Wanting to head the mountains? Here are some mountain honeymoon destinations to help you find the best trail to blaze.
Last updated February 5, 2024
You've said “I do,” you've cut the cake, you're on an absolute wedding high, and now it's time to take your honeymoon. There's no need to come down from cloud nine just yet—the wedding bliss hasn't even hit its peak. Beaches are great, but there's an even better way to elevate your honeymoon experience. Two words, mountain honeymoon.
A honeymoon in the mountains is all about finding the location that fits your personality, and these destinations are certainly capable of rising to the occasion. And now, with Zola’s honeymoon cash funds, there’s no excuse not to plan the honeymoon of your dreams.
Many couples avoid mountain honeymoon destinations because of the strong association between mountains and winter. While not all mountain honeymoons need to be winter affairs, a mountain honeymoon does hold a classically snowy persona. After all, everyone knows that cold weather means more cuddles, making it perfect for a romantic getaway. Sure, a beach is a great place to show off that fantastic wedding body you’ve worked so hard for, but there's nothing crazy about wanting to get some extra snugs from your new husband or wife.
Whether you’re looking for a winter or summer option, this list of mountain honeymoon destinations is sure to pique your interest.
Whistler has long been a favorite mountain destination for Canadians and Americans alike. The incredible variety of activities that Whistler has to offer range from participating in seasonal sports to experiencing high-end luxury shopping and spas.
Whistler is the perfect honeymoon destination for couples who like to do a little bit of everything. Or, if independence is important to you and your spouse, Whistler can accommodate your individual interests.
Whistler is a premier ski destination, but the surrounding mountains also offer incredible hikes to waterfalls, lush forests to snowmobile or bike through, and, of course, classic Canadian kindness.
On top of being a premier honeymoon destination, Whistler is one of the fastest-growing destination wedding locations. For those couples who choose to have their wedding in Whistler, the honeymoon begins the moment you say "I do."
This posh Colorado town offers a mountain experience for those who enjoy the finer things in life. Often associated with the wealthy and famous, Aspen has a reputation for being out of reach as a standard honeymoon destination. Aspen is not as exclusive as TV and movies would have you believe, and if a romantic honeymoon filled with snowy bliss is what you're looking for, then Aspen is the place for you.
Aspen is pretty ski focused, so don't be surprised to find lots of information about ski and snowboard packages when researching an Aspen honeymoon. However, Aspen offers a variety of winter activities, some of which are as easy as lying around your resort and enjoying a couples massage after an eventful winter wedding. While you may find yourself spending a pretty penny, your only limitation in Aspen is your imagination.
Nestled in the shadows of the highest peaks of the Grand Tetons, Jackson Hole is a perfect place for a mountain honeymoon. Aside from being a world-renowned ski resort, Jackson Hole is a quaint town with a rich history. The cowboy aesthetic runs deep in Jackson Hole, and visitors often speak of feeling right at home.
Jackson hole offers far more daytime activities than it does a vibrant nightlife, making it more attractive for couples who prefer a relaxing honeymoon destination. A perfect destination for summer or winter, Jackson Hole is a mountain town whose raw natural beauty will inspire romance for any couple, and it’s especially tantalizing for those who choose it as a honeymoon destination.
The Swiss Alps may be the most romantic mountain honeymoon destination on planet Earth. The landscape of the Alps is unlike anything else in the world, offering a picturesque environment that is seemingly out of a fairy tale.
Badrutt's Palace, located in the town of St. Moritz, is the ultimate Swiss Alps honeymoon destination. Open for guests in the summer and the winter, this incredible mountain resort offers their guests the ability to immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the Swiss Alps.
Zermatt is another famous town for honeymooners, as this location is home to the Matterhorn, the famous Alps peak. Zermatt is especially popular during the December holidays, as the town lights up in celebration of winter festivities.
Between the stunning beauty of the Alps and, of course, all the incredible chocolate, a honeymoon in Switzerland's prized mountain range is the romantic trip of a lifetime.
The Shenandoah Valley is a popular mountain vacation destination amongst east coasters. This incredible mountain community is situated amidst the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and the Ridge-Valley Appalachians.
If you're going to visit the Shenandoah Valley, we recommend going in the fall. The views from your cabin in the Shenandoah Valley, while the leaves are changing all around you, is simply breathtaking. The trees changing colors during a fall honeymoon in Shenandoah makes it appear as if the surrounding Appalachians are on fire, a sight that will surely stoke the passion of your new marriage.
