The best luxury winter wedding
destinations & venues

Destination weddings have usually been associated with escaping the cold weather for a much warmer, more exotic climate but it doesn’t have to be that way. Summer doesn’t have to be the only time of year for you and your partner to say, “I do”. Not every couple wants to be surrounded by white sands and tranquil oceans - some want to have idyllic snow-capped mountains sprinkled with rustic cabins in the background. 

At Scarlet, our luxury wedding planners have orchestrated weddings in countries all over the world and have access to the most exclusive wedding venues. We’ve put together a list of the best winter wedding destinations to help inspire you. 

1. SWITZERLAND

St Moritz

St Moritz has been enticing celebrities, royals and the high society since 1864, and is often heralded as Switzerland's original Winter Wonderland. Verdant emerald forests, sparkling snowy mountains and crystal blue lakes makes this halcyon town look like it’s been plucked straight from a film set. 

Kempinski Hotel, St Moritz

Kempinski Hotel is a luxury wedding venue and hotel located in the heart of the Swiss mountains. For large wedding parties, the Restaurant Les Saisons fits 420 people. If you are looking for a smaller, more intimate wedding then Cresta Conference Room I and II can accommodate 120 guests for a sit-down dinner. Hotel Kempinski offers some of the best dining experiences in the world - there isn’t anything these chefs cannot do. From steak to sushi, or kosher to keto, you’ll have the ultimate wedding menu. A winter wedding means that there are no bounds for releasing your creativity. Whether you want a Chinese wedding ceremony with some of the traditions, a large Arabic wedding, Persian wedding, or traditional wedding, this venue will make the perfect picturesque backdrop! 

Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, St Moritz

Badrutt’s Palace Hotel is a magical wedding venue tucked away in the snowy mountains of St Moritz. This luxury palace houses a rich history and has housed the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Marlene Dietrich and Audrey Hepburn. If you and your partner want to wed in a venue that’s seen Hollywood Royalty through its door, then Badrutt’s Palace, St Moritz is the perfect place. The rich mahogany decor of the Embassy Ballroom makes this room look like it was plucked from a fairytale and caters for 320 people. For a smaller wedding party, the Veranda East room fits up to 50 people. The floor to ceiling windows offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, offering incredible photo opportunities. 

2. Verbier

Perched on a sunlit plateau, amidst breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, Verbier has the magical charm of a traditional Swiss ski village. Its luxurious cosmopolitan atmosphere and plethora of exclusive venues make it a perfect location for a luxury winter wedding in the Alps. Offering award-winning restaurants, a legendary ski resort and apres-ski as well as other sporting activities and top designer shops, Verbier will create the perfect backdrop and provide endless entertainment for you and your loved ones. Five-star hotels, palatial private chalets, exquisite restaurants, bespoke marquees. Your wedding options are infinite.

W, Verbier 

Sat at 1,531 meters with direct access to over 400 km of skiing area, W Hotel Verbier is the epitome of alpine luxury, delightfully combining contemporary design and traditional charm. With 123 guest rooms and suites, 6 restaurants and bars, and 3 event rooms hosting up to 300 guests, W Verbier will offer you and your guests everything under a single roof. From an outdoor champagne reception to a sat-down dinner on the terrace, there are plenty of possibilities. By choosing W Hotel Verbier for your luxury winter wedding, you will enjoy first-class service and concierge with their famous and highly exclusive Whatever/Whenever service. 

3. Gstaad

Famous for its stunning views of the Alps, Gstaad is the epitome of exclusivity. As a top VIP hideaway and luxury ski spot, the resort caters to those seeking premier service in a breathtaking environment.

Gstaad Palace

Gstaad Palace is the ideal setting for a luxury winter wedding. First opening its doors in 1913, this privately-owned hotel has continuously provided the best-in-class service to its guests for over a century. 

With 96 stunning rooms and suites, Gstaad Palace has an extensive range of luxury accommodation to suit the needs of all your guests. In addition, if you were to require further accommodation, the nearby five-star hotel Park Gstaad comprises 84 bedrooms and 10 suites all meticulously designed. The Alpina, founded on a tradition of discreet and exemplary customer service, could also luxuriously host your wedding guests.

4. FRANCE

Courchevel 

If you’ve always pictured being surrounded by white slopes, designer boutiques and Michelin-starred restaurants for your winter wedding, Courchevel, an ornate ski resort with direct access to Les Trois Vallées, is the perfect place for you. 

Courchevel offers a wide range of spectacular luxury wedding venues. For a more authentic and renaissance inspired affair, Hotel le K2 has an array of hamlet inspired apartments hidden in Jardin Alpin. Cheval Blanc is a venue that oozes with elegance and glamour. Or choose L'Apogee for a fairytale-inspired wedding.

Cheval Blanc, Courchevel

Winter is a wonderful time to get married if you are looking to secure the A-list wedding in Courchevel, at the incredible Cheval Blanc, and your guest’s schedules will be much more flexible. Located in the prestigious Jardin Alpin of Courchevel 1850, Cheval Blanc is a luxury skiing maison, with five splendid restaurants and eateries for you to choose from, all offering a unique experience. Le 1947, a three Michelin starred restaurant will undoubtedly offer a truly bespoke dining experience for you and your guests.

