Alps Winter Elopement Guide: Locations, Ideas, and Practical Tips [Updated for 2026]
Winter weddings and elopements in the Alps. We get it – they’re pretty magical. It’s hard to beat the feeling of soaking up glittering landscapes blanketed in snow, peaceful forests, and dramatic mountain views. If that’s the landscape you’re envisioning, this guide is for you.
Whether you’re thinking of eloping this winter in the Swiss, Austrian, German, or French Alps…or maybe even the Italian Dolomites, we’ve got it all covered.
Inside, you’ll find everything you need to know to plan a winter elopement in the Alps that feels stress-free, adventurous, and fun. We’ll go over location ideas and when to visit, to other practical advice such as how to stay warm, what to wear, and planning pitfalls to avoid.
As your American elopement photography and videography team living and working in the Alps since 2019, we’re sharing our best insider tips.
Alps Winter Elopement Video Guide
Prefer to get the low-down on all things Alps Winter elopements via a video guide or to listen to like a podcast? Then check out the companion guide to this blog below!
Why the Alps Make the Perfect Winter Elopement Destination
Accessibility
The Alps are exceptionally accessible, even in winter. From countless cable cars, chairlifts, funiculars, groomed winter hiking paths, and even groomed sledding runs, you’re sure to find an elopement location you’ll love. The Alps are well-connected, whether you’re getting around with public transportation or trying to explore the mountains.
Mild Temperatures
While winter is cold wherever you go, overall, you’ll find relatively mild winter temperatures in the Alps. Temperatures rarely dip into the single digits (Fahrenheit), and you’re more likely to enjoy days ranging from 20-35F.
Compared to popular US winter destinations, you’ll be a lot warmer (we know it’s all relative, though!).
Unique Activities You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
In the Alps, you don’t have to go far to find something interesting to do. Helicopter elopements, dog sledding, ice skating on an alpine lake, and everything in between are all possible here. You can learn more about our favorite Alps winter elopement activities further down in this guide.
The Best Places to Plan a Winter Elopement in the Alps
Here is a breakdown of some of the best places to plan a winter elopement in the Alps. If we had to pick just one location, our go-to recommendation is always St. Moritz, Switzerland.
Winter Elopements Locations in Switzerland
St. Moritz
St. Moritz makes one of the best winter elopement locations in the Alps thanks to its reliable snow, easy access mountain top and valley locations, and plentiful winter elopement activities. If you want a Swiss wedding with a bit of Italian flair, don’t miss St. Moritz!
Aletsch Arena
The Aletsch Arena is a great Swiss winter wedding destination if you want to ski, snowboard, and soak up breathtaking mountain views on one of the many groomed winter walking paths. This area is a series of small villages located atop a mountainside, making it a unique place to visit.
Zermatt (Matterhorn)
Zermatt is a popular winter elopement destination, thanks to its iconic view of the famous Matterhorn (peak). If you’re thinking of eloping in Zermatt, keep in mind it’s one of the most expensive places to elope in the Alps, and it doesn’t offer a lot of low-altitude backup locations if the weather is bad. For that reason, Zermatt elopements are best for couples who are also open to skiing and snowboarding.
Winter Elopement Locations in Austria
Leutasch and Seefeld in Tirol
Leutasch and Seefeld in Tirol are two small Austrian villages located next to each other, and one of my favorite, lesser-known areas to plan a winter elopement in the Alps. They’re located on a high-altitude plateau, boasting good snow and breathtaking views. The towns offer a fun, ski-town vibe while still feeling small, welcoming, and cozy. I also love the mix of both low-altitude and mountain-top views you can enjoy in these spots. Oh, and there are plenty of cute chalets to book for an elopement if you get married here. Their proximity to Innsbruck, Austria and Munich, Germany also make them a great pick for exploring other areas in Europe too.
Lech am Arlberg
If you want to elope at some of the biggest ski areas with the best snow in the Alps, Lech am Arlberg may be the perfect wedding destination for you. Located in Western Austria, this region is a favorite of many. Its scenic and rugged mountains are simply beautiful.
Winter Elopement Locations in the German Alps
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is one of the most idyllic places to get married in the Alps, year-round. This cozy mountain top is surrounded by mountains on all sides, with the most prominent being Germany’s tallest mountain, the Zugspitze. Garmisch offers plenty of locations beyond the ski slopes, and we love its charm in winter. You can get to Garmsich-Partenkirchen via a direct train from Munich, making it a stress-free travel destination.
Oberstdorf
Nestled among Germany’s Allgäuer High Alps, Oberstdorf is a great area to elope. Thanks to Oberstdorf’s higher altitude and western location, it is in a region that receives reliable snow too. Oberstdorf can easily be combined with some nearby valleys in Austria, giving you the best of both worlds.
