Hitchhiking season tends to peak in late spring, but these days, May and June weddings are losing their appeal. Instead, winter romance is gaining traction on the slopes.
The Knot’s 2025 Global Wedding Report shows that October has become the most popular month for weddings in the U.S., a trend that Zola also supports, indicating it surpasses June and September.
However, wedding planners encourage couples to explore winter weddings, which offer the charm of cozy outfits, fireside gatherings, and exhilarating slopes.
Event planner Billy Forchetti remarked, “Winter weddings have a distinct allure.” He manages weddings from New York City to St. Moritz and even coordinated Naomi Watts and Billy Crudup’s wedding in Mexico last year.
“People automatically lean towards summer and sunshine, but they often overlook how romantic the snowy backdrop can be,” he explained. “Saying ‘I do’ while on the slopes has a unique appeal— après-ski is the new pool party.”
Forchetti suggests that the Swiss Alps capture the essence of Slim Aaron’s Ski vibe, with snow-capped mountains, luxurious setups, and inviting fireside dinners.
For a stylish arrival, fly into Zurich and board the legendary Gourmeno dining car to St. Moritz, where you can enjoy a lavish meal in a vintage train traveling through the Alps.
In St. Moritz, consider booking the newly renovated Badrut Palace, known as the grande dame among hotels. It features suites adorned with Loro Piana, and offers everything you might need, from dining to spas.
Your wedding party can venture into the mountains, enjoy some winter activities, and reach the Instagram-worthy Paradiso, which is accessible only by elevator or horse-drawn carriage. Ceremonies can be held on a frozen lake, with guests seated in fur-covered chairs, and drinks served before and after the event.
Forchetti added, “Even if it’s chilly, pleasant weather can make being outdoors enjoyable.” Plus, the travel time from New York City is comparable to flying to Aspen. “St. Moritz is just a two-hour drive from Lake Como, so it’s quite accessible,” he chuckled.
For those looking to stay stateside, options abound for ski-focused wedding weekends. Vermont boasts Stowe’s Okemo Peak and Spruce Peak, both featuring charming lodgings close to the slopes. And, of course, there’s Deer Valley Resort and Park City, along with Aspen, Colorado.
Little Nell in Aspen stands out as a premier venue for a no-holds-barred wedding, featuring stunning views at elevations over 11,000 feet. After promising your partner with that backdrop, you could technically even ski in formal attire.
Alyssa Pettinato, who owns Alienate Events in New York, noted, “I’ve seen wedding dresses on ski slopes, but that takes some serious skill—you don’t need to be tackling black diamond runs.”
“Little Nell is my top choice for ski-resort weddings,” she added, though she cautioned that these picturesque venues usually come with a hefty price tag.
Expect to spend more than $200,000 for a winter wedding season, especially in places like St. Moritz.
Forchetti mentioned that whether it’s Aspen, St. Moritz, or another upscale ski destination, there are always busy times on the calendar. “Aspen has its ski week during President’s Day weekend, while St. Moritz hosts polo and ice racing events, filling hotels. It’s akin to Paris—no one plans a wedding during Fashion Week.”
Parties should also consider the guest list. “Are they experienced skiers, or do they snowboard? You can’t snowboard at Deer Valley,” Pettinato reminded. “You want your love to shine, but be mindful of inviting a mix of ages for a day on the slopes.”
Lastly, at locations outside the resorts, there are plenty of quaint spots and activities. Planning bar outings and local dining can enhance the experience. Making a custom hat in Aspen could be fun, but also consider altitude acclimatization—it might be wise to arrange an IV drip for the next day.
