Elopement Photos That Make the Case for Getting Hitched Somewhere Cold

For modern brides and grooms, elopements aren't always speedy or secret. And even if they are, they're exceptionally elevated. Some couples just don't have or want a big guest list. Others choose to spend money traveling somewhere to say their vows, instead of shelling out for traditional details like a formal venue and lots of décor. The latter option is gaining traction, thanks to gorgeous photographs from these sorts of celebrations, which often take place outside, and are held someplace with stunning views.

A cold or wintertime destination might seem like an unlikely choice for an outdoor elopement, and especially one with notable scenery. Won't the chill detract from the experience? Won't the setting make dressing up more difficult? Isn't everything barren? These breathtaking images prove otherwise. Whether the following couples got hitched in the winter, or just chose a venue—in any season—with snow, they found a way to embrace the weather, and discovered some of the most beautiful locations imaginable.

Maybe you've always wanted an extremely intimate wedding. Or maybe, you haven't thought about it until now. Either way, these snapshots are bound to make you consider venturing out (to the mountains, overseas, or simply anywhere where there are flurries) to exchange vows and take the portraits of a lifetime. These couples hiked, trudged, and helicoptered—in stylish ensembles, none the less—to brave low temperatures and tie the knot in wanderlust-inducing ways. Get rustic and urban elopement ideas alike for your own cold or snowy special day. 

Dunton Hot Springs in Dunton, Colorado, provided a rustic backdrop for this couple's intimate winter wedding.

This bride and groom took their elopement portraits on snow-covered grass, with the sun illuminating the mountains behind them.

Snowflakes made a welcome appearance during this couple's elopement shoot, which took place at a stunning, outdoorsy location.

It was freezing cold when this couple eloped, but you'd never know it based on those smiles.

This daring pair stood on the edge of a fallen tree to behold the Rocky Mountains. Their elopement was held at St. Mary's Glacier near Idaho Springs, Colorado. 

These two eloped beside Lake Tahoe, California, as the sun set beautifully over the pristine water.

Canada's Whistler, British Columbia, served as the setting for this couple's sweet elopement portrait. 

For her intimate wedding, this bride dressed for the chilly weather, wearing a furry stole over her glamorous gown. 

This Dunton, Colorado, elopement provides further evidence that Dunton Hot Springs will leave you awestruck in the winter.

These spouses chose El Capitan Meadow, located in Yosemite Valley, California, as the backdrop for their elopement. The snowy landscape made their photos all the more stunning.

You don't have to go far for a snowy elopement—just head out into the woods somewhere with flurries in the winter.

Maroon Bells near Aspen, Colorado, is an incredible option for a destination elopement. This couple embraced the beauty by taking some portraits by the water.

These two stopped for an embrace, with snow-covered mountains beyond them.

This couple ventured out to Arizona's Grand Canyon to take awe-inspiring snapshots and, of course, elope.

Talk about a winter wonderland! The bride's princess-inspired wedding dress helped set the mood.

Make your elopement uniquely your own with creative portraits, like this couple did. They slipped on their skates at Devil's Thumb Ranch in Tabernash, Colorado. 

We love this bride's warm-hued bouquet, which contrasted prettily against her destination's blanket of snow.

Imagine walking into newly-wedded bliss with this landscape before you.

These spouses looked out over amazingly-scenic views for their elopement. 

This couple also got hitched in Canada's Whistler, British Columbia. The snowy locale is popular for good reason.

This bride wore a flower crown that complemented the colors found at her elopement's snow-filled location.

Cuddle up with the love of your life in the middle of the wilderness, with snow-covered trees. Don't these two make it look so appealing?

On the flipside, you can plan for an urban elopement instead. These brides tied the knot in Brooklyn, New York, and posed on a snow-lined street.

This couple went all out and took a helicopter into the mountains in Queenstown, New Zealand. Just look at that gorgeous water and the snow-capped mountains beyond.

This bride's pink skirt popped against the snow at her Banff, Alberta, Canada, elopement.

Meanwhile, this bride wore boots to hike through her elopement destination.

These spouses went south of Lake George, Colorado, to tie the knot by the reservoir at Eleven Mile.

The soft snowflakes made the chill worth it for this couple, who wed in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.

A flowing river roared behind these two as they eloped. The area around them was covered in patches of snow.

This pair selected a dreamy spot to perch from in Estes Park, Colorado, for their snowy elopement.

Here's even more proof that Colorado—and the Rocky Mountains, more specifically—are breathtaking places to say your vows.

This groom lifted his love into the air and let her dress twirl beautifully in the process.

These spouses looked into one another's eyes after eloping amid the rocks, mountains, and snow.

After wedding in Loveland Pass, Colorado, this couple walked hand-in-hand for their elopement portraits.