🏔️ Planning a Mountain Wedding? Here’s What You Should Know

As a Utah and destination wedding photographer, I’ve had the honor of photographing weddings in some of the most breathtaking places. But mountain weddings? They will always hold a special place in my heart. There’s something magical about exchanging vows with towering peaks behind you, crisp mountain air swirling around, and nature acting as the most beautiful backdrop you could ever ask for.

But with all that beauty also comes some unique planning considerations — and I learned so much from an incredible September 2023 wedding I photographed at the foot of the Wellsville Mountains.

So here are 5 tips to help you plan the mountain wedding of your dreams, without the stress.

💛🍕 1. Choose Simple, Easy Food Options

Thomas and Jaxon absolutely nailed this. They opted for wood-fired pizza and charcuterie from a favorite local restaurant — and it was perfect .Not only was the food delicious, but choosing easy-to-serve options like pizza, sliders, charcuterie, or finger foods the amount of utensils and flatware needed cuts down on setup time, helps your catering stay simple and stress-free, sets a relaxed, welcoming tone for the whole wedding.

Mountain weddings tend to feel a little more laid-back, and simple food fits that vibe beautifully.

🛋️ 2. Create Comfortable Spaces for Your Guests

Whether you’re hosting guests in a meadow, by a cabin, or at the base of a mountain — their comfort matters! Mountain air can feel cooler, especially in the evenings, so consider furniture like couches or cushioned chairs, blankets available in baskets, a shaded tent or canopy, portable heaters or fire pits depending on the season.

The best part? Having seating around the ceremony or reception doesn’t just help your guests — it gives YOU a cozy place to take a breather between hugs, conversations, and photos.

🚗 3. Think Ahead About Parking

This is one of the most overlooked parts of planning a mountain wedding. Remote or outdoor locations often have parking space, difficult terrain, narrow roads or steep driveways, or no clear signage.

To help things run smoothly, you can a shuttle from a nearby lot or trailhead, hire attendants to help direct parking, provide detailed instructions or a parking map on your website. Clearly mark the ceremony and reception areas. Trust me — guests will thank you for making their arrival simple and stress-free!

🎉 4. Provide Something Fun for Guests to Enjoy

Mountain weddings can be so fun when you add little touches that keep guests entertained. While the scenery is breathtaking, having something interactive helps fill downtime and enhances the experience. Some ideas you can incorporate games (cornhole, giant Jenga, ladder toss), a photo booth or Polaroid guest book, a soda bar, s’mores setup, or dessert table, live acoustic music, a cozy lounge area with board games. These small additions help guests settle in, mingle, and enjoy the celebration while you’re busy with photos or getting ready to party.

🌦️ 5. Always — ALWAYS — Prepare for All Types of Weather

If there’s one thing mountain weddings will teach you, it’s this: the weather makes its own plans. Even in perfect seasons, you can expect wind, quick temperature drops, surprise sprinkles or a passing storm, intense sun, even morning fog. So be prepared with canopies, clear umbrellas, extra blankets, backup ceremony spots, communication plans with vendors, and timeline flexibility.

When you embrace unpredictability, you can focus on what truly matters — the celebration, the people, and the moment you say “I do.”

🏔️ Final Thoughts

Mountain weddings are full of beauty, emotion, and unforgettable scenery.

