A Winter Dream – Tips and locations for romantic and sustainable winter weddings
Getting married in a winter wonderland is becoming more and more popular. Many bridal couples now dream of a glittering snowy landscape and a romantic, snow-covered mountain hut as their wedding location. And a winter wedding has even more advantages!
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Most locations are not booked up for years like they are in summer. What's more, they are usually more affordable, so you can have a low-budget wedding without sacrificing the location. Wedding planners have more time than in summer when they sometimes have to cater for two or three weddings in one weekend. The same goes for florists, bakers, caterers, and so on. Planning can also be considerably faster this way. Spontaneous wedding in winter? No problem!
Winter Wedding Tips
There are exceptions here, of course, locations in popular winter sports resorts - these are very much in demand, especially during the colder months of the year, and should be booked well in advance. The Christmas season also tends to be somewhat unfavourable for a wedding. Christmas parties, children's performances and the like quickly collide with the big day.
Another thing wedding couples should consider in winter is the weather. Naturally, one wishes for a dream in white and a winter wonderland, but in many places, this no longer exists. Here, it's a case of getting creative, having rubber boots and umbrellas ready for the guests, and communicating the schedule in advance. This allows everyone to be prepared for a day that could be cold and wet and possibly bring a change of clothes.
As with other sustainable weddings, it is of course important to ensure that the decorations for a winter wedding are sustainable and environmentally friendly. Green hotels in particular are happy to support the bride and groom in this regard. Our Green Pearls® partners, for example, offer beautiful retreats with sustainable furniture, loving and seasonal decoration, and lots of lights, so that this very special day becomes unforgettable. Often with, but of course also without snow.
A Sustainable Winter Wedding – Our Favourite Venues
Hotel Das Rübezahl in Allgäu: With a view of Neuschwanstein Castle
"Weddings are completely personalized and are not part of a standard package," says the team of the Hotel Das Rübezahl. Elopements, weddings for just the two of you, are particularly popular in both summer and winter. These can take place in the hotel or in the middle of nature with a view of the castle. A platform at an altitude of 1320 meters is available for this purpose, providing a dreamlike backdrop for the wedding ceremony.
For larger celebrations, the rustic Rohrkopfhütte is available. Up to 60 people can party, dine and celebrate the bride and groom. You can also celebrate in the hotel. But then only in a small group, in keeping with the elopement theme ;)
Nevertheless, there is a "Say Yes" package. In the pavilion with a view of the castle, couples can say "I do" (again) under an arch full of flowers or use the location for a very special marriage proposal.
HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu: Wedding under a 2,000-year-old tree
Even though you can get married at the HUBERTUS all year round, a wedding in wintry Balderschwang has its very own charm. Even in this day and age, the small town is relatively blessed with snow, so there's almost nothing to get in the way of a glittering fairy-tale atmosphere.
From the balcony of the 'WeitBlick' couples can really enjoy the snowy landscape. The bride and groom and their guests can see as far as the Swiss Alps. The spacious room is furnished with plenty of wood and radiates the rustic warmth that is perfect for a winter wedding in a small group.
A unique location for the wedding ceremony is the 2,000-year-old Old Yew Tree in Balderschwang. A very special atmosphere arises during the wedding ceremony in the presence of one of the oldest trees in Germany.
Hotel Okelmann’s in Warpe: Eco Wedding in Winter
Fairy lights, fire pits, and lanterns – the atmosphere at a winter wedding at Hotel Okelmann's is truly magical. With up to 80 guests, you can celebrate here in private and enjoy the time. As a trained wedding planner, Kristin Okelmann assists the bride and groom right from the planning stage and contributes her expertise and ideas for a wintery, sustainable and mindful wedding.
Sustainable wedding in the Black Forest
Bad Herrenalb is an extraordinary place and offers wedding couples just the right ambiance and energy for celebrating their union. The home of the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA is not only a recognized climatic health resort but also a place of power that invites you to a deep connection with nature. Perfect, therefore, for a romantic winter wedding.
In the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, the bride and groom are guided through the planning process and can choose from a variety of packages. One of them being the Green Wedding Package, with which the wedding is completely climate-neutral.
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The options for getting married in winter are many, but of course it is not for everyone. Nevertheless, to avoid the peak season for weddings in summer, wedding arrangements can be booked in sustainable hotels in the Seychelles or Thailand. Afterward, you won't even have to travel a long way to begin enjoying your honeymoon.
For more on green weddings and sustainable honeymoons, check out our blog and Pinterest:
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(Roof) terraces in winter – Green Pearls® partners reveal sustainable ways to do it
Breathing in the cold, clear winter air, with a hot mulled wine or tea in hand. But in the long run it becomes cold even with the thickest jacket. But why crawl indoors? And let the cozy roof terraces snow in and lie fallow over winter? Not with the Green Pearls® partners.
Sustainable skiing holiday tips
Glistening snow, long walks in icy air, winter silence, the sight of snow-covered mountains, the anticipation of the next descent on skis... But how does it all work sustainably in view of climate change and co.
15 Tips for Sustainable Travel in 2023 – From travelers, sustainability professionals and tourism experts
More and more people want to travel sustainably. That's why we asked our experts, the sustainable hotel professionals, for their tips and also contribute our own experiences.
Sustainable alternatives to skiing
For a successful winter vacation you don't necessarily need ski slopes. We present wonderful alternatives for your next winter vacation.
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The ten most sustainable vacation destinations were selected at the World Travel Market travel fair in London. At the top of the list: Norway and Costa Rica. (german only)
Booking.com is one of the most popular booking platforms not only for hotels. Now the portal is introducing badges for sustainable accommodations. This will make it easier for customers to choose green options.
Equality and empowerment for women. This is what UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili focuses on during his speech at the World Travel Market trade fair.
Watch: Zac Efron's Netflix series promotes sustainable travel.