How to Plan a Ski Elopement: The Ultimate Guide for Adventurous Couples
- Stefan & Leticia Olson
- Apr 28
- 6 min read
Planning a ski elopement starts by choosing your ideal mountain location, securing any necessary permits, booking travel and accommodations, and preparing the right attire for snowy conditions. You'll also want to plan a flexible ceremony timeline that works with mountain weather. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly
how to plan your dream ski elopement, step-by-step.
If your dream wedding day includes powder turns, cozy lodge vibes, and epic mountain backdrops, you’re in the right place. Ski elopements are the perfect way to combine your love for the mountains with an intimate, unforgettable experience that’s so much more than a traditional wedding day.
As local Utah elopement photographers and skiers who’ve spent winters chasing the best snow all over the West, we know these mountains inside and out. Whether it’s just the two of you or your family’s tagging along, we’ll guide you to an unforgettable ski wedding experience.
Quick Steps to Plan Your Ski Elopement
Need a quick overview? Here’s a simple checklist to keep you on track while planning your ski elopement adventure:
Define your vision and budget
Choose your mountain or ski resort
Research permits and ceremony rules
Book travel and accommodations early
Plan your outfits for style and warmth
Hire a photographer who can ski/ride with you
Build a flexible day-of timeline
Pack wisely and prepare for winter conditions
Celebrate with an après-ski party!
1. Choose the Right Ski Resort or Mountain
First things first, picking the right mountain matters.
Think about:
Skill levels: Make sure the terrain fits both of you (and any guests if you’re bringing a few people).
Ceremony locations: Are you picturing vows right at the top? A hidden grove in the trees? A cozy lodge ceremony?
Permits: Some mountains, especially on National Forest or Park land, require special use permits if you are actually getting married on the mountain.
Best Ski Resorts in Utah for a Wedding:
Park City Mountain Resort: If you want a classic ski town vibe with tons of lodging, restaurants, and easy access from the airport Park City is a solid choice. It’s the largest ski resort in the U.S.
Deer Valley Resort: Perfect if you’re after something a little more high-end and polished. Deer Valley is skier-only (no snowboards), known for its perfectly groomed runs and amazing service. It’s super laid-back, quiet, and has some of the most stunning mountain views for ceremonies.
Snowbird and Alta: If you’re looking for more of a big mountain, wild snow kind of day, Snowbird and Alta are hard to beat. These are both tucked up Little Cottonwood Canyon and get hammered with powder. They’re great if you love that raw, rugged alpine backdrop — and aren't afraid of a little steeper terrain. (Alta is skier-only.)
Brighton and Solitude: Over in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Brighton and Solitude feel more low-key and relaxed. Brighton has a younger, fun vibe (and night skiing if you want something unique!), while Solitude is quiet, super scenic, and has some of the most gorgeous tree-lined runs for photo ops.
Powder Mountain: If you want space — like seriously wide open, uncrowded runs Powder Mountain up north is incredible. It’s massive but way under the radar, and they limit ticket sales daily, so it never feels packed.
Snowbasin: If you’re picturing a ceremony with luxury lodges, big mountain views, and gorgeous European-style touches, Snowbasin is a vibe. It’s a little less touristy than Park City but still has that polished, "wow" feel.
2. Pick the Perfect Time of Year
Timing can totally change the vibe of your day. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Best snow is usually from December through early March for the Northern Hemisphere (depending where you are).
Avoid holiday weekends (like Christmas, New Years, Presidents’ Day) unless you love the idea of a crowded mountain.
Midweek elopements are gold, fewer crowds, cheaper tickets, and more relaxed vibes.
Morning ceremonies are also magical —quiet mountains, soft light, and fresh tracks.
3. Plan Your Outfits (aka How to Look Good & Stay Warm)
YES, you can totally wear a wedding dress or suit skiing! You just need a few smart tricks:
Base layers under everything (merino wool is your BFF).
Top Picks for Skin-Tone Base Layers
Icebreaker Women's 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe
Helly Hansen Women's Lifa Merino Midweight Crew
Los Angeles Appeal Skin Color Base Layer
Pro Tip: When selecting base layers for your elopement, consider the fit and fabric. Opt for seamless designs to avoid lines under your dress and materials that offer both warmth and breathability. Merino wool is a favorite for its natural temperature regulation and odor resistance.
