Although it may be difficult to imagine lavish wedding photography right now, many couples are opting for an intimate home wedding followed by a resort celebration once Covid has vanished! Do you want a mountain wedding but have family members who are unable to attend? We’re discussing ideas, alternatives, and compromises today. When I consider why we decided to marry in the mountains, I know it’s because we enjoy spending time there together.
The mountains inspire us and draw us closer together, so it seemed like the ideal location for us to exchange vows. Whenever it comes to planning our own wedding, though, I was concerned about the logistics of getting everyone up the winding road and into inclement weather. We also wanted everyone to be able to attend if they so desired. I’ve seen a lot of solutions to this mountain wedding dilemma since our own wedding and the many others we’ve photographed.
If your ideal destination wedding includes more land than sea, you’ll want to include a few mountains—or, better yet, mountaintop—locations in your quest. Couples are flocking to Colorado, Wyoming, Washington, and Oregon to tie the knot for a reason; this location style has become one of the most common on the wedding scene. The mountains are clearly calling. If you’re paying attention and want to hold your event outside, surrounded by one of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders, save the following mountaintop wedding ideas.
We’ve put together a rich set of décor elements and experiences to take your party to the next level—style-wise, that is (as far as elevation goes, you’re already at the top). There are so many ways to pay homage to the mountains through your party’s design, from wedding stationery inspiration with on-theme animal and ski motifs that will get you (and your guests!) excited about the organic event to earthy ceremony arch ideas that let Mother Nature do all the speaking.
ENGAGEMENT SHOOT IN THE MOUNTAINS
There is less time pressure and no need to think about other people’s schedules while having an engagement session. You should go hiking in the mountains and spend some quality time there. You are not obligated to return to welcome visitors. It’s more about spending time together as a couple. And having your photo taken is more enjoyable than you would imagine. I can’t tell you how many couples tell photographers that they’re not photogenic or don’t like getting their photos taken. It is better to tell them not to think about it; instead, they should focus on enjoying each other’s company and the beautiful surroundings. They can even have an alpine sunset for their engagement pictures, because of which you can plan a wedding on the Big Sur coast.
SESSION FOR BRIDAL PORTRAITS
Nobody suggests you can’t get mountain wedding portraits only because your wedding isn’t in the mountains! A bridal portrait session is identical to an engagement shoot, except that you are dressed in your wedding gown.
MOUNTAIN PREFETCHING OR VOW EXCHANGE
Take your bridal or marriage session a step further by planning a vow exchange. Make it a point to focus on the upcoming wedding and express your feelings to each other. Later on, you will get married to all of your friends and relatives. Or go all out and elope. Get the stress-free, laid-back wedding you want without the strain of a large crowd. A couple told us that the mountains had a special meaning for them but that their families wouldn’t be able to make the trip. We hiked into a valley for a photo session, complete with a vow exchange. Later, in front of witnesses, they would exchange vows, but this was only for them.
CARRY OUT BOTH
While elopements are romantic and poetic, they often result in people being left out. There’s no reason you can’t throw another get-together in the future. Get married in the mountains with your closest friends and relatives, and then have a reception back home. You can, in reality, stand in the middle of the river on a rock. Your entire guest list would not have fit in the venue. You should return home after celebrating with family members and hold a reception for your friends and family.
MAKE USE OF LOCATIONS IN THE FOOTHILLS OR MOUNTAINS
Finding a location in the foothills is still a good option for a wedding in the mountains. It’ll be easier to get to, visitors will be able to go into the mountains, and the views will still be amazing for your big day. Alternatively, some of the mountain venues that specialize in weddings should not be overlooked. While not everybody would be willing to hike a peak for your mountaintop ceremony, many mountain venues are both comfortable and welcoming.
JUST GO FOR IT
Mountain weddings, in fact, necessitate guests driving and dealing with inclement weather, but they are also beautiful and memorable experiences. If none of the above options appeal to you, just do it. When planning a wedding, one thing you’ll discover is that no matter what you do, you won’t be able to please everybody. So, listen to your heart and do what brings you joy. The mountains are an experience in and of themselves, with all of their obstacles!