The 8 Best Winter Elopement Destinations
The best locations to either embrace the snow or seek the sun during winter
Whether you’re dreaming of snow-covered landscapes or escaping to somewhere sunny and warm – let’s find out what the best winter elopement destinations actually are.
The Benefits of a Winter Elopement
As it often is – the least obvious choice can also be the best one. Planning your elopement during winter sounds wrong, but believe me, it can be SO right.
Winter is quieter and less busy. In many places, this will be the off-season, so flights get cheaper, accommodations are easily available, and the popular locations are less crowded. You’ll also find that any vendor you might need (like your elopement photographer) has tons of availability during this time. And not to forget – eloping in a winter wonderland is super cozy and magical (if you bring the right clothes).
But what if you want to elope during the winter season, but only to escape it? Well, that’s just as great. While the northern hemisphere will be all cold and snowy, many places around the world offer sunny skies and pleasant temperatures.
So if that sounds more like you, don’t worry – you’ll find some amazing warm winter elopement destinations to choose from further down in this post.
❄️ Best Places to Elope in the Snow
Lapland, Sweden
Imagine a snow-covered scenery as far as your eyes can see, with cozy cabins and frozen lakes. Lapland during winter looks like a fairytale and is everything winter-lovers dream of: remote, peaceful, calm and magical.
While the days are short and the conditions are harsh (temperatures can sometimes be as low as –30°C / –22°F), it’s still a place that offers you an experience that’s well worth it.
Also, how about some dog sledding or a snowmobile tour? No better place for it than this.
And, of course – seeing the northern lights! So why not say your vows while standing under a sky full of vibrant, dancing colors? It also comes with some serious bragging rights to say you’ve eloped above the Arctic Circle, too.
So, bring your wool socks and embrace the stillness of the slow season up north!
Just a heads-up: Between mid-November and late January, the days in Lapland are so short, you might want to consider a place at least a bit further south, or a date between February-April (where there’s still plenty of snow).
Many equally great location options to choose from, though, and you can find out more right here:
Check out my entire Sweden Elopement Guide.
Images: Unsplash
Iceland
Of course, it’s cold (again), but hear me out: Iceland in winter is otherworldly.
When the black sand beaches turn white, the dramatic mountains are covered in snow and some waterfalls freeze into sparkling sculptures, this is a place unlike any other. It’s also one that offers some unique activities like a glacier hike or exploring an ice cave. And if you ever get cold (which will probably happen), you can simply warm up in one of the countless natural hot springs.
The days in Iceland don’t get quite as short as in a place like Lapland or Greenland, but it’s probably best to at least avoid the time between mid-December and mid-January, when there’s only 4–5 hours of daylight.
If getting married surrounded by ancient icebergs sounds like just the right thing for you – look no further than Iceland.
Images: Unsplash
Scotland
If you want that moody, wintry vibe without completely freezing – Scotland might be just right. The Scottish weather doesn’t have the best reputation (no matter the season), but with snow-capped hills in the Highlands, eloping here in the winter season can still be super dreamy.
Misty, foggy mornings, quiet lochs and dramatic skies make your elopement feel like something out of a storybook here. So while Scotland isn’t the place you’d think of as a true winter wonderland (because frankly, it isn’t), it’s still full of magic during this time of year.
And as a bonus: while the popular locations can get super busy during high season, you can often have them all to yourself during winter.
So with the right preparation and choice of clothes to face the cold and wind (wearing multiple layers and a long-sleeve dress is a must), you can experience something truly unique – and then warm up in a cozy pub or by a fire afterwards.
Images: Unsplash
☀️ Best Warm Places to Elope in Winter
Canary Islands
So, you’re not into snow? No worries. There are many places where winter feels like spring, and the Spanish Canary Islands, west of Africa, are definitely one of them.
With temperatures around 20 °C (68 °F), you can hike, swim and watch an incredible sunset without ever being cold at all – even in December or January.
And the landscapes these islands have really pack a punch – with everything from active volcanoes to dramatic cliffs, black sand beaches and lush greenery.
Tenerife, Lanzarote or Gran Canaria would probably be my favorite choices, but you can easily visit multiple islands in one trip anyway.
The best part? Even though it’s warm, the Canary Islands aren’t really all that touristy in winter (peak season is still around July-August).
Images: Unsplash
Madeira
Well, they don’t call Madeira the “Pearl of the Atlantic Ocean” or the “Hawaii of Europe” for no reason. This stunning little Portuguese island is one of my favorite places on Earth and nothing but a paradise, even in winter.
With a mild climate year-round, it’s an amazing choice for elopements during the supposedly colder months. And while it can get a bit chilly in the mountains (though this is also true in summer), the rest of the island stays sunny, bright and vibrant.
Madeira is also a dream come true for hiking- and outdoor enthusiasts, offering tons of fun activities like sailing, diving or paragliding.
And the landscapes? Top notch. How about eloping in a dreamy, mystical forest or having your ceremony on a mountaintop above the clouds? There are countless amazing places around the entire island and I’d love to show you my favorite ones.
Madeira is actually one of the destinations I know best, and you can find out everything you need to know about eloping there in my Madeira Elopement Guide.
Sicily
If you love Italy but don’t fancy the crowds and summer prices, eloping during winter in Sicily – the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea – is a dream.
With anything from ancient temples, beautiful coastal towns with small alleys, turquoise waters to hidden mountain villages, Sicily is effortlessly amazing. And even in winter, the colors are rich, the atmosphere is romantic, and the food, of course, is still as incredible as ever.
You’ll still need to bring a jacket just to be safe, but if you enjoy the Mediterranean vibe and sipping an espresso in a sunny piazza sounds like just the right thing for you, Sicily is a great choice.
Images: Unsplash
Seychelles
Truth be told – the (European) winter months are often considered the rainy season in Seychelles. It’s probably best to avoid January, but other than that, with showers that are usually very short-lived, it’s still an amazing place to escape the cold.
So, time to picture white sand beaches, crystal-clear oceans, and giant granite boulders. This tiny island nation in the Indian Ocean is pure paradise. During winter, the islands are hot (around 30°C / 86°F), sunny, and lush – yet still feel somewhat private. It’s a place where you can find a quiet beach, dip your toes in the warm sea, and say your vows underneath palm trees.
If you want a barefoot, tropical elopement that still feels intimate and meaningful – Seychelles is magic.
And for some inspiration, check out this multi-day Seychelles elopement.
South Africa
Golden light, sun-drenched mountains, unique wildlife, and beautiful beaches? South Africa has it all – especially during the northern winter. From November to February, it’s warm, dry, full of life, and the perfect escape from the cold.
Imagine sharing your vows on a clifftop with waves crashing below, or among the vines at sunset. Or how about saying “I do” on safari? I mean, I didn’t include this as part of my 20 best elopement activities for no reason – it’s a true adventure and so unique that you’ll never forget it.
If you maybe had a destination like this on your bucket list anyway, with temperatures around 28°C (82°F), eloping in South Africa during the winter months will be amazing.
Other great alternatives on the African continent would also be Namibia (November-December) or Tanzania (February-March).
Images: Unsplash
It’s me, Nico – Your Elopement Photographer & Planner
I’m an award-winning photographer with years of experience documenting and planning elopements all over the world.
With everything from a custom itinerary and timeline that fits your vision to the best photo locations – as your elopement expert, I co-plan your entire experience with you. No matter where it might take you.
