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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.

Want to read more? 

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.

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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.

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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.

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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)

Read the article

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.

More informationen

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.

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Watch: Zac Efron's Netflix series promotes sustainable travel.

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A special highlight: the green wedding or Green Wedding. With this package one marries completely climaticneutrally. The decoration consists of upgecycelten and natural elements and the Papeterie from recycling paper. The food is always organic and regional in the bio-certified hotel in Bad Herrenalb anyway.

More about the wedding packages as well as the brochure in German (with practical planner) is available here.

More and more, couples are also focusing on climate protection and thinking of ways of organizing the most beautiful day of the year responsibly. Sustainability regarding the selection of food, energy and water consumption, or the amount of waste. There are hotels in many wonderful places on the planet that are hosting wedding celebrations and attaching great importance to a respectful treatment of nature and people. We introduce some of them:

Thailand: A wedding in a magical forest, with a drum parade and a personal wedding consultant

It is THE perfect wedding for many people: feet in the sand, a view of the ocean, a private little wedding ceremony and then indulging in culinary delights. THAILAND is one of those countries where these dreams may become reality. Due to the paradisiacal nature, friendly people and the cultural diversity.

The three Green Pearls® partners in Thailand are experienced “Wedding Planners” and are always delighted if couples choose to get married in their unique surroundings. 

At the Keemala resort, for example. The Keemala Resort is a villa wonderland nestled in the lush hilly landscape of Kamala on the Thai island of Phuket. Featuring 38 villas and cottages with private pools, the resort's distinctive design is inspired by the philosophy and lifestyles of four mythical ancient tribes. 

Within the bewitched Kamala forests, couples can fulfill their dream of a fairy-tale wedding that would be worthy of a high fashion bridal magazine cover. “ Wedding in the Enchanted Forest “! Will take them to a remote meadow set deep in the forest, where the branches, roots, and twigs of a majestic, centuries-old tree and the surrounding woodland provide a natural backdrop for an enchanting ceremony.” 

The Zeavola provides two different ways of entering into the bond of marriage: A classical Thai ceremony, where staff members of the resort, in traditional Thai dress, perform a parade of drums, which is followed by chants and blessings of Buddhist monks. At the end of the ceremony, the couple will plant a love tree and enjoy a festive dinner and champagne celebration in the evening with their guests. 

The blessing Ceremony and the exchange of vows, in Western style, are conducted by either a “Master of Ceremonies” person or, if a formal Christian wedding ceremony is required, by a Priest. The celebration continues with a champagne reception and the cake cutting. The sustainable luxury resort Zeavola, located on Phi Phi Island, sits on the tranquil white sand Laem Tong Beach and is renowned for its vast array of diving opportunities in the Andaman Sea.

At Tongsai Bay on Koh Samui, a tropical island, all is set for a dream wedding day as well. Like at Zeavola and Keemala, guests can get married in traditional Thai or Western ceremonies. A dedicated wedding consultant is on duty in advance to clarify any open questions. The 5-star facility comprises 83 suites, villas and cottages, which are located in a spacious and lush green garden area. The units are spread in hillside locations all around the private bay with fantastic views. The hotel is one of the most romantic hideaways on the entire island.

Historic charm in Havel land, a castle at Lake Constance and imposing mountain peaks

The charm of the Stober country estate is evident immediately from behind the imposing red brick portal with old sandstone sculptures. The old lodging house, stables, the distillery, the granary, high old trees at the lakeside. This place is full of atmosphere and spirit. The estate is located amidst a park landscape in Havel land at the Groß Behnitzer See, approximately 20 kilometers west of Berlin. 2021 the hotel was awarded as the  greenest boutique hotel in Europe. Combined with a religious wedding in the church of the village, the yes-word at the hotel's own civil office or right at the shore: It is The perfect wedding of your dreams in stylish ambience—located in romantic park landscape at the Groß Behnitzer See. 

