Having a mountain wedding can mean breathtaking backdrops, sweeping sunset views, and gorgeous woodsy scenery. However, planning a mountain wedding comes with all sorts of challenges. Whether you’re dealing with rocky terrain, questionable weather, or transportation issues, the mountains can add a bit more difficulty to your wedding day. Here are a few things to consider when planning your mountain wedding.
MOUNTAIN WEDDING PLANNING TIPS
1. Altitude sickness is a real thing. When I’m shooting weddings and elopements in Jackson Hole, where the elevation is 6300 ft at it’s lowest, there are definitely some precautions I have to take to avoid feeling unwell on the big day. To avoid altitude sickness during your mountain wedding, be sure to drink plenty of water, eat potassium-rich foods, and get lots of rest. Don’t forget to tell any attending guests to do the same, especially if they come from lower-altitude locations!
2. Location, location, location. For mountain weddings in the Pacific Northwest, there are some pretty treacherous roads that need to be navigated. From icy and slippery to rocky and windy, outdoor wedding locations in the mountain can be tricky to access! If your mountain wedding is difficult to reach, be sure to plan ahead. If you’re traveling from out of state, rent a 4WD vehicle. Keep up to date on local road conditions with the local Department of Transportation. If you have guests attending, consider providing a shuttle, especially if you anticipate icy roads.
3. Footwear. I’ve photographed several weddings in Grand Teton National Park on very rocky terrain. Mountain wedding ceremonies are extremely romantic, but aren’t always conducive to typical wedding day footwear. So consider this – why not wear hiking boots on your wedding day? You can always change into something else for photographs if you’d like. Danner makes some super cute hiking boots if you don’t have a pair you already love. If your ceremony location is rocky or on uneven ground, consider sending this information out to any attending guests in advance. That way they can choose shoes that will keep them safe and injury-free when navigating tough terrain.
What are some challenges you might come across when planning a wedding in the mountains? I’d love to hear about it!
