If the idea of saying “I do” with snow in your boots, wind in your hair, and the entire Colorado backcountry as your witness makes you grin like crazy, you’re my kind of people. A Colorado winter wedding isn’t just a pretty backdrop (though, hi, snow-covered mountains? Yes, please). It’s an experience. It’s for couples who think formal ballrooms are overrated, who’d rather trade in stilettos for Sorels, and who aren’t afraid of a little wind chill in the name of epic memories. If that sounds like you, I may be just the Colorado wedding photographer for you!!
Now, if you’re here for tips on how to survive the cold without turning into a popsicle bride or wondering whether thermals count as wedding attire (spoiler: they do), I’ve got a whole planning post that covers the nitty-gritty. You can find that here! This one’s all about the fun stuff, creative ideas to make your winter wedding a full-on vibe.
From snowshoeing to your ceremony spot to sipping whiskey by a firepit afterward, I’m talking adventurous, cozy, make-it-yours kind of inspiration. Because if you’re going to freeze your buns off on your wedding day, it better be worth it. And I promise, it will be!
Make Your Colorado Winter Wedding a Whole Experience, Not Just a Day
Here’s the thing: a Colorado winter wedding isn’t just about showing up, saying vows, and calling it a day. No way!! This is your permission slip to turn your wedding into a snow-dusted, marshmallow-toasting experience. Because if you’re bundling up for the Colorado mountains in winter, it should be more than just a ceremony; it should feel personal, fun, and totally worth the frozen toes!
Maybe it starts with a slow morning in your cabin, pajamas, coffee, watching the snow fall outside while your dog chews on the ring box (just hypothetically, of course, that would never happen 😉 ). Then you pull on your wedding layers and hike to a quiet overlook, or meet your person under a sky of pines. The best part about a Colorado winter wedding? You get to set the vibe. Want it chill and cozy? Go for it. Quiet and emotional? Perfect. Full of laughs and champagne in the snow? Also great. There’s no right way, just whatever feels most like you.
Some couples plan snowshoe adventures or hit their favorite trail. Others just want to soak in the quiet, toast with a flask, and share their vows somewhere that feels private and real. The best part? You’re not stuck to any one formula. This isn’t about checking boxes, it’s about building a day (or weekend!) that feels like you, only slightly colder!
Choose a Backdrop That Feels as Epic as Your Story
One of the best things about planning a Colorado winter wedding? You really can’t pick a bad view. Snowy forests, mountain ridgelines, frozen lakes, it’s all straight-up gorgeous. But instead of just picking the “prettiest” spot, think about what kind of energy feels right for you.
Want something cozy and quiet, a tucked-away trail surrounded by tall trees may be your thing. More into the good kind of drama? Picture exchanging vows with the Rockies stretched out behind you, snow swirling just enough to make it feel like a movie. Or maybe you’re dreaming of a rustic lodge decked out in string lights where you can warm up with spiked cider and good food.
This part doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s not about finding the trendiest location, it’s about choosing a place that feels like a natural extension of your relationship. If the mountains are your happy place, let’s lean into that. If you feel most at home in a cozy cabin or a snowy meadow with your pup in tow (if you bring your furbaby, invite me!!), that works too!
Wherever you end up, Colorado’s winter magic will show up, and I’ll be there as your Colorado wedding photographer to make sure it looks even better in photos.
Style That Works with the Snow (Not Against It)
Let’s be honest: if you’re planning a Colorado winter wedding, you’re going to be cold. Like, “I can’t feel my fingers but it’s fine, I’m in love” cold. But freezing your face off doesn’t mean you have to look like you’re prepping for Everest. There’s a happy middle ground where you can stay warm and look incredible.
Velvet is basically my favorite for winter wedding fabrics, it’s warm, cozy, and fancy enough to look like you tried. Long sleeves are your best friend, and faux fur wraps or stylish coats? Total win. I’ve seen brides rock fur-lined boots under their dress (pro tip: no one sees your feet in the snow anyway), and yes, grooms, you’re allowed to wear thermal layers under that suit. For the guys- skip the dress shoes and opt for something a little more hiking boot in style. We’re not here to prove anything to Mother Nature, and trust me, you’ll be happier with warm toes!
Your flowers can get in on the seasonal fun, too. Evergreens, dried blooms, berries, basically anything that won’t wilt at 20 degrees. And please, don’t underestimate the power of accessories: cozy blanket shawls, cute beanies, fingerless gloves, and don’t forget the hand warmers!! Honestly, it’s the details that end up being both adorable and useful when your hands are too frozen to hold your vow book.
A Colorado winter wedding isn’t the time to freeze for fashion, it’s about embracing the season and making it work for you. You can be warm, look amazing, and still feel like yourself. Bonus: your photos are going to look like a cozy winter fairytale without anyone actually losing a toe to frostbite. Win-win!
Venues That Double as Honeymoon-Worthy Winter Escapes
If you’re going to haul your wedding attire up a snowy mountain, you might as well stick around and enjoy it, right? One of my favorite things about a Colorado winter wedding is that your venue can also be your honeymoon spot, no airport security, no layovers, just you, your partner, and maybe a hot tub with mountain views.
