Nuptials That Make a Case for
Winter Weddings

Spring and summer may have won the popularity contest, but there’s no denying the understated charm of a winter wedding. We rounded up several of our favourites, held at Four Seasons hotels and resorts around the globe – choose from snowy wonderlands, exotic beaches and unusual locations.

Set among myriad ancient sites, Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet is a destination unto itself, no matter the season. “Winter weddings are becoming almost as popular as summer weddings in Istanbul,” says Director of Catering Başak Güngör. The Hotel, whose event spaces overlook the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, has become a landing place of choice for couples seeking history-infused opulence. “The corridors with high ceilings and authentic art pieces on the walls dazzle guests,” Güngör says.

“Guests can enjoy the stunning landscapes, often dusted with fresh-fallen snow, and see historic Beacon Hill from our light-filled event spaces,” says Philip Deschamps, Director of Catering at Four Seasons Hotel Boston. “Boston is incredibly charming during the winter months, and the Hotel’s proximity to the Public Garden is great for photography.”

With its mesmerizing lagoon and verdant jungle backdrop, the Maldives may cause you to forget what season it is, particularly when you behold the wedding venues at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru. “I’m often asked what makes our Wedding Pavilion so unique,” says Restaurant Manager Mohamed Rasheed of the Resort’s overwater structure 50 metres (164 feet) from shore. “In my mind, it amplifies an already special day – from the approach via traditional dhoni and walking down a glass-bottom aisle, to claiming our UNESCO waters as your ‘something blue.’”

When it comes to winter occasions, Vail is a top pick for couples and their guests. “At Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail, majestic Vail Mountain provides the backdrop for your ‘I do,’” says Catering Manager Chelsea Cross. That, coupled with a floating aisle that runs the length of the Resort’s outdoor pool, makes for photogenic drama.

A multitude of ceremony options and pleasantly warm weather make Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai a popular wedding choice this time of year. The lawns provide an ideal setting for larger outdoor events, such as the pheras of a traditional Hindu wedding, says Stephanie D’Silva, Director of Marketing at the Hotel. For couples seeking a more contemporary venue for their sangeet ceremonies and sundowner parties, D’Silva recommends the rooftop bar AER, the loftiest in Mumbai: “It offers stunning views of the city below and the sea beyond.”

Steeped in history but with no shortage of cosmopolitan allure, Cairo offers the best of both worlds for your big day. “Imagine saying, ‘I do’ on the banks of the River Nile,” says Sherry Adel, Senior Director of Public Relations and Marketing Communications at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza. If it’s monumental grandeur you’re after, Adel suggests a ceremony catered by Four Seasons at one of Cairo’s grand palaces, such as Al Manesterli, or even the Cairo Citadel.