If you want something different to a traditional summer wedding, what about having a beautiful winter wedding abroad? Imagine marrying with a beautiful alpine backdrop behind you, arriving by a reindeer-pulled sleigh, and wrapping up warm in fur. Here are six destinations to consider if you’d like a beautiful winter wonderland wedding abroad, in a unique setting, surrounded by snow and ice…
Hoteldorf Grüner Baum, Austria
Austria has long been a popular choice for couples wanting a wedding abroad with a difference. Surrounded by beautiful alpine scenery, fairytale castles and traditional villages, Austria provides a magical wedding setting unlike no other.
The Hoteldorf Grüner Baum is a traditional family-run organic hotel village and member of the ‘Small Luxury Hotels of the World’ group. The stunning resort is located at the bottom of the beautiful valleys of Bad Gastein, close to the ski slopes and the resort town of Bad Gastein itself, with coffee shops, bars and restaurants.
The Hoteldorf Grüner Baum offers the perfect experience for your winter wonderland wedding abroad. Picture the perfect day… waking up and being pampered in the Hotel Grüner Baum’s spa and beauty centre, surrounded by your bridesmaids. Everything taken care of, from hair to make-up and manicures.
Weddings usually take place around midday, followed by a horse and carriage ride through the stunning National Park and photographs taken by the waterfall in Bad Gastein.
From the moment you arrive until the time comes when you have to say goodbye, you will enjoy every minute of it.
Hotel Ranga, Iceland
Iceland is blessed with an array of natural wonders, with the spectacular Northern Lights one of its biggest draws. The best season to see the Northern Lights is from September to mid-April, as these are the months where there are dark, full nights.
If you are looking for a romantic wedding setting then look no further than the Hotel Ranga. The hotel’s staff pride themselves on their attention to detail and will be on hand to ensure that your wedding day is perfect. Weddings can take place at the nearby picturesque Oddi Church, beneath the Gluggafoss waterfall, or along the banks of Ranga-Eystri River by the hotel.
Skogafoss Waterfall, Iceland
Skogafoss Waterfall is an amazing, unique outdoor wedding location. Imagine marrying at one of the most photographed waterfalls in Iceland.
If you are dreaming of a wedding in the crisp, open-air, with the sounds of the waterfall behind you, this is your perfect location. Plus, on your wedding night you could watch the spectacular Northern Lights!
Ice Chapel Levi, Lapland
Lapland has always been considered as a fairytale wedding destination. Spanning over a number of countries, the area of Lapland offers some amazing wedding locations and experiences. Imagine arriving by reindeer sleigh to the sparkling Ice Chapel Levi and exchanging your vows at the altar made of intricately carved ice.
Situated by the side of a frozen lake, the Ice Chapel is part of the Levi Ice Gallery, rebuilt every year. Following a reception in the Lappish hut restaurant, spend your wedding night in the Snow Castle’s special suite.
Icehotel, Lapland
For a really unique wedding experience, the Icehotel in Swedish Lapland provides the ultimate wow-factor. Each year the amazing Ice Chapel and Igloo Suites are re-created, and the designs are never quite the same.
Imagine saying your vows in the Ice Chapel, complete with Ice Altar and pews covered with reindeer skins, and then spending your wedding night in the comfort of an Ice Suite at -5 degrees. Each room has an ice bed — a large block of illuminated ice upon which sits a thick mattress, a layer of reindeer skins and a thickly-padded polar sleeping bag, so you won’t need to wear layers and layers of night clothes. For those who prefer warmer surroundings, there are ‘warm rooms’ too!
Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Canada
Nestled at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, Whistler’s landmark ski-in ski-out hotel, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler resort hotel defines mountain luxury.
From Whistler’s unique rooftop Wedding Chapel to the magical setting of The Chalet, the Fairmont Chateau is the perfect setting for your unique winter wonderland wedding day.
Guest post by Helen Doyle of PerfectWeddingsAbroad.co.uk
Images courtesy of PerfectWeddingsAbroad.co.uk
