4 Best Cities Across the USA to Host a Winter Wedding

From urban epicenters to quaint oceanside towns, find the perfect location for your winter wedding. Bundle up and revel in the icy beauty!

With sparkling icicles, mulled wine, and a frosted landscape to match the wedding dress, a winter wedding can be truly magical.

But, you need the right place to host it.

Here are a few of the best cities across the United States for a fairytale wedding to thrive, even in the snowiest of months.

Afarose Insider Tip: After you’ve selected a venue, head over to Afarose’s ultimate resource guide for guidance on how to plan your dream winter wedding.

1. Winter Wedding in Big Chi-Town

Chicago is a boisterous urban mecca that becomes a dreamscape in the winter—perfect for a winter wedding. The city’s glitz and glamor are woven with waterways, drawbridges, and stunning scenery. From the frozen lake to the skyline covered in snow, the beauty of the city holds a much-needed candle to the bitter cold. Whether you opt for classic or contemporary, feel free to incorporate some recent wedding trends into your upcoming nuptials.

The Venue

A winter wedding in Chicago embraces timeless elegance and some of the most affordable wedding prices. Hosting the ceremony and reception in one of the city’s revered hotels lets you celebrate in style without the stress of driving between locations. Revel in the Art Deco ambiance of the Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel or the scenic lakeside Sable at Navy Pier.

Other popular venues include the glamorous Stan Mansion or Cafe Brauer at the Lincoln Park Zoo. If you want a more natural atmosphere, check out the indoor venues at the Chicago Botanic Gardens or the Garfield Park Conservatory. Should you choose to host the ceremony and reception at different places, keep an eye out for hotels offering a shuttle service.

Hot Tips for a Chicago Winter Wedding

Chicago has so much to offer, and there are probably so many reasons why you love the windy city! When planning your wedding, share a list of other fun activities with your guests so they have plenty to do while they’re in town. And be sure to bundle up and serve hot drinks at the reception!

2. Winter Wonderland in Seattle

Sandwiched between the mountains and the sea, Seattle offers striking natural beauty and urban delights year-round. But the snowcapped peaks and the allure of cozy food make the city a perfect candidate for your winter wedding. Pick a venue draped in icicles and enjoy your wedding day steeped in the aromas of artisan espresso.

The Venue

Seattle offers a hip destination for any style. From cozy chateaus in the mountains to rustic, snowcapped barns, Seattle’s venues are full of character. For jaw-dropping views of the water, look into the Olympic Rooftop Pavilion. If you want something more eclectic, check out an updated space in the industrial district or historic venues in Cap Hill or Adams.

Hot Tips for a Seattle Winter Wedding

A city with such a vibrant culture as Seattle’s is perfect for a winter wedding destination. There will be plenty of activities for your guests to check out before and after your wedding—From touring the local cuisine to exploring the outdoor scene. Above all else, be sure to capture the magic of the day! We can’t recommend hiring destination photographers Colby & Valerie enough. There’s simply no one better to memorialize your love story.

3. Hampton Beach, New Hampshire

Looking for a destination that combines small-town charm with rustic cheer? Hampton, New Hampshire is a seaside town offering enchanting venues for an oceanfront winter wedding. A nature retreat in Hampton is perfect if you're looking for a cozy location to wind down in, too. Meanwhile, those looking to add some modern flair to Hampton’s quaint venues can do so with today’s wedding reception trends.

The Venue

Hampton offers many venues for different types of events—including quaint B&Bs, ballrooms with ocean views, and larger event centers. The Old Salt Restaurant & Lamie’s Inn, built in the 18th century, has post-and-beam ceilings and an overall vintage vibe. Whether you stay seaside or venture into the White Mountains, the area is the winter wonderland for ethereal photoshoots.

Hot Tips for a Hampton Winter Wedding

Settle into the solace of nature with a wedding in Hampton, New Hampshire. Want to share your love of the outdoors with your guests? Plan group snowshoeing through the beautiful evergreen forests or look to the idyllic ski resorts for a day of adventure. Rest assured, the beachfront offers the less faint of heart the most serene stroll they could ask for.

4. New York City in the Winter

NYC gives us butterflies no matter the time of year. But when the city’s draped in snow, it adopts the magical, straight-out-of-a-rom-com feel you’ve been dreaming of. Thanks to the bustling metropolis’s world-famous diversity, the venue options are endless—ranging from hole-in-the-wall gems to grandiose luxury.

The Venue

Choosing a venue in the Big Apple can be intimidating at first. It’s the largest city in the US, after all. But, once you start outlining your preferences—like accessibility and budget—you can narrow down your options to find the perfect spot in no time.

Of course, the St. Regis Hotel is one of the most renowned wedding venues of all time. Between the ballroom and the city skyline, your big day will feel like a fairytale. If you want something more rustic, check out Brooklyn Winery. The natural aesthetic is perfect for some wintry decor.

Hot Tips for a New York Winter Wedding

If the ceremony and reception are in different locations, bring blankets, hand warmers, and thermoses of tea to stay warm during the transitions. And worry not, travel to and within the city is a breeze thanks to major airports and a variety of ways to get around.

Complete Your Winter Wedding with the Perfect Gown from Afarose

These four cities each have their own unique charm to make your winter wedding dreams come true. Granted, from finding the perfect venue to entertaining your guests, planning a wedding takes a lot of energy. Winter weddings add an extra challenge to choosing the wedding dress. You want to look stunning but not freeze! That’s why having options is critical.

Fortunately, when you order a dress with Afarose, returns and exchanges are a snap—taking the stress out of dress shopping.

Reach out to us for tips on choosing the right dress for your dream winter wedding, it’s what we do!