This honeymoon destination is geared toward skiers and snowboarders who want to spend their honeymoon on the slopes. Vail is a premier ski destination with several incredible lodges and honeymoon resorts, each filled with luxury amenities. The Sebastian Hotel is a luxury hotel with direct access to the Vail Mountain Gondola Station, which allows guests to go straight from your room to the slopes.
The Sebastian offers first-class luxuries, such as in-room fireplaces and a world-class spa, making it a prime location to bundle up with your new spouse. For those who want to get out of the room every once and awhile, the town of Vail is home to some of Colorado's most exceptional fine-dining experiences and is ideal for those who love to shop.
If you’re looking for the perfect romantic retreat with a rustic charm, Vail is a dream destination for a snowy mountain honeymoon. While most couples enjoy Vail because of its winter appeal, the summer is equally as breathtaking.
Lake Tahoe is a year-round mountain honeymoon destination that is perfect for any season. Home to incredible winter ski resorts that turn to mountain bike trails in the summer, the slopes of Lake Tahoe are always open for some sort of fun, couple-friendly activity. Lake Tahoe is the gem of the Sierra-Nevada mountain range and sits on the border of California and Nevada, serving as a perfect romantic getaway for couples who want an outdoor adventure.
Both the California and Nevada side of Lake Tahoe are equally stunning, but most couples choose to stay in Nevada, due to all the adult fun. Since gambling is legal in Nevada, there are no shortages of casinos, and the resort-casino combos of South Lake Tahoe are legendary.
Whether you and your partner choose a sun-soaked summer honeymoon adrift on the lake, or a snowy slope-filled honeymoon of skiing and snowboarding, Lake Tahoe offers the perfect blend of activity and romance. While early fall and late spring usually feature the best Lake Tahoe bargains, the seasonal versatility of Lake Tahoe means that there is really no tourist "off-season".
The Himalayan mountain range is one of the most revered in the world, so it’s no wonder why a trip to Nepal would make for an incredible romantic honeymoon. Whether you choose to stay in Sarangkot amidst the breathtaking background of snow-capped Himalayas, or in Nagarkot in the shadow of Everest, Nepal's famously beautiful mountains are a honeymooner's bliss.
More for those seeking rugged outdoor adventure, Nepal and the Himalayas are ripe with the promise of new experiences. Nepal invites its guests to immerse themselves in the wisdom of ancient beauty, and reconnect with the love and light within themselves. For those who choose to honeymoon in Nepal, a deep connection of love awaits.
Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers a mountain experience unlike any other town on this list. Asheville is steeped in rich history and is home to the Biltmore Estate, a popular tourist attraction.
Aside from the classic mountain activities of hiking, biking, and fishing, this mountain town is a beer drinkers paradise. Asheville takes pride in their craft brew, and with over 20 microbreweries who call Asheville home, it might take several days of brewery tours to visit each one. Plus, with great beer comes excellent food—Asheville's culinary game is next level.
Asheville is a great choice for a mountain honeymoon, as it offers privacy and seclusion without eliminating the fun of a vibrant social scene. The best part about Asheville is the ability to go from the central part of town and back to a secluded cabin for some privacy and quiet. Boasting the perfect combination of peaceful mountain aesthetic and youthful exuberance, you won't find a sleepy town vibe in this mountain community.
The Rocky Mountains in Colorado are both an adventurous option and relaxation destination. For an equally rustic and relaxing getaway, consider the Dunton Hot Springs, nestled into rural Colorado. The hotel sits in what was once a mining town, now rebuilt to accommodate boutique honeymoon cabins. Each of which includes heated slate floors, unique bath tubs, and hand-picked antique decor, for a fully immersive retreat. When you're not cozying it up in your cabin, you can visit the old village Dance Hall, Bath House, or Saloon, all while taking in the great mountains and winding river.
If you're looking for a bit more luxury, consider the Broadmoor. Sitting at the gateway of the Rockies, it's surrounded by over 100,000 acres of the Pike National Forest. Romantic and exciting activities abound, like top tier dining options, zip lining, spa services, cabana reservations at an outdoor pool, and Cloud Camp, which has 360 degree views of Pikes Peak.
Whether you're looking forward to resting post-wedding or are ready to jump into the action, the Rocky Mountains have a variety of exciting options.
