For winter weddings, there is no more beautiful and adventurous activity than a dog sledding elopement. You each can guide your own sleigh and team of dogs to a remote location in the mountains to say your vows. With no one else around, surrounded by huskies and silent snow, you’re free to commit your lives to each other. It’s perfect as a half day elopement (4-5 hours), or as one half of a full day or multi day winter elopement.

There are some logistics to consider, so here are my tips for planning a dog sledding elopement.

The Do’s and Don’ts of a dog sledding elopement

✅ Do dress warmly. This may be obvious, but I understand it can be tempting to get an outfit that looks great but isn’t so practical. Think in layers. You’ll be outside for many hours at once.

✅ Do wear sunscreen and bring sunglasses. The bright reflections from the snow on a sunny day can burn your skin and eyes very fast.

✅ Do hire an experienced and ethical dog sledding company. Sled dogs quite literally are bred for pulling sleighs. They absolutely live for it, and become inconsolably excited when they’re leashed up. All they want to do is run, and they love it. That said, only support companies with a great reputation who take excellent care of their dogs.

✅ Do hire an exclusive dog sledding tour. Many companies lead tours of a half dozen people at a time, all day, sometimes simultaneously. It can be crowded. If you have it in your budget to hire an exclusive slot for just the two of you, it’s a must. You won’t be able to stop for photos or vows with a group, or allow your photographer they time they need to work.

✅ Do plan a picnic or a stop in a mountain hut for warm drinks and hot food. This is such a wonderful way to warm up and enjoy the local food.

❌ Don’t plan your vows midday. It’s better to do it just after sunrise or in the evening. Midday light in winter can be blinding. Plus, if your dog sledding elopement is in a popular ski area, there will be fewer people around in the early morning or later evening.

❌ Don’t worry about overcast or snowy weather. Snow is beautiful, and snow in the forecast doesn’t necessarily mean zero visibility either.

Planning a practical yet cute outfit for a dog sledding elopement

I can’t stress how much a well put together outfit will elevate your dog sledding elopement. You can go between adventurous and whimsical in an instant with the right outfit.

Choose fabrics, colors and cuts that match a wintery, snowy landscape. Fur collars, corset waists, satin layers, and trains that can be bustled for different looks are great options.

Make sure to layer up underneath, with warm leggings, winter boots and wool socks. Gloves, hats and scarves are a must, as well as a warm jacket in case you get cold.

For masculine looks, suits layered with long jackets work great. I recommend avoiding really dark colors, like black and navy blue. They look very harsh and flat against the bright white background.

Outfit credits for this bride: Selkie dresses

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The best month for a dog sledding elopement

Some winter months are better than others. December is tends to be busy with the holiday season, and is quite dark with very variable snow levels. January can be good, but is typically the coldest month.

Ideally, you want to choose a month later in the winter season, like February or March, where snow levels are at their highest. These months are also a little warmer, and the days are longer. This means you have more daylight hours to work around weather if you and your sled team are flexible.

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LOOKING FOR AN EXPERIENCED PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR WINTER WEDDING OR ELOPEMENT?

Hi! I’m Mariah. I am an elopement photographer based along the Italian and Austrian border, in the heart of the alps. I specialize in intimate destination weddings and adventure elopements all across Europe.

I’m originally from the U.S., so I’m also the perfect bridge between cultures on your elopement day.

I truly want you to have the most relaxing and fun experience possible.

If you and your partner are looking for something low key and adventurous, then I know the places, the vendors and the areas for you.

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