Winter Elopement Locations in the French Alps
Chamonix
Chamonix is home to world-class skiing, snowboarding, and a bustling mountain town you can’t help but fall in love with. For a great time on the slopes, good food, and some of the most dramatic views in the Alps, a Chamonix elopement may be the perfect pick for you. Due to its popularity, you may have a harder time finding privacy and seclusion if you get married here.
Morzine
Morzine is another popular winter wedding destination in the French Alps. Nestled between mountains, you’ll find stunning mountain top views, lakeside ceremony spots, and fewer crowds than Chamonix. Morzine has great infrastructure for small winter destination weddings in the Alps.
Winter Elopement Locations in the Italian Dolomites and Italian Alps
Corvara in Badia
Corvara in Badia is *the place* to elope in the Italian Dolomites in winter. Located at the heart of over 60+ ski lifts, multiple ski areas, helicopter landing locations, and breathtaking scenery, it’s hard to go wrong here. Plentiful accommodation options ranging from quaint to upscale add to the charm of a relaxing winter honeymoon.
Courmayeur
Located on the Italian side of the tallest mountain in the Alps, Mont Blanc, this picturesque ski town will wow you with its otherworldly views of towering summits. Courmayeur is an ideal ski and snowboard elopement destination. Courmayeur is a more budget-friendly option than other nearby French and Swiss wedding destinations.
What Months are Best for a Winter Elopement in the Alps?
We recommend planning a winter elopement in the Alps during late December, January, and February. These months offer the most reliable snow, and aren’t quite as wet (and potentially rainy) as shoulder months such as March/April. January is the best and quietest of these months, as it’s in between Christmas holidays and the February school holidays.
Many ski areas don’t open up until Christmas, so we don’t recommend planning a winter wedding before then (the infrastructure the cable cars offer for non-ski elopements is still important).
Unique Alps Winter Elopement Ideas and Activities
One of the best parts about a snowy wedding is the incredible Alps winter elopement activities that make your day into an experience.
Dog Sledding Rides
If you want to combine your love for dogs, adventure, and stunning scenery, look no further than taking a dog sledding tour for your winter elopement! Two of the best places to enjoy this activity are in St. Moritz, Switzerland; Zermatt, Switzerland, and nearby Alta Badia in the Italian Dolomites.
Elope at an Igloo
Eloping at an igloo may sound uninviting, but when you see the amazing options in the alps, you’ll realize they’re actually quite luxurious. Igloo locations in Europe include large accommodations with everything you need for a warm night, private bathroom facilities, champagne, and so much more. Incorporating an igloo into your winter wedding plans can open up opportunities such as unmatched stargazing. Be sure to check out one of the coolest igloo wedding locations, Iglu-Dorf Zermatt, here. Iglu Dorf has other locations across the Alps too, including Davos (Switzerland); Gstaad (Switzerland); Zugspitze (Germany); and Kühtai (Austria).
Winter Snowshoeing Elopements
The best way to stay warm is to keep your blood pumping, and what better way than a snowshoeing or winter hiking elopement? You’ll find many groomed trails across the alps that offer peaceful forests and sweeping vistas. The groomed winter walking paths (especially at the top of ski areas) are our favorite spots for winter elopement locations.
Snowboarding and Skiing Elopements
Snowboarding and ski elopements!? It’s the perfect way to combine your love for each other and a good powder day. You’ll find no shortage of unreal ski resorts to explore throughout the Alps.
Lift tickets are significantly cheaper in Europe than in the USA (often ranging from €50-€80), which means a week of skiing in Europe is often cheaper than skiing a week stateside.
Some ski areas in the Alps worth eloping at include:
- St. Moritz, Switzerland
- Courmayeur, France
- Dachstein, Austria
- Hintertux, Austria (hello year-round skiing!)
- Alta Badia, Corvara, Italy
Helicopter Elopements
Helicopter elopements are a great way to experience not only amazing scenery in a private setting, but also create a memorable experience. How many couples can say they got married on a glacier, surrounded by the Alps? The best helicopter elopement destinations in the Alps and Italian Dolomites include:
- St. Moritz, Switzerland
- Zermatt, Switzerland
- Corvara in Badia, Italy
- Chamonix, France
Snowmobiling Elopements
Snowmobiling elopements are the perfect choice for adrenaline seeking couples! On a snowmobile, you can access locations that are secluded with ease and fun. In the Italian Dolomites, you’ll find numerous options for private snowmobile tours.