Those craving a stylish getaway amidst the mountains will find what they're looking for in Upstate New York. The Catskills feature a slew of charming small towns, stunning hiking trails, boutique hotels, and local breweries. Idyllic strolls can also be taken through many of the mountain region's towns and hamlets, such as Monticello, Margaretville, Roxbury, and Livingston Manor. Just grab a coffee, put on a comfortable pair of shoes, and enjoy meandering through one (or several) of these chic and ever-growing spots.
Couples who choose to take the trip during the winter can also enjoy seasonal outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and even a scenic chairlift ride over Roxbury. However, whichever season you plan for, you're bound to experience plenty of beautiful sights.
Fans of outdoor adventures, art, film will find their perfect mountain honeymoon location in Nelson, New Zealand. The vibrant region not only features beautiful mountains, but long stretches of beach and majestic forests. The landscape is incredibly diverse, with a variety of outdoor activities to partake in. Visitors can explore Abel Tasman National Park, which is accessible via walking, cruising, or kayaking. Sailing is also available on the park's bays, where you may spot some dolphins and seals playing nearby. Keep the fun going by going skydiving, swimming in Lake Rotoiti at Nelson Lakes National Park, and white water rafting.
Artists will be delighted to know that Nelson is home to one of the largest numbers of art galleries and working artists in New Zealand. Visit local studios, markets, and galleries to find painters, sculptors, jewelers, glass-blowers, and more.
Of course, we couldn't mention this particular spot without pointing out its film history. Big fans of Lord of the Rings will delight at the opportunity to see one of the film's original rings on display (not to mention, be able to purchase a replica). Nelson is also home to Takaka Hill, the filming location for Chetwood Forest. Take a helicopter ride to spot the filming site of Dimrill Dale, as well as the region's three national parks: the aforementioned Abel Tasman and Nelson Lakes, and Kahurangi.
What do Tom Hanks, Oprah Winfrey, and Jamie Lee Curtis have in common? They, among a slew of other high profile celebrities, have all owned properties in Sun Valley, Idaho. The hotspot is adored by household names and snowbirds alike, with plenty visiting during the winter season to ski, snowboard, hike, and relax after it all in outdoor hot springs. That being said, it's also a wonderful location to honeymoon in throughout the warmer months. Take advantage of thrilling warm weather excursions like horseback riding, paragliding, canoeing, paddle boarding, mountain bike rides, and dipping into one of many swimming holes.
Regardless of season, Sun Valley visitors enjoy a secluded spot that makes it easy to disconnect from every day life. The area exudes romance and is ideal for weekend getaways and extended stays.
Those who'd rather trade in a trip full of relaxation for one packed with unique adventure should look to Kachemak Bay, Alaska. This couple's priorities lie in great adventure—and not so much in lavish resorts. That being said, you won't go without jaw-dropping accommodations. Tutka Bay Wilderness Lodge sits on a seven mile fjord that extends into the Kenai Mountains, remote and ready for exploration. Couples will enjoy the ocean front property and opportunities to hike, go on guided tours to see bears, kayak, fish, and even take cooking classes and go for a massage. What's more, you can get a stunning view of the region on a private helicopter tour.
If seclusion, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and breathtaking scenery are items on your honeymoon checklist, you can check them off with this extraordinary destination.
The Pocono Mountains region in Pennsylvania is without a doubt one of the most charming along the east coast. With stunning views, quaint small towns, and opportunities for adventure, it's an ideal romantic getaway. Fans of spending time outdoors will enjoy hiking, fishing, kayaking, and white water rafting, as well as skiing, snowboarding, and sledding throughout the winter season. Those more inclined to explore the town at their leisure can take advantage of the various wineries, microbreweries, boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.
What's more, the Pocono Mountains is a great place to visit year-round. Take part in warm weather sports and activities along the water and hiking trails during the summer. Feat your eyes on stunning fall foliage and mountain views during autumn. Or, visit when the region turns into a winter wonderland of snow sports, dog-sledding, and romantic sleigh rides. You can't go wrong booking a stay at one of the region's various inns, bed and breakfasts, lodges, or hotels.
Your love story has just begun, but that doesn't mean you need to start the first chapter at ground level. A mountain honeymoon is an excellent choice for any couple looking to put a unique spin on a classic tradition. The beauty of a mountain honeymoon comes not only from the picturesque ridgelines and overwhelming peaks, but also from the memories you and your partner will create together.
So, now that you know of all the best places to honeymoon, begin planning your romantic getaway. These locations have something for everyone, whether that's breathtaking views, a cozy fireplace, or amazing hiking trails. No matter what you're looking for, Zola is here to help you as you plan the perfect honeymoon.
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