Destination weddings are usually all about escaping winter in favor of sunny beaches and tropical waters, but not every couple out there prefers sand to snow; in fact, some people are actually hardcore winter fanatics (hard to image, we know). So for those who would rather enjoy some fun in the snow than fun in the sun, here are 10 perfect winter wedding destinations.

1.  Swedish Ice Hotel – Jukkasjärvi, Sweden

What better place for winter lovers to get married than an ice hotel? Open between December 23rd and the end of April, the Swedish Ice Hotel is the world’s largest hotel made out of ice and snow. It even has its own ice church where couples can say their “I do’s”  in a truly one-of-a-kind setting.

Photo: thevysherbarium

When having a summer wedding, it can be hard to get all of your first pick vendors unless you book them 2-3 years in advance. Since November through March is officially low-season in the wedding industry, having a winter wedding pretty much guarantees you’ll have a much better chance at booking the vendors you want.

2.  Off-Season Discounts

On top of being able to snag all your preferred vendors, there’s also a good chance you’ll be able to get some off-season discounts on a few of them as well.

3.  You Can Kill 2 Birds With 1 Stone

Are you known for your annual New Year’s Eve party? Why not kill 2 birds with 1 stone and have a New Year’s Eve wedding? Or perhaps a Valentine’s Day wedding is more your cup of tea. Either way, centering your wedding festivities around another holiday  gives you an easy theme to follow and doubles your reasons to celebrate.

4.  Winter Weddings are Romantic

Some people might not like to admit it, but winter can be downright romantic. Think about it, is there anything more lovey-dovey than wrapping yourself up in wool blankets and getting cozy in front of the fire with the one you love while the snow blows outside? We think not!

5.  Better Attendance 

During the summer wedding season, you’re not only competing for vendor availability, but also guest attendance. Summer is a busy time for people and it’s likely that a good number of your invited guests will have some sort of conflict with your wedding date. In the winter, however, this is a lot less likely to happen (especially after the holidays). Plus, having a winter wedding gives your guests something to look forward to during a season when there’s not much going on post-holidays.

6.  You Can Have a Hot Chocolate Bar

This one is pretty self-explanatory, but just in case you don’t love hot chocolate, you could always have a hot toddy bar instead.

 7.  Weather (Un)Predictability

When planning a spring, summer, or fall wedding, trying to predict the weather is a total crapshoot. One day might be sunny and warm and the next day cold and rainy; leaving you to cross your fingers and desperately pray to the weather gods that your perfect outdoor wedding isn’t ruined by the elements. At least with a winter wedding, you always know that it’s going to be cold and you can plan and dress accordingly.

 8. Winter Weather Makes for Great Wedding Photos

You might not love the cold, but you’ve got to admit that snow is beautiful.  And playing in the snow can lead to some fun, romantic, and pretty photos – especially when you throw in some cute winter attire and a few seasonal props.

Photo one: uschiandkay.com; Photo two: theprettyblog.com; Photo three:IntimateWeddings.com; Photo four: couturecolorado.com; Photo five: stylemepretty.com

Megan and James’ wedding day proves that a low-key affair can be pretty magical too. On a late summer’s afternoon, in a truly intimate ceremony surrounded by immediate family and just one friend each, the couple exchanged their vows beneath an apple tree in the bride’s parents’ garden. The ceremony was followed by a backyard reception where guests toasted the happy couple, and a candlelit dinner filled with delicious food, and lots of love – simple and sweet and just the way we like it!

Special thanks to Rose Dykstra of Simply Rose Photography for sharing all the lovely photos with us.

Megan, 34 & James, 32

Vancouver, British Columbia

Wedding Date: August 22, 2012

Number of Guests: 16 including baby Alexander (Born March 18^th, 2013) who was in my tummy at the time

Wedding Cost: $15,000 (including dress and rings)

Wedding Ceremony Location: My parents’ backyard in Dunbar

Wedding Reception Location: My parents’ house and backyard in Dunbar

If you love handmade details, an intimate garden setting, a glowing bride, and, most importantly, an emotional groom, then we’re pretty sure you’re going to adore Christa and Jorden’s wedding.

Anastasia Giaouris of Olive Photography beautifully captured all the wedding day action, including the wonderfully heartwarming moment when the groom teared up watching his bride walk down the aisle; it’s pretty much the sweetest thing we’ve ever seen!

Christa, 29 & Jorden Blanchard, 27

Newcastle, Ontario (Canada)

Wedding Date: July 15, 2013

Number of Guests: 73

Wedding Cost: under $15,000

Wedding Ceremony Location: Bloomfield Gardens

Wedding Reception Location: Bloomfield Gardens