that it could be SUPER cold and talking in the cold can be difficult. We have literally been out on a mountain ledge with -40 degree wind chill and had our faces freeze to the point where it was difficult to talk. TRUE STORY.
Because we will never know the weather situation until we get to about a week out and even still won’t know until about 1-2 days ahead of the day, we constantly watch the weather and radar. We are in a place that can have really bad travel, but we will continually monitor the situation and have backup locations in case we need them. If you aren’t used to driving in the crazy weather, we always suggest having a 4WD/AWD car and to always drive slower to stay safe.
WHAT TO BRING
Here are some items you might want to bring for your snowy elopement.
BACKPACKS
To make carrying everything much easier for you both. Hold extra gloves, food, water, and more.
WATER + SNACKS
We bring bladders for water to make it easier to carry. Also, snacks because no one has fun when they are hangry, right?
WINTER CLOTHING
Winter jackets, nude and fleece leggings (for under dress if you are wearing one), thermals for under clothes, gloves, beanies, scarves. It could be windy so having a little extra warmth will be good. The thinner wicking/wool socks are awesome (Farm To Feet socks are great or some from REI/outdoor stores are great too)
FOR YOUR FEET
Hiking boots: Boots are always easier and will keep you warm. Most of our couples keep them on the entire time, but you can change if you want. If they are newer boots, wear them around beforehand so you get used to them.
Spikes/crampons if we hike more to go over your boots: we use these and they have been great…great for traction for sure if we go to waterfalls. There are all different kinds though to choose from.
HIKING POLES
Hiking poles are great to have, especially if there’s ice and uneven ground on the trails.
We are here to help you plan your day. We will help you make your day the way you want it to be and will suggest the items you might need, the vendors, the locations, dates, time of day…all of it.
The winters can be tricky, but it always ends up being beautiful and so worth it!
PLANNING RESOURCES
ELOPEMENT GUIDES
We have some elopement guides below to help you get started on your way to the day you actually want to have.