Lightweight wedding dresses that move well and layer easily.
Boots > heels: Think waterproof hiking boots or insulated snow boots for pictures outside the resort.
Accessories: Capes, wraps, gloves, earmuffs, and even colorful jackets can look amazing in photos.
Goggles or sunglasses: Not mandatory, but sometimes necessary depending on weather!
Heated vest: One of the coolest layering tricks we’ve seen was at a ski elopement we photographed, where the bride wore a beautiful fur jacket over a heated vest. You couldn’t even see the vest underneath, but it kept her warm all day without sacrificing style. If you’re worried about staying cozy without piling on bulky layers, a slim heated vest under your jacket or dress is a seriously smart move! Amazon Heated Vest
4. Logistics: Lift Tickets, Guests, and Transportation
Lift Tickets: Book your lift tickets online ahead of time — it usually saves you a good chunk of money (and guarantees you a spot on busier days).
IKON vs. EPIC Passes: If you’re a skier or rider, it might make sense to snag an IKON or EPIC pass, depending on where you're planning to elope. Some resorts (like Park City) are on Epic, while others (like Snowbird and Solitude) are on Ikon. We actually have both passes ourselves, so if you’re not sure which one you’ll need — shoot us a message through our contact form and we’ll help you figure it out!
Guest Planning: If you're bringing a few family members or friends along, make sure they're comfortable skiing — or plan a meeting spot at the lodge where they can celebrate with you after your runs.
Transportation: Some Utah resorts require four-wheel drive or snow chains in the winter, especially during storms. Always double-check ahead of time so no one gets stuck on the way up the canyon!
Weather Backups: Mountain weather can flip fast it’s just part of the adventure. We always recommend building a little flexibility into your day and having a backup plan ready in case the weather gets too wild for your original ceremony spot.
As your photographers (and planners), we build your timeline with this in mind, so you don’t have to stress if the forecast decides to throw a curveball.
5. Hiring the Right Team
Not every photographer or officiant is ready (or able) to ski with you but that's exactly what we specialize in. 🙋♀️🙋♂️
When you work with us, you're not just getting photographers — you're getting a full team who can help you plan, guide, and officiate your mountain elopement adventure.
Here’s what we bring to the table:
Photographers who actually ski — and love every second of it. We are both expert skiers and can access any location.
Licensed officiants — if you want someone to officially marry you on the mountain
Planning and guidance — from scouting ceremony spots to building timelines with weather and snow conditions in mind
Backcountry experience — if you’re dreaming of something even wilder off the resort. We’re both avalanche certified — Leti has her Avalanche Level 1 certification, and Stefan has Avalanche Level 2 training and real-world experience from his time working as a photographer for the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE). Whether you're dreaming of a quick sidecountry ceremony or a bigger backcountry adventure, we know how to move safely in the mountains and keep the day both epic and responsible.
6. Bonus: Après-Ski Celebration Ideas
After your ceremony and ski laps, you’ll want to warm up and celebrate! Some fun ideas:
Hot cocoa or mulled wine toast
Dinner at a cozy mountain lodge
A private chef at your Airbnb
Fire Pit hangout with champagne
Soaking in a hot tub under the stars
Skiing into marriage deserves a good après.
Ski Elopement FAQs: Quick Answers to Common Questions
What should you wear for a ski elopement?
Layer up! Merino wool or thermal base layers, warm waterproof boots, and flexible wedding attire work best. Capes, wraps, and colorful jackets look amazing for snowy portraits too.
Do you need a permit to get married at a ski resort?
It depends. Some resorts allow simple ceremonies with a lift ticket, while others (especially on National Forest land) may require a permit. Always check ahead or just ask us.
When is the best time of year for a ski elopement?
December through early March for the Northern Hemisphere usually has the best snow and fewer crowds compared to holiday weeks. Weekdays or sunrise ceremonies offer the quietest, most magical experience.
July through August for the Southern Hemisphere.
Can guests come to a ski elopement?
Absolutely! Just make sure they're comfortable skiing or arrange for non-skiing options, like meeting at a mid-mountain lodge or scenic overlook.
You Deserve an Elopement as Epic as You Are
Your ski elopement should feel like an adventure you’ll never forget, not just another cookie-cutter wedding day. We’d be so honored to help you make it happen reach out to schedule a free consult call with us!
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