When we think of weddings, we often picture summer and sunshine. However, a winter wedding in the Austrian Alps or German Alps can be just as beautiful, creating a unique and magical atmosphere.
This article explores the underestimated benefits of a winter mountain wedding in the mountains and essential planning tips to ensure everything goes smoothly.
By the way, if you’d like to schedule a free consultation with me as your wedding planner, where we can discuss your winter wedding and I can give you planning tips, feel free to reach out!
Reasons for a winter wedding in the Alps
Reason 1: No Wheather Worries
While couples marrying at other times of the year or at much lower elevations often have to worry about the weather, with a winter wedding high up in the Austrian Alps oder German Alps, you can be sure to have a stunning snowy backdrop.
Freshly fallen snow adds a magical atmosphere to the wedding, creating pure romance that your guests will be talking about for years to come.
Reason 2: More Vendor Availability in the German or Austrian Alps
Between May and September is peak wedding season, when vendors like videographers, florists, and musicians are often booked nearly every weekend for weddings in the Alps. Popular vendors are frequently reserved 1 to 1.5 years in advance. By choosing a winter wedding in Austrian Alps or German Alps, you’ll have more vendor options to choose from. During the off-season, photographers, stylists, and other vendors tend to be more flexible and might even offer lower rates.
For those who prefer a spontaneous approach, a winter wedding offers a great opportunity to book your favorite vendors on shorter notice, thanks to the reduced lead time.
Reason 3: Breathtaking Mountain Scenery in the Alps
A winter wedding in the Alps offers a breathtaking natural backdrop that’s hard to beat. Snow-covered peaks, glistening icicles, and crisp mountain air create a romantic atmosphere, perfect for both your ceremony and celebration in Austrian Alps or German Alps.
With candlelight, cozy blankets, and the natural beauty of the setting, your winter wedding will become an unforgettable experience that your guests will remember for years to come.
Reason 4: Ideal Lighting Conditions
The lower sun creates especially spectacular sunsets and casts long shadows, adding extra depth to your wedding photos. You can also schedule your couple’s photo shoot more flexibly throughout the day without worrying about harsh shadows on faces from a high midday sun.
Reason 5: Unique Activities in the Austrian or German Alps
A winter wedding in the Alps offers the chance to create an unforgettable experience with a unique lineup of activities on your wedding day in the Austrian Alps or German Alps. From ice curling and sledding together to cozy bonfires in the snow, there are countless ways to entertain your guests, starting from the reception. Interactive receptions are not only trendy but will also ensure that your guests are fully engaged and never have a dull moment at your mountain wedding.
An added benefit: With so much activity and entertainment, your guests won’t even think about the cold temperatures!
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with me as your wedding planner, where we can discuss your winter mountain wedding in Autria or Germany and how to make it an unforgettable event. I’ll also share professional tips to guide you through every step of the planning process.
Essential Winter Wedding Planning Tips in the Austrian Alps and German Alps
Scheduling Your Winter Wedding Day in the Alps
When planning the timing of your winter mountain wedding in the Austrain Alps or German Alps, there are several important points to consider. Since the sun sets significantly earlier in the colder months than in the summer, you should structure your schedule so that it’s still light enough during the reception if it’s planned to be outdoors. In the mountains of the Austrian Alps or German Alps, the sun can set as early as 4 PM, depending on the date. I therefore recommend scheduling all activities that need daylight for midday and early afternoon.
Due to snow or poor road conditions, travel times between different locations (for example, from the church to the reception venue) may take longer than in the summer. Be sure to plan a larger time buffer to avoid stress. Also, inform your guests about the travel times from point A to point B to ensure that everyone allows enough time to arrive at the wedding venue or church on time.
Tip from me as a wedding planner: If your guests are traveling by car, be sure to check in advance whether they will need snow chains.
The Right Attire for a Snowy Wedding
To ensure you stay warm in the snow and cold, the motto for a winter wedding in the mountains of the Austrian Alps or German Alps is: more is more, especially if you tend to feel cold easily.
A long dress under which you can easily wear thick thermal tights is the perfect choice for your big day. No one will notice if you wear thick, warm boots outside and switch to your actual bridal shoes later. If your dream dress doesn’t have long sleeves, that’s no problem at all. There is now a huge selection of warming bridal sweaters, fur jackets, and shawls to keep you cozy even outdoors.
The groom has it a bit easier here since a suit is inherently long. However, depending on how cold it is, thermal underwear can also be beneficial for the men, and smooth dress shoes can be swapped for winter boots with non-slip soles.
Also, remember to inform your guests about the temperatures and weather conditions at your venue, as they should dress accordingly.
Tip from me as a wedding planner: Provide thick furs and blankets at your outdoor ceremony so your guests can cozy up. If you have the blankets embroidered with your initials, they can serve as a wonderful gift for your guests and a lovely keepsake from your winter wedding in the snow.
Choosing the Right Location in the German or Austrian Alps
When choosing the location for your winter wedding in the Austrian Alps or German Alps, you should ensure that it is easily accessible even with heavy snowfall. Many venues in the mountains around Salzburg or Kempten that host winter weddings can be reached by car or by gondola/lift. If the latter is the case, you must consider the operating hours of the cable car in your planning or inquire about special services, especially if you and your guests are not staying overnight at the venue.
Unlike summer weddings in the Alps, a large part of your celebration will take place indoors, regardless of the weather. Once the sun goes down, it can get very cold outside. Since you will be spending most of your wedding indoors, you should feel completely comfortable in that space and find it just as beautiful as the outdoor area.
Decor and Flowers for a Winter Wedding in the German Alps or Austrian Alps
A winter mountain wedding in the Austrian Alps or German Alps offers you the perfect opportunity to choose a décor concept that your guests haven’t seen countless times at other weddings. With romantic fairy lights, a sea of lanterns, and stylish interior decorations, you can create a cozy atmosphere. Decorated sleds, sparkling crystal balls, or artificial snow as decorative elements can also enhance the winter ambiance.
Of course, floral arrangements should not be missing in winter, as they perfectly complete a successful décor concept. Not all flowers are suitable for the cold temperatures in the snowy mountains in Austria and Germany or available during this time. Simply consult with your florist as a professional; they can provide you with excellent support in this area.
Particularly popular flowers for winter decorations include chrysanthemums and anemones, which can be complemented with pine branches or silk pine as greenery. Additionally, thistles, berries, and various cones can be beautifully integrated into the floral arrangements of a winter wedding in the mountains, perfectly reflecting the natural beauty of the surroundings.
By the way: If you’re unsure how to best approach the planning of your winter wedding in the Austrian Alps oder German Alps and what points you need to pay particular attention to, feel free to schedule a free consultation with me as your wedding planner. We can discuss your wishes and ideas, and I will provide you with a roadmap to help you make your dream of a winter mountain wedding a reality.
Yours Ronja,
Wedding Planner for Mountain Weddings in Austrian Alps and German Alps