Many bridal couples appreciate the special festive-historical ambience at the Wartegg Castle Hotel. Situated in an English park, this former castle with its white shining walls is just a few minutes' walk from the Lake of Constance. The festive and dining hall with magnificent views of lake and park can accommodate about 50 people with dance floor. The marriage ceremonies can be held in the banquet hall as well. For a small ceremony, there is the “Silent Room” and of course the castle garden, which provides ample space for everyone. The chef de cuisine prepares proposals for banquets with much attention to detail—on request also a vegan gourmet menu including a selection of fine organic wines. A carriage ride through the vineyards between Lake Constance and the Appenzeller Vorderland region represents an exceptional experience. It is a romantic ride past the vineyards of Thaler Rebberge, the luminous lime rocks of the “steinigen Tisch” and the rich green meadows, the blue Lake Constance in sight.

You can also start out into the bright future here: at Naturhotel Aufatmen in Leutasch, Tyrol. A venue for a small but fine wedding celebration with a private swimming pond and a view of the Öfelekopf and the Ahrnspitze. This family-run wellness hotel specializes in celebrations for up to a maximum of 40 people and boasts creative vegetarian/vegan cuisine and a modern, homey ambience. Next to the restaurant, the yoga room is transformed into a dance location.

Seychelles, Maldives, and Bali: Exotic dream destinations 

Marrying in Bali is colorful and cheerful, appealing to all the senses. With gorgeous floral decorations, the smell of aromatic incense sticks and the traditional music. One of the most beautiful wedding venues on Bali, the "island of gods and temples", is certainly the Hotel Puri Dajuma. With a beautiful sunset view over the ocean, it is romantic and private. Whether it is a simple ceremony or a big party. The ceremony will be carried by the Balinese culture and the friendly people, honoring their guests and turning the day into something exceptional. As all religions come together in Bali, the Dajuma team also caters to the needs of their guests and are open to all faiths and requests. 

Puri Dajuma Cottages & Spa is composed of 18 traditional Balinese cottages, a new luxury villa with fantastic beach views and two suites, one for families and the other for wedding couples.

It couldn't be more romantic, intimate or exclusive: a festively decorated table on the sand, with a heart made of flickering candles, and a bed adorned with flowers for sleeping under the stars, and Mr. Friday to fulfill every wish of his guests. This setting will be true at the Gili Lankanfushi in Maldives. Immersed by the turquoise waters of the Gili Lankanfushi lagoon, this is where couples tie their knot and get the blessing of a Maldivian clergyman. The wedding is held at the exclusive wedding chapel in the middle of the lagoon or in one of the many other secluded spots on the private reserve.

The combination of luxurious barefoot experience with a comprehensive focus on sustainability makes the 5-star luxury eco-resort appealing to those who not only value the exclusive offerings, but the hotel's green initiatives in terms of biodiversity, nature conservation and environmental protection.

The list of the dream wedding destinations cannot be missing the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean—and Cerf Island Resort, situated there. Located at the entrance to the Sainte Anne Marine Park on the small green island of Cerf, this resort features 24 private villas and is a popular destination for divers and snorkelers. The island nation is marked by Arabic, Phoenician, Indonesian, Portuguese, English and French influences. 

The secluded beaches and exclusive private villas of CERF Island Resort are tailor-made for lovers. Cerf organizes wedding ceremonies of all kinds: as a romantic dinner for two or as an exclusive event throughout the resort. The fascinating water and island scenery of the Seychelles always creates a breathtaking backdrop for an unforgettable wedding day. 

Mountain retreat, tropical resort or event location, the options could hardly be more different. However, all locations have something in common: the conviction that respectful interaction with nature and people is the only correct way into the future.

Bientôt la saison des mariages commence. Nous avons déjà écrit ici à propos de lieux respectueux de l'environnement, traditions de mariage durable aussi bien que idées cadeaux vertes et espérons-le vous a inspiré. Une chose manque encore sur notre blog: la robe de mariée durable. Qui pense maintenant aux matériaux éraflés et aux coupes dépassées, est faux! Les robes de mariée écologiques peuvent suivre longtemps la mode nuptiale classique. Pour les vêtements de mariage écologiques et équitables, des critères similaires s’appliquent à la mode durable en général: il s’agit de fibres naturelles issues de la culture écologique, de matériaux recyclés et de colorants inoffensifs ainsi que d’une production équitable (en savoir plus sur la premier et seconde une partie de nos articles de blog plus généraux sur la mode durable). (...)

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