There are some incredible winter-friendly venues around Colorado that offer both ceremony spots and cozy lodging, with extra perks like skiing, snowshoeing, firepits, and spa treatments (sign me up!). Here are a few places I always recommend to my snow-loving couples:
Remote, jaw-droppingly gorgeous, and full of small-town charm. Think snowy gondola rides, epic views, and the kind of peaceful quiet that feels like you’ve got the whole world to yourselves.
- Try this: Gondola rides to town, snowshoeing, après-ski lounges, cozy cabin rentals, or catching live music (my fave!) in Mountain Village!
For couples who want that high-end, European-ski-town energy. It’s bougie in the best way, with great food, luxe lodging, and spa time to warm up after playing in the snow, honestly the best way to end your big day!
- Try this: Skiing and snowboarding, spa days, fancy dinners, ice skating, luxury shopping, or sipping cocktails by a roaring fireplace.
A little more relaxed and down-to-earth, with cute downtown vibes and a million fun things to do post-vows (like distillery tours, sledding, or just eating your way through town).
• Try this: Dog sledding, tubing, brewery and distillery tastings, fat biking through town, or wandering Main Street with a hot cocoa.
Sleek, elegant, and just far enough off the beaten path to feel exclusive, without totally disappearing into the wilderness. Perfect if you want those just-married mountain moments and someone to bring you a cocktail afterward.
- Try this: Ski-in/ski-out luxury lodging, sleigh rides to dinner (Hallmark movie anyone?), private ski lessons, fireside s’mores, or spa massages that’ll thaw your toes!
Add Cozy, Intentional Touches to Your Colorado Winter Wedding
One of the best parts about a winter wedding? You can lean all the way in to cozy. This is your chance to turn your day into a full experience, with little details that feel like you, and also happen to keep everyone warm and happy (yourself included!).
Picture this: You’ve just said your vows in the snow, and instead of rushing off somewhere stuffy, you’re handing out fleece blankets and spiked hot cocoa to your people. Or maybe it’s just you two, wrapped in a quilt, sipping something warm before heading back to your Airbnb for a private chef dinner. No timeline pressure, no bouquet toss, just good food, good drinks, and that just-married glow.
Here are a few of my favorite ideas to add warmth and personality to your Colorado winter wedding:
- Hot drink stations – Think cocoa, cider, or even whiskey tastings. Bonus points for personalized mugs!
- Blankets for guests – Whether it’s vows in the snow or hanging by the fire afterward, your frozen fingers will thank you later 😉
- S’mores bar or firepit lounge – It’s like camping, but fancier and with better lighting.
- Winter floral touches – Dried florals, evergreens, berries, or even pinecones can give your bouquet a seasonal vibe without feeling like holiday decor.
- Dinner in a cozy cabin or lodge – Skip the banquet hall. Intimate meals by candlelight = peak winter wedding energy.
The goal here isn’t to overdo it, it’s to make your day feel intentional and relaxed, like a slower, warmer version of real life (with better outfits and someone taking amazing photos, duh).
A Colorado Winter Wedding Might Be Right for You If…
Not every couple dreams of snow in their hair and boots under their wedding attire, and that’s totally fine. But if you’re reading this and nodding along, there’s a good chance a Colorado winter wedding might be your thing.
This whole idea is perfect for you if:
- You’d choose boots over heels any day.
- You think “wedding weekend” sounds better than “wedding day.”
- The idea of saying your vows in a snow-dusted forest or on top of a mountain gives you butterflies!
- You’d rather cuddle by a fire with a whiskey than do the chicken dance in a hotel ballroom. Because honestly, me too!
- You like the idea of a day that’s less about tradition and more about you two doing whatever the heck you want.
Winter weddings aren’t about perfection. They’re about presence. About slowing down, embracing the messiness (and the weather), and building something that feels honest and real and yours.
If that sounds like your kind of celebration, I’m already packing my hand warmers!
Book Me As Your Colorado Wedding Photographer
A Colorado winter wedding isn’t just about pretty photos (though, yes, you’ll have plenty of those). It’s about crafting a day that feels like you from start to finish. Whether your day involves hiking boots and a snowy trail, slow coffee in a quiet cabin, or an impromptu dance party in your rental kitchen, what matters most is that it feels true to you. There’s no wrong way to do this, especially when you’re trading tradition for something more meaningful!
You don’t need a ballroom or perfect weather. You just need each other, a little bit of planning, and someone who knows how to photograph love in 20-degree weather without missing a beat.
Sound like your kind of wedding day? Let’s talk!! I’d love to help you plan and photograph a Colorado winter wedding that’s as adventurous, laid-back, and real as the two of you!
Looking for more wedding ideas for your wedding in Colorado? Check out some more blogs here!
Winter Wedding Outfits That Actually Work in Colorado’s Cold
Elopement in Colorado: Wild Hearts, Mountain Views & How to Plan Your Perfect Day
When to Elope: A Denver Elopement Photographer’s Seasonal Guide