Ice Skating Elopements
Across the Alps, you’ll find that when the lakes freeze, everyone’s ice skates come out. Unlike artificial rinks, here, you’ll have breathtaking views at every turn. Many lakes are regularly measured for ice thickness and safety, taking the guesswork out of your experience. Some lakes, such as the Stazersee in St. Moritz, are even groomed for ice skating.
Sledding Elopements
Going sledding on your elopement is the perfect adventure for any winter-lover. In the alps, people of all ages taking sledding seriously, and because of that, there are countless groomed tracks 3-4+ miles in length to enjoy throughout the winter.
Some sled runs worth checking out include:
- Wildkoegel Arena, Bramberg (Austria)
- Katzenkopfhuette, Leutasch (Austria)
- Muottas Muragl, St. Moritz (Switzerland)
- Geisleralm, St. Maddalena (Italian Dolomites)
Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides
Imagine cuddling up to your partner in a horse-drawn sleigh ride at the end of your winter wedding day. Sounds romantic, doesn’t it? Mountain towns all over the Alps offer private, winter horse-drawn carriage rides through the glittering snow.
What to Wear for Your Winter Elopement
When considering what to wear for your winter elopement, keep in mind that you may need to wear a coat, hat, jacket, gloves, and boots for most of the day. Have fun selecting these elements, and consider how they’ll all come together to create your overall wedding look.
Layering for Your Winter Elopement
Layering is a key part of your winter elopement attire, so you can stay warm and comfortable throughout your snowy wedding day. As a guideline, consider the following layers on hand:
- Base layer: Your winter base layer should be something you can wear underneath your winter elopement dress, suit, jumpsuit, etc. Base layers look like long underwear. Their purpose is to help wick away sweat and keep you dry and warm. Our favorite base layers are made from merino wool. Merino wool is lightweight yet cozy, durable, and dries quickly when wet. We’d suggest checking out the brand Icebreaker for sustainable, high-quality merino products. While wearing your wedding clothes, a base layer top may not always be possible, depending on the cut and style of your attire. Generally you can easily add a pair of base layer bottoms to underneath your pants, dress, skirt, etc.
- Midlayer: Your midlayer, or insulting layer, will be your winter wedding attire, and a cozy sweater or suit jacket. In addition to this, consider bringing a down jacket of 800 fill power. Down jackets are easily packable and lightweight (in comparison to synthetic coats) yet keep you warm even on the chilliest of days. A down jacket is a great coat to have on hand to keep warm in between photos. Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear, and REI each offer a variety of quality down jackets.
- Outer Layer: From wind to snow, your outer layer is there to shield you from the elements and is worn over all your other layers. Outer layers aren’t meant to keep you warm like an insulating down jacket. Instead, your outer layer is thin and lightweight, specifically designed to block out wind and keep your other layers dry. Dynafit makes some of the best shell/outer layer jackets we’ve ever worn.
Winter Elopement Dresses and Skirts
Some tips for choosing the perfect winter elopement dress and things to consider include:
- Keep in mind how warm the dress is. Are there lots of layers to the skirt? Is the material thin or thick? How comfortably can you layer other clothes under and over it?
- Consider the sleeve length. If you can find a long sleeve dress that you’re in love with, we’d definitely suggest taking this route!
- How easy is the dress to move around in? Will you struggle to walk in it if there’s snow? Are there layers you’re worried about stepping on or tearing if you need to wear micro spikes?
- Are there any intricate buttons, zippers, or other details on the dress that will be difficult to fasten if your hands are cold?
Like any elopement dress or skirt, you should prioritize finding something that you not only absolutely LOVE, but will also be practical for your chosen elopement season and location.
Winter Elopement Suits and Jumpsuits
Whether you wear a suit, tux, or jumpsuit for your winter elopement, the main thing you’ll want to keep in mind is whether you can comfortably layer in your chosen style or not. While all of your layers can be fitted, make sure that there’s enough room to fit a base layer underneath and your arms can easily move around if you put an extra coat on top.
Consider a moisture-wicking, wrinkle-free dress shirt if you opt for a suit or tux.
Winter Wedding Boots and Shoes
Your winter wedding shoes are one of the most easily overlooked, yet essential, parts of your outfit. Wearing boots or shoes that are insulated and waterproof can make a world of a difference when it comes to your comfort. Winter wedding boots and shoes can range from being low-cut to coming well above your ankle. Consider a higher-cut boot that will keep the snow out. If you buy brand-new boots before your winter elopement, you’ll want to break them in beforehand, so you can avoid blisters. Some great brands to check out for winter wedding boots include Sorel, Columbia, Merrell, and Danner Boots.
Winter Elopement Accessories
In addition to the clothing above, here are some winter elopement accessories that will help keep you comfortable during your snow-filled wedding day.
