How to Dress for a Snowy Winter Elopement

It’s officially cozy szn, which means bring on the twinkle lights and scatter tea candles everywhere. It’s also an incredibly romantic time to get married—there’s just something about the stillness of winter that makes you want to slow down and drink in each moment (it’s also near magical if snow is falling on your day). Here’s how to dress for a snowy winter elopement.

The Dress

Take advantage of the blank canvas that a snowy landscape provides and wear a tinge of color. We love pale pastel and ivories that give just enough contrast. Metallics are also especially complemented by a white setting.

Have fun with texture, too. A lace skirt, beaded bodice, or anything sequins look even more elegant in winter photos—especially at night. Hire a photographer with the skill and equipment to take nighttime photos for truly dramatic shots that illuminate the dress’s intricate details.

The Details

If you’re set on a white dress, but do want some color, opt for a faux fur shrug, cape, or cloak in a hue you love—you’re definitely going to need a coverup, and now’s the chance to splurge on something you’ll wear again. Go ahead, elevate the bad-assery of a winter wedding and get that motorcycle jacket. And now’s probably the one time you can get away with wearing a hand muff without anyone saying anything (ignore everyone else the rest of the time and just rock it).

Also plan on layering up. Leggings—particularly cold-weather ones—are your friends. No one will know, and you can simply take them off before the party. If your dress is form-fitting, thin wool tights will work well.

And, if you’ve never tailgated in stupidly cold weather, say hello to your new best friend, HotHands Hand Warmers. Toss them in your boots or hold them in your hands during photos (in the muff or wrapped in the base of your bouquet).

The Shoes

Nothing is worse than having cold feet. Okay, that’s actually a lie (and a great opportunity for a topical but terrible joke). Having wet feet is worse. Having both cold and wet feet is really not fun.

If your actual ceremony is outside, you’re obviously not wearing strappy heels, but don’t think it’s time for cute Chuck Taylors, either. You need boots. Waterproof if possible. Depending on how cold the area where you’re eloping is, they should also be insulated (look for ones with 3M™ Thinsulate™, which does a knockout job of keeping your toes warm). The same splurge rule applies here—these are likely something you’ll wear again, so they’re worth the price tag.

This goes for the men, too. Consider opting for something a little more rugged than dress shoes, since these offer very little help in the tread department.

Here are a few of our favorite boots for a snowy winter elopement.