'Tis the season to plan an unforgettable and romantic event-

SINGAPORE, November 2014 - The term "winter wedding" conjures up romantic images of snowy vistas, cozy fireside toasts, elegant decor and brisk outdoor activities for the whole group. With the mercury dropping in many parts of the world, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts offers tips on how to stage a memorable marriage event.

Choose The Picture-Perfect Venue:

• Say “I do” in one of the most beautiful places on Canada's West Coast, Fairmont Chateau Whistler's Rooftop Chapel. Located on the Woodland's Terrace, this ceremony site features beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and provides a romantic and intimate setting for two to 200 guests. Another popular option is The Chalet, perfect for smaller events, with the fire crackling and guests dining amidst floor to ceiling windows overlooking a blanket of fresh snow, covering Whistler's most famous golf course and snow-draped mountains.

• The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise guarantees a winter wedding that dreams are made of. Imagine horse drawn sleigh rides, ice sculptures and exchanging vows under the famous Lake Louise Ice Castle followed by cocktails at the resort's outdoor Ice Bar. Awe-inspiring glaciers and the Rocky Mountain peaks tower over romantic outdoor ceremonies on lakefront terraces. For those who prefer an indoor ceremony, the Chateau's picturesque ballrooms feature naturally inspired alpine décor and vast arching windows with breathtaking views of Lake Louise, Victoria Glacier and the surrounding mountain range. 

• Quebec City in the winter is nothing short of a fairy tale, and Fairmont Le Château Frontenac provides the castle for brides and grooms looking for nuptials fit for royalty. Adventurous guests can choose to have their ceremony take place at the nearby Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel), which is made entirely of ice and snow, and features majestic ice sculptures and a romantic chapel. After this one-of-a-kind experience, guests can return to the warm charm of the city's famed Château for a romantic reception. 

• There are few places on earth more beautiful for a winter wedding than Telluride, Colorado, and Fairmont Heritage Place, Franz Klammer Lodge's location at the base of the ski area in the heart of the stunning San Juan Mountains. . This luxury private residence club in Mountain Village offers an event space with a large deck overlooking the ski area. Guests can also choose to wed in one of several nearby locations that feature spectacular mountain views, including Revelation Bowl, which can only be accessed via a black diamond ski run.

   

  Keep the Menu Warm and Comforting:

   

• The opulent Grand Ballroom of New York's The Plaza has hosted some of the most notable events and weddings of the last century, and continues to be the favored venue of the city's stylish set. The legendary hotel's event planners suggest warm sips to greet guests as they arrive, offering a small taste of a cozy beverage such as hot apple cider or a whiskey cocktail with  cinnamon to set the mood. Using demi tasse cups has a great visual appeal and keeps the portion light.

   

• The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver offers late night snack options for weddings, as many guests are hungry after dancing until the wee hours and want a small bite before the special day wraps up.  Some of the late night buffet options the hotel has created include a S'mores buffet bar which allows guests to roast their own marshmallows, and a nacho log with all the fixings.  Both are fun and interactive – and give the new couple the last chance to feed each other!  Who needs cake?   

   

• Brides and grooms-to-be are falling in love with rustic and local menus served family-style at Fairmont Chateau Whistler.  Featuring Pacific salmon and local Pemberton root vegetables served on cedar boards from the Squamish Paradise Valley, the shared plates create the perfect opportunity for guests to interact during the meal. Food truck-style late night snacks are also offered with West Coast poutine, perogies with spiced sour cream, and mini grilled cheese in parchment paper, as well as the option of gourmet fondue.

• Fairmont Tremblant is nestled in the heart of a European-styled village in Quebec's Laurentian Mountains, providing a storybook setting for a romantic winter event. Hotel planners note that comfort foods are key for winter weddings, and the property offers a midnight table option that highlights mini mac & cheese in mason jars, mini onion soups and mini poutine cups.

   

Set the Mood Through Decor:

• At the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle, brides and grooms can escape the often rainy weather outside and create an elegant indoor winter scene. Winter-themed weddings in the Spanish Ballroom can come complete with (faux) snow machines, fur throws for the ladies and ice sculptures for an added culinary touch.

   

• Wedding planners at Boston's Fairmont Copley Plaza recommend cool toned uplighting, with snowflakes projected on the ceiling to help create a winter vibe. Birch trees with twinkling lights and winter white linens also help create a sophisticated backdrop for the grand occasion. The hotel has the ability to host the wedding ceremony, as well as the reception, so everyone can enjoy a winter atmosphere without actually venturing out into the cold.

   

• New York's The Plaza uses birch trees and branch ceremony structures to evoke a wintery feeling, which is offset by the warmth of candles. A few other warm touches can enhance the big city winter glamour, like using snow globes as a wedding favor, capturing the wintery beauty of Manhattan. Brides can don elegant white fur stoles or boleros, and outfit their bridal party in dark tones like black and charcoal to further enhance the sense of style.

   

Add to the Experience with Cool Winter Activities:

• The Fairmont Heritage Place, Franz Klammer Lodge in Telluride is ideally situated for a winter destination wedding. Skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, snowmobiling and winter fly fishing will keep wedding guests busy, as they enjoy a stay in the lodge's spacious and luxurious two and three-bedroom residences.  

   

• AtQuebec's Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, magical winter magic weddings are the order of the day. Bride, groom and guests can don skates and enjoy the ceremony on the ice skating rink in front of the hotel with the majestic St. Lawrence River as a backdrop. Another option is to travel by snowmobile to the golf course to celebrate the ceremony. Horse drawn sled rides complete the romantic picture.

   

• The Fairmont Banff Springs, Canada's "Castle in the Rockies", provides the perfect setting for couples and guests to indulge in a host of winter activities. Sleigh rides, dog sledding, cross country or downhill skiing, or snow tubing down Mount Norquay at night are popular choices. Equally popular is settling down in front of a crackling fire in the cozy confines of this grand hotel, while enjoying warm drinks and taking in the views of majestic mountains, towering pine trees and pristine blankets of snow.

Sunny Resorts to Warm the Heart...

• Couples hoping to escape the cold can consider a destination wedding at Fairmont Mayakoba near Mexico's Playa del Carmen. The highlight of a romantic escape is the Mayan Serenade, an exclusive experience where guests enjoy a private “lanchita” (covered boat) tour down the resort's crystal clear water canals. A Mayan Tatich (water guide) takes the couple on a romantic journey at sundown, sharing tales of ancient Mayan love legends as they admire the breathtaking backdrop of the Riviera Maya. The “lanchita” can be decorated with fresh flowers, guaranteeing a spectacular grand entrance for the lucky bride.

• Couples should consider celebrating their wedding in wine country...what better place to toast a new life together? Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa provides exclusive access to unforgettable winery venues, including wine caves, which provide a stunning, unparalleled backdrop for wedding dinners. Wine country wedding activities include hot air ballooning, spa visits, golf, hiking, biking, or custom wine blending sessions. The resort's Michelin-rated culinary team will showcase the freshest, locally-sourced produce, artisanal breads and cheese and of course wine for every wedding table.

ABOUT FAIRMONT HOTELS AND RESORTS

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts connects guests to the very best of its destinations worldwide, reflecting each locale's energy, culture and history. Passionate travelers choose the luxury hotel brand for its ability to deliver memorable travel experiences, personalized and thoughtful service, and hotels that are one-of-a-kind. Serving as genuine gateways to their destinations, Fairmont hotels offer locally-inspired cuisine and spirited bars and lounges, distinctive design and décor, and a steadfast responsibility to environmental and social priorities. With more than 65 hotels globally, and many more in development, landmark hotels in the Fairmont collection include The Plaza in New York, London's The Savoy, Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai and Quebec City's Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Fairmont is owned by FRHI Hotels & Resorts, a leading global hotel company with over 110 hotels under the Fairmont, Raffles, and Swissôtel brands. The company also manages Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel branded luxury private residence clubs, whole-ownership residences and serviced residences properties. For more information or reservations, please visit fairmont.com.

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For further information:

Susie Lim-Kannan                                                     

Director, Public Relations, Asia Pacific                     

FRHI Hotels & Resorts                                 

+65 6496 1236                                                           

susie.lim-kannan@frhi.com                                       

Low Shi Ping

Manager, Public Relations, Asia Pacific

FRHI Hotels & Resorts

+65 6496 1234

shiping.low@frhi.com