5. ITALY

Cortina

Known as the Queen of the Dolomites and for its emblematic Trampolino Olimpico Italia ski jump, Cortina D’Ampezzo in Italy, is a breathtakingly beautiful resort, and a World Heritage Site. Bringing together 12 of the finest Alpine resorts, the Italian town of Cortina is also part of the Best of the Alps. Whether you are looking for an adventurous and exciting location or a luxurious traditional setting, Cortina will be a divine destination for your winter wedding. Cristallo, Grand Hotel Savoia, Miramonti Majestic Grand Hotel - Cortina does not fall short of exclusive five-star hotels for you and your guests to enjoy.

Cristallo, Cortina d’Ampezzo

Overlooking white mountains in the heart of the UNESCO heritage site - the Dolomites - Cristallo, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa is a sublime setting for luxury winter weddings. Amongst its unique Art Nouveau inspired architecture, Cristallo offers first-class service, and can host up to 90 guests, perfect for a romantic yet glamorous gala. 

Enjoy Cortina’s beautiful ski resort, with 100km of ski runs and 40 ski lifts, its vibrant apres-ski and high-end boutiques. After your wedding, you and your loved one can escape to the unforgettable Venice, only a short 2-hour journey away!

6. Lake Como

Lake Como is one of the most expensive places to visit and an extraordinary destination for a wedding in both Summer and Winter. Lake Como is an Italian location that was once the backdrop of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and has inspired many other works of art. Celebrities frequent Lake Como regularly, and it has been host to an array of A-List weddings. From John Legend and Chrissy Teigen’s wedding to John Krasinski and Emily Blunt’s nuptials on this spectacular lake, it is easy to see why so many people dream of getting married here. 

Villa Erba, Lake Como

Villa Erba is one of the most exclusive wedding venues on Lake Como, and encapsulates the history and culture of Italy. This stunning venue not only offers jaw-dropping views of Lake Como and its surrounding views but is second to none in its service. Formerly the ancient Count’s home, people have come to this location to be wed since 1800. The expansive space of the ground floor can fit up to 450 guests making it the ideal setting for a grand Arabic or traditional wedding. 

Villa d’Este, Lake Como

Villa d’Este combines Italian 16th-century Renaissance with modern life. This beautiful wedding venue is a gate that encloses the world but opens a new horizon to explore. Boasting 152 hotel rooms, 25 acres of landscaped gardens, 51 fountains and a floating pool, this venue will be one to remember. The Sala Colonne features marble floors, crystal chandeliers and can fit up to 200 guests. If you want a larger wedding reception with 400 people, then the Sala Impero room in the main villa meets your every need.

7. Scotland

Scottish Highlands

Located in the North of Scotland, with stunning landscapes, scenic lochs and theatrical peaks, the Scottish Highlands offer the picture-perfect location for luxury winter weddings. Home to numerous castle wedding venues such as Skibo Castle, and luxury hotels such as Gleneagles, you and your partner will be spoilt for choice. The Highlands breathtakingly showcase Scotland's rolling hills and natural beauty, and will be sure to astonish all of your guests by making romance part of its scenery. 

Gleneagles, Scotland

A luxury five-star hotel and resort like no other, Gleneagles has been synonymous with luxury and style since the 1920’sand is only an hour away from Glasgow and Edinburgh making for the perfect Scottish wedding venue. From a grand celebration with pipes, drums, reels and fireworks to more intimate candlelit wedding receptions, Gleneagles will provide you with a magical blank canvas on which to create your own picturesque wedding day. Amidst 850 acres of land and a splendid Perthshire backdrop, enjoy an incredibly romantic and relaxing setting throughout your stay. Unwind at the award-winning ESPA spa followed by an unforgettable two Michelin star culinary experience and the perfect night’s sleep in one of the 205 beautiful bedrooms and 28 luxury suites before the big day.

Skibo Castle, Scotland

Now part of the Carnegie Club, a prestigious private club, Skibo Castle was once the home of Andrew Carnegie, philanthropist and steel magnate, and one of the richest men at the time. Sat amongst stunning 7,000 acres of green pastures, woods and lock, in the corner of the Northern Highlands and on the edge of Dornoch Firth, Skibo Castle is the epitome of exclusivity and even hosts one of the world’s finest golf courses. Indeed, only a very few had the privilege of celebrating their wedding there, such as Madonna, making it the perfect wedding venue if you are simply looking for the best there is to offer.

8. New York

Winter in New York offers a winter like no other. From celebrating the Chinese New Year to visiting the Rockefeller Centre and seeing the Display Windows on Fifth Avenue, every inch of New York will add to your winter wedding experience. With some many luxury wedding venues decorating the New York skyline, you’ll feel like you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing where to say, “I do”. 

Rainbow Room, New York

The Rainbow Room in New York is an iconic wedding venue that’s steeped in history and glamour. Inspired by French architect Jacques Carlu’s Round Room, the Rainbow Room has a beautiful revolving dance floor, with New York’s skyline curving around it. Located in Rockefeller Plaza, you and your guests will be surrounded by charm and elegance. From a Great Gatsby inspired wedding to a contemporary Chinese wedding, no request is too big or small. 

Plaza Hotel, New York

If you’ve always dreamed of getting married in the heart of the big apple, then The Plaza Hotel on Fifth Avenue is a must. This spectacular hotel first opened its doors in 1907 and then earned the reputation as one of the best hotels in the world. The Grand Ballroom can fit up to 540 people, and was once host to Truman Capote’s ‘Black and White’ ball. The Terrace Room is perfect for those who want a wedding full of indulgence. Every inch of The Plaza Hotel has been designed with expert attention.