Planning a mountain wedding is an exciting adventure filled with breathtaking views and endless possibilities. Imagine saying your vows surrounded by snow covered mountains and forests. Mountain Weddings are a scene that promises unforgettable memories. Here’s a guide I’ve made about 5 steps to help you plan your dream mountain wedding, helpful tips, and a convenient checklist.
Step 1: Choose the Perfect Location
Your wedding location sets the tone for your entire event. When considering a mountain wedding, think about the scenery and vibe you envision. Do you dream of the rugged Rocky Mountains with an alpine lake or maybe Mt. Rainier with fields of wildflowers?
How Do I Pick?
Accessibility: Ensure the location is easily accessible for you and your guests. Look into nearby airports, roads, and accommodations. The last thing you want is for guests to struggle to reach your ceremony site.
Seasonal Beauty: Each season and location offers its own unique beauty. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer offers lush greenery, fall offers landscape in vibrant colors, and winter cam be very moody and cozy. Choose a season that complements your vision. A lot of locations have different time of the year for their specific seasons. Just let me know what your vibe is and I can help you plan your perfect time to get married!
Local Laws: Before you fall in love with a location, research the legal requirements for getting married there. Many places require permits for weddings. Be sure to check out our guides on How To Legally Get Married in the Tetons and How to Legally Get Married in Colorado for specific details and inspiration for those areas.
Step 2: Set Your Budget
Budgeting is an essential step in wedding planning. A mountain wedding can be cost-effective compared to traditional venues, but careful planning is key to keeping costs in check.
Things To Consider
- Travel and Lodging: Mountain locations might require additional travel and lodging expenses for you and your guests. Consider group bookings to save on costs.
- Decor and Catering: Determine how much you’re willing to invest in decor, flowers, and food. Mountain settings often require minimal decoration since nature provides the best backdrop.
- Seasonal Discounts: Off-peak seasons might offer discounts on venues and services.
- Venue and Permits: Investigate the costs associated with renting a venue or obtaining permits if you’re considering a public space.
Step 3: Plan the Logistics
Mountain weddings present unique logistical challenges. Being prepared will help ensure your day goes off without any complications.
- Weather Preparedness: Mountain weather can be unpredictable. Have a backup plan, such as tents or an indoor venue, ready in case of unexpected changes. I highly recommend getting a big Airbnb to stay and get ready at. If weather becomes a problem you can always have your ceremony there. Make sure your Airbnb allows for events beforehand!
- Transportation Arrangements: If your ceremony is off the beaten path, plan transportation for your guests. Consider hiring a shuttle or arranging carpools.
- Permits and Permissions: Verify that you have all necessary permits for your ceremony and reception. Some areas may have restrictions on gatherings or need special permissions. Your photographer can always help you with this step.
- Guest List: How many guests are you wanting to bring to your wedding? Or are you wanting a more intimate elopement type environment?
- Communication: Provide clear directions and an itinerary to your guests ahead of time.
Step 4: Create a Checklist of What to Bring
Packing for a mountain wedding requires a bit more thought. Here’s a checklist to ensure you’re prepared:
- Clothing Essentials: Bring layers to accommodate all temperatures.
- Comfortable shoes: A must for walking on uneven terrain.
- Wedding Attire: What clothes will you get married in?
- Decor: Florals, Chairs, anything else you might need!
- Vow Books: Something to write your vows in or on.
- Emergency Kit: Pack essentials like sunscreen, bug spray, a first-aid kit, umbrellas, snacks, water, and hand warmers depending on the season.
- Guest Comfort: Consider providing blankets, fans, or hand warmers to keep guests comfortable.
Step 5: Design Your Wedding Day Timeline
A well-organized timeline is crucial for a smooth wedding day. Here’s a suggested outline to keep things on track:
Morning Activities: Start your day with some relaxing activities like a quiet hike or morning coffee with your partner.
Pre-Ceremony Preparations: Use this time to get ready and make sure all decor and seating are perfectly in place.
Ceremony Timing: Schedule your ceremony to take advantage of the best natural light for photos and guest comfort.
Afternoon Photos and Reception Setup: After the ceremony, enjoy a photo session while your team prepares for the reception.
Evening Celebration: End your day with a magical reception, complete with a meal, music, and anything else you can dream up.
Example Timeline From a Recent Mountain Elopement
5:00 am – leave Airbnb
6:00 am – arrive at Lake Location (1 hour drive)
6:30 am – hike to lake location
7:00 am – write vows at lakes & explore & morning picnic
8:30 am – hike back
9:00 am – drive to airbnb
10:00 am – arrive at airbnb
10:00 am – 12:30 pm – break
12:30 pm – start getting ready & detail photos (dress, florals, shoes, rings, ect.)
2:00 pm – getting ready photos
2:30 pm – drive to first look spot near Airbnb
3:00 pm – first look
3:30 pm – drive to second lake location
4:30 pm – explore the lake & take photos
5:15 pm – head to ceremony spot on the top of a mountain (15 minute drive)
6:00 pm – ceremony
6:30 pm – photos & explore surrounding area
7:30 pm – photography coverage done
Your timeline will be completely customized to your mountain wedding. Everyone’s schedule will look a little different based on sunset times, travel times, and activities.
The Next Step
Your dream mountain wedding deserves to be captured with the most authentic photos that reflect its natural beauty and your love story. As your photographer, I can help capture these cherished moments for a lifetime. To discuss your wedding photography needs and see how I can contribute to your special day, please fill out my contact form. I’m excited to connect and be a part of your dream mountain wedding!