- Mittens and glove liners
- Wool socks
- Gaiters (great for winter hiking)
- Fleece-lined leggings (if you’re wearing them with a dress or skirt, purchase them nude-colored!)
- Ear Muffs
- Beanie or Hat
- Micro Spikes
Tips for Staying Warm During Your Winter Elopement in the Alps (Gear and More)
Beyond your wedding attire, here are a few other tips to help you stay warm during your winter elopement.
Bring a thermos with hot drinks
Bringing a thermos along with your favorite hot drink is an easy way to take the edge off the cold. Some drink ideas include tea, coffee, and Glühwein (hot, spiced wine popular in the alps). We suggest checking out the Thermos Ultimate Series, Klean Kanteen, and Hydro Flask for mugs that will keep your drinks hot for hours.
*Note: Alcohol can impair your ability to shiver. Shivering is a way your body generates heat. Alcohol also lowers your body’s overall core temperature over time. Minimize your alcohol intake if you know you won’t be heading indoors anytime soon.
Hand warmers
Hand warmers are one of the best ways to keep your extremities warm when gloves just aren’t cutting it. Hand warmers come in reusable and single-use options (such as the popular brand Hot Hands). We prefer the single-use option at elopements because we’ve found they radiate heat for longer, are easier to travel with, and don’t require boiling in water to reset. For normal day-to-day use, the reusable ones are great! We always keep several pairs of hand warmers in our first aid kit during cold-weather weddings.
We also love the Ocoopa rechargeable hand warmers. I’ve found the charge doesn’t last super long, but they are really effective during the coldest part of the day.
Eat Regularly and Stay Hydrated
Foods that digest slowly will not only give you the energy you need for your winter elopement but also raise your overall body temperature as the food metabolizes (which generates heat). Isn’t that neat!? Some high-fat and high-protein foods to consume before and during your winter elopement include oats, granola, nuts, eggs, and quality dairy products. For easy, on-the-go snacks we love Epic Provisions, LÄRABAR (vegan), and Clif Bars (vegetarian, many vegan options).
Choose an elopement location that gets plenty of sun
Since the sun remains low in the winter sky, many locations stay shaded (and therefore, much colder) throughout the day. Picking a location that gets plenty of sun will help you stay warm during your elopement. It’s worth mentioning, even if it’s overcast, these spots will generally be warmer than naturally shaded locations.
Safety, Weather, and Planning Backups
The best way to have a fun, stress-free winter elopement in the Alps is to prioritize planning for the weather. Working with someone local who knows the area you’re eloping in well can make your experience so much smoother.
Backup Locations & Pivoting Due to Weather
Eloping outside (especially in winter) means sometimes we’re at the mercy of the weather. I recommend every couple prioritize choosing an elopement destination that offers plenty to do, even if the weather is ‘’bad’’. For example, if you want to get married on a mountain top, are there other beautiful low-altitude spots we can pivot to if visibility is low or the avalanche risk is high?
Having activities that can be done or added at the last minute in case we need to pivot is also a huge plus. For example, if your heli-tour can’t fly due to weather, is there a nearby lake open for skating instead? As a local Alps elopement photographer, this is something I’m helping every couple with.
Last, I recommend booking a spacious hotel you’ll love. If you need to spend a little extra time indoors, you’ll be happy to be somewhere comfortable.
Avalanche Safety
Avalanche safety is a key factor to keep in mind while choosing an elopement location. Sticking to groomed areas within ski resorts is one way to make sure your elopement location stays safe.
Road Safety
If you’re renting a car for your Alps winter elopement, don’t forget about snow chains. Across the Alps, legalities vary. Generally, though, on mountain passes that are snow or ice-covered, you’ll be required to use snow chains. Additionally, if there’s a road sign (usually a blue circular sign showing a tire chain), you’ll also need them.
Booking a hotel close to your elopement location will help you have a stress-free day.
What No One Tells You About Winter Elopements
If you’re eloping in winter, expect everything to take a little bit more time. Whether it’s driving, getting ready with extra layers, or even exploring throughout the day because you’ll be walking through the snow…everything takes extra effort. If you’re willing to make that extra effort, though, it’s more than worth it.
Alps Winter Elopement Packages
If you’re ready to start making your winter wedding or elopement in the Alps a reality, you can check out our elopement packages here. You can also contact us to set up a free consultation call.
Every Alps Winter Elopement Package Includes:
-8+ hours of photography coverage with the option to add on videography
-My VIP elopement planning guide and English-speaking vendor guide
-Personalized Questionnaires
-Custom location guides and timeline assistance
-Support Calls
-All photographer/videographer travel fees are covered
Excellent post on how to plan a winter elopement! This was super informative and helpful! Thanks so much for sharing!