Winter is a fabulously romantic time to get married – and an equally fantastic time to go on honeymoon, with lots of countries further afield experiencing their best weather, and many closer to home perfect for cosy retreats. It’s really just a case of deciding what you’re after – here’s our run down of the (many) options worth considering.
A cosy countryside retreat
There’s a real beauty to the British countryside in winter, and when you get a clear, bright day there’s nothing better than a long, brisk walk followed by warming up over a pint or two in a local pub. Nothing lets you experience the countryside better than hiring a cottage of your own – especially if it’s got a fire beside which to warm up at the end of the day. I love the look of this converted barn in Devon, and this picturesque cottage in Robin Hood’s Bay.
Hit the slopes
If you’ve got a fondness for the white stuff, then chances are that a skiing honeymoon is the only option for you. Where you head will depend exactly what time of year you’re honeymooning – you may want to stick to the classic European ski resorts, or head over the North America to make the most of their excellent slopes.
Christmas in Europe
I’m absolutely biased, of course, but I don’t think anywhere does Christmas quite like Europe does. If you’re getting honeymooning during December, consider heading over to one or two of the fabulous Christmas markets on offer – Vienna’s is supposed to be particularly good and Germany boasts many celebrated markets. Or, head up into the snowy depths of Northern Europe – perhaps to see the Northern Lights, or a visit to Lapland, or head to cities like Venice and Paris, which are often at their quietest (and most magical) at this time of year.
Follow the sun
Want a sunny honeymoon in winter? You’ll be spoiled for choice – and the main deciding factor is likely to be your budget. If you want all-inclusive, consider the Caribbean, the Maldives, the Seychelles or Mexico. If you want a bit more of an adventure, consider heading over to India, where you could choose between exploring the Golden Triangle in the north (think the Taj Mahal and Rajasthan) or lazing on a beach in beautiful Kerala. If India feels a bit too hardcore for your honeymoon, you might want to look at Southeast Asia, where you’ve got gorgeous food, blissful beaches and islands, exciting cities, and an increasingly good network of both over-land and air travel.
Head down under
If you’ve got the time, then it’s hard to beat the appeal of the southern hemisphere at this time of year. Most of Australia is absolutely glorious in winter, as is New Zealand, making them both great choices for experiencing superlative scenery and making the most of the great outdoors. The big issue, however, is that they take so long to get to – if you don’t want to travel quite so far, consider South Africa, which is also particularly beautiful at this time of year.
Still looking for ideas? Check out our month-by-month guide to find the best destinations for the month you’re getting married in.
Photographs © Tony Armstrong; Moment Catcher; Chris Gin