Hello my fellow Fodorites!!

Brief history: We live in Wisconsin, and after a four year courtship, got engaged during our recent trip of a lifetime to Paris. We are now out of vacation time and money, but want to have a winter destination wedding-moon. We are basically eloping on a long weekend. It must be somewhere within easy driving distance from the airport in a hotel with a big warm fireplace, romance, snowcapped mountains and maybe a cute little Norman Rockwell town nearby to explore. We were thinking somewhere in Pennsylvania or New York. It would be a bonus if the hotel offered wedding services (just the two of us, nothing fancy) or if someone could recommend somewhere romantic to have the ceremony.

You've never failed me before!! Let the advice begin!!!

It's not the east coast but Lake Tahoe, NV sure fits your description.

Congrats Jendirt,

Well, you have listed locations east of you, but as I read your wish list, my first thoughts were of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

We were there in August and loved it. I can only imagine low beautiful it would be with snow. The little town of Coeur d'Alene itself I found delightful. Lots of fun wandering, fun little art galleries, a glass of wine here, a rare book store there. One of our favorite dining spots was a place called The Wine Cellar. They make their own fresh pasta. Wonderful wine list, excellent food and they have live jazz every night. Do you ski?

We flew in to Spokane, WA and rented a car, which was a very smooth process. We commented to each other about how easy it was, the cars are right there, just check in and go, no shuttle buses, etc. Then head west, I don't know, I think it was about a 30 minutes, a titch more for us as we stayed up in the mountains, so we headed west and then south about 15 minutes. We live in Minneapolis and had a direct flight to Spokane.

As far as accommodations, I would look at www.vrbo.com. I bet they would have something cozy and romantic for you. Otherwise the Coeur d'Alene Resort is your typical full service place, and would probably have wedding services, etc.

Have fun and again, congrats, let us know what you decide, Tiff

p.s. If you decide not to fly anywhere, you have the lovely Canoe Bay right there in Wisconsin, very romantic.

Thanks Tiff!!

Well, I guess the reason we were thinking east is because we are both former US Airways employees, and we can travel stand-by at no charge if there are seats available. We can fly to Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Charlotte nonstop from Milwaukee. New York is pretty easy to get to with a short connection. Unfortunately, US Airways does not fly to many western cities...and none that we don't have to fly to Pittsburgh first to get to. We don't want to waste too much time flying, or risk not getting there at all because of the stand-by thing and all that can go wrong with connecting flights. So, I guess we are looking for convenient and affordable!!!

Thanks again!!

Try Jackson New Hampshire in the white mountains.Great.Paul

I suggest Asheville, NC. Fly into CLT, rent a car, drive to Asheville. Find a b and b , the gorgeous Grove Park Inn or Richmond Hill Inn (there are a number of threads on what's up there depending on your budget). In the alternative instead of driving to Asheville, drive to Blowing Rock, and follow the same recommendations.

PS-Tiff, great minds and all that! I thought of Couer D'Alene,too. It is idyllic.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
It is just as you described, and it's not even that far of a flight from Wisconsin!

I think Charlotte and drive to Blowing Rock or Boone. Your chances of having snow at those higher elevations are pretty good in Feb. but at the very least you should be able to find a resort or inn/B&B w/ fireplace and the type of ambiance you are looking for.

If you have the cash, THIS is the place to go.
http://www.glendorn.com/