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Winter Weddings
A Magical Time of Year
There’s no doubt that New Hampshire is a beautiful wedding location, but there’s one season that many brides overlook when planning. Winter scenes have a special magic in this state. When the snow coats the ground and cozy fires warm the hearths, love is in the air for certain. Icicles in the windows will sparkle like the diamond on your hand and the tear in your eye, making your priceless day perfect. And for the icing on the cake…winter weddings can be a skate in the park for your budget.
The Mount Washington Resort www.mtwashington.com is perhaps on of the most remarkable historic wedding locations in the state. Nestled in the mountains of Bretton Woods, this US National Historic Landmark has a storied past that will add to your storybook future. As one of the last grand hotels in the White Mountains, this majestic setting sets the tone for more and more winter weddings each year, with twelve booked for 2010. Recently renovated and updated, with a spa added in 2009, the beauty of the architecture will take your breath away while the beauty of the bride takes away the breath of up to 200 guests. While this locale is a bit out of the way, all amenities are provided on sight including a photographer, florist, baker, officiant, entertainment and horse-drawn sleigh–even dog sleds! Your ceremony might take place on the roofed-in veranda or in front of a crackling fire in the conservatory, either way guests will likely be surrounded by falling snow. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the chairlift up nearby Bretton Woods ski area to say “I do” in front of a JP dressed as Santa and hitch a snowmobile ride down to your reception. Or treat your bridal party to a canopy zipline ride through crystal-covered pines. If you’re the spontaneous type, try an elopement package and look for discounts on function rooms throughout the winter.
The Mountain Club at Loon Mountain www.mtnclub.com in Lincoln offers 15% off winter weddings Sunday through Friday. Enjoy a hearty rehearsal dinner at the famous Common Man Restaurant down the street and bundle up for a flurry of fun. Take the gondola to the top for a ceremony on skis (or snowboards). For cozier couples, cuddle up in the slope-side hotel. With a spa on site and tubing or skating for guests, it’s a great spot for some family-merging fun. The spectacular mountain backdrop, train and gondola provide memorable shots for the wedding party. A snowflake-themed reception, with make-your-own smores will have up to 150 guests believing they’re in a winter wonderland. Since ski resorts are very busy during the winter months, smaller weddings work best with a cutoff at 150 guests. Over half of the 1-5 nuptials held each year have the bride and groom staying on at the resort for their honeymoon as well. Couples come from all over the country, many saying they fell in love with the mountain when they came on ski trips as children.
Steele Hill Resort www.steelehillresorts.com in Sanbornton features panoramic views of the Lakes Region and Gunstock ski area and is able to handle up to 225 guests despite closing one of their halls in the winter months. While all winter weddings to date have been held indoors, willing couples can certainly step out onto the 600+ acres of property for a ceremony in the woods if they’d like. With sledding on site and snowshoeing trails nearby, guests can enjoy the wilderness or relax in the expanded pool area before or after the big event. Playing host to 60-75 weddings a year, this venue sees only about 10 during the winter months and offers reduced hall rentals during this time because of it. With 30%-50% off and the ability to set up for your event in as little as three weeks, there’s still time to book your winter wedding for 2010!
The Red Jacket Resort www.redjacketresorts.com in North Conway is offering $500 off weddings on certain days throughout winter 2010. If you’re a die-hard outlet shopper this may be just the deal for you. Nestled right in the heart of Mount Washington Valley, everything is close at hand from skiing to skating, shopping to swimming in the 40,000 square-foot Kahuna Laguna indoor water park. Twelve townhouses nestled in a wooded area 100 yards from the hotel will make your guests feel like they’re living in a secluded mountain village with spectacular views of nearby peaks to complete the illusion. Enjoy a cross country ski trip or visit one of the many nearby ski areas for a breath of fresh mountain air. Ten local churches can provide the chaplain of your choosing to conduct your ceremony while on site catering cooks up a delectable reception feast.
No matter which venue you decide on, your winter wedding with sparkle like the lights on the trees and the snowflakes in the air. Just remember to dress warmly and have plenty of hot cocoa and mittens for your guests!