This outdoor winter elopement will make you reconsider your summer wedding

We’ve all heard of couples eloping to a tropical island… but how about an outdoor winter elopement to a frozen lake? Chia Yen and Kuo-Chieh welcomed the adventure (proposed by our friends at Broadly Entertaining) – despite never having seen snow before! And they looked damn good doing it, if you ask us. If you thought you were a hard pass on a winter wedding, their wedding outfits alone (and the gorgeous scenery in their photos) might make you reconsider. And if you want your wedding mantra to be “keep it simple” but aren’t sure how to make that happen amidst all the expectations for the day, Chia Yen and Kuo-Chieh offer an A+ model for how to keep what matters at the center and leave the rest behind.

This couple had never seen snow until their outdoor winter elopement to a frozen lake

They say marriage is an adventure, and Chia Yen and Kuo-Chieh certainly leaned into that reality right away in their life together as a married couple. Despite never having seen snow before, they were enthusiastic about eloping to a frozen lake in rural New York and getting married outside (on a day with sub-freezing temperatures, no less!). No cold feet here! Well, at least metaphorically speaking. Chia Yen and Kuo-Chieh had their love to keep each other warm, but a cozy moment by the fire following the ceremony certainly helped them start to feel their fingers again. That’s a major pro of an outdoor winter wedding – it’s a good excuse (not that you need one) to cuddle up with your honey after you say “I do.”

The outfits at this outdoor winter elopement are hot, hot, hot!

For a couple who had never seen snow before, they certainly dressed well for the weather – while still looking super glamorous. No snow suits here… Chia Yen and Kuo-Chieh donned a gorgeous wintery color palette of white, red, tan, and black. We love how Chia Yen alluded to a traditional white wedding dress with her white tulle skirt while layering with a red turtleneck and tan drape jacket – adding both style and much needed insulation. And her delicate crystal hair piece is the perfect crown for this snow queen! And Kuo-Chieh looked like he was in his natural habitat with his fresh bomber jacket. Seriously, we’d never know this couple had never seen snow before… they look so comfortable and effortless out there!

This outdoor winter elopement reminded us why “keep it simple” is sage wisdom

Chia Yen and Kuo-Chieh were all about simplicity for their wedding. This was a true elopement with just the couple, officiant, and photographer. They stuck to the basics for their ceremony, choosing to omit vows and details about their personal backstory (which was probably a good choice, considering the cold temperature). But that didn’t make it any less meaningful. In fact, keeping it to the bare bones actually made for a really beautiful and heartfelt ceremony. With fewer words, each one held so much meaning. We especially love their declaration of intent (the words they say to each other before exchanging rings):

I take you to be my partner for life
I promise above all else to live in truth with you
And to communicate fully and fearlessly
I give you my hand and my heart
As I join my life to yours.

Gorgeous and powerful! (*wipes tear*)

They were an absolute delight to work with. Incredibly sweet & loving.

Broadly Entertaining

This outdoor winter elopement is warming our hearts

We absolutely love Chia Yen and Kuo-Chieh’s up-for-anything spirit, including a snowy elopement, and we know it’ll foster many fun moments and fond memories over their lives together. Congratulations, Chia Yen and Kuo-Chieh!

Outdoor winter elopement vendors:

• Planner/Coordinator: Jamie Rosler & Giana DeGeiso of Broadly Entertaining
• Venue & Officiant: Giana DeGeiso of Broadly Entertaining
• Photographer: Zorz Studios

Outdoor wedding elopement gallery: