Cold -Weather Couture
Cold-Weather Couture
Mountain wedding looks reimagined
Words by Samantha Simma
The rugged landscape defines a Jackson Hole winter wedding — snow-covered peaks, cozy lodges, and crystalline mountain air. Yet beneath that beauty lies a challenge familiar to every winter bride getting married in the Tetons: How to look effortlessly elegant while staying warm in freezing temperatures. Practicality and poise can coexist, with thoughtful layers, timeless fabrics, and alpine-inspired accessories.
Wrapped in Warmth
According to Emily Claassen of Event Planners of Jackson Hole, preparation is everything. “Don’t underestimate how cold Jackson winters can be,” she advises. “Bring a big, fluffy coat and hot tea with you when you venture outside to capture your picturesque moments.”
Claassen encourages brides to embrace invisible layers that maintain both comfort and silhouette. It’s a simple yet sophisticated approach that allows brides to appear serene in their dazzling winter wedding photos, even when temperatures dip below freezing.
“I recommend fleece-lined leggings and wool socks, paired with foot warmers inside your boots,” she says. “These will keep you cozy in the snow.”
The Long-Sleeved Revival
Once considered traditional, long-sleeved gowns have made a comeback, embodying a timeless sense of refinement.
“Obsessed!” admits Julieta Lyall, founder and event planner at LOBA Events. “That lacy, classic, romantic look — it’s so elegant.”
This enduring trend has found a natural home in the mountains. Lace, silk crepe, and sheer illusion sleeves not only photograph beautifully against the winter landscape; they also provide a touch of warmth that sleeveless styles can’t.
“It’s classic and classy, an aesthetic that’s both functional and breathtaking,” Lyall adds.
A Frost-Friendly Foundation
When the ceremony takes place atop a snow-dusted ridge, the right footwear is non-negotiable.
“You have to have a Sorel-gripped boot if you’re getting married at the top of the mountain,” says Lyall. “No matter how much it’s groomed, you might post-hole.”
Her advice is simple: Choose boots with grip for the ceremony and then change into designer heels when you move indoors.
“At the reception, switch into your heels, but for the vows, pick something stylish and sensible,” she suggests. “I have a pair of white Sorels that look like combat boots. They have the best grip, and they’re so cute.”
Accessorizing for Altitude
In winter, accessories become more than finishing touches — they’re essentials. Elegant gloves, hand-knit mittens, and custom blankets for guests add both warmth and charm.
Lyall emphasizes thoughtful planning for everyone involved. “We always provide blankets for the ceremony,” she says. “It’s this mix of beauty and consideration that defines Jackson Hole’s winter weddings.”
For dresses that give brides the cold shoulder, fur wraps have long been the default. However, Lyall recommends today’s brides layer with shawls, textured wraps, and Western-inspired accents.
“Anything that’s Western, but warm — like a JW Bennett hat — is perfect,” she says. “I love when bridal parties lean into that look. It feels authentic to Jackson, rather than performative.”
Winter bridal style in Jackson Hole isn’t about enduring the cold; it’s about embracing it. The brides who shine brightest are those who pair romance with realism, understanding that the right layers, boots, and textures can elevate both comfort and confidence.
As Claassen puts it, “It’s about creating those dazzling winter moments, without freezing in the process.”
How to Ski or snowboard in Your Wedding Dress
For Haley Leeper, skiing down Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in her wedding dress wasn’t just a photo opportunity; it reflected who she is.
“I quite possibly picked the absolute worst dress for a ski wedding,” she jokes. “Strapless and backless for April weather is a bold move, but it was more of a design choice for me. I found this fantastic designer — Bon Bride, out of London — and was obsessed with the dress.”
To stay warm, Leeper layered subtly.
“I wore skin-colored tights and found this cute light fur jacket, but it ended up being warm enough that it didn’t get used for skiing. If I did it again, I’d definitely wear white gloves,” she says.
Leeper’s biggest piece of advice?
“Get some help putting on your boots — and just ski fast!”
As a lifelong skier, she didn’t need to practice. “The only way down from the top of Jackson Hole is a black [diamond], so all I was hoping for was no ice!”
The day went off without a hitch, thanks to her husband Owen’s planning.
“He mapped out our route and knew what type of photos he wanted,” she explains. “If I did it again, I’d hire a videographer — having footage from that ski run would’ve been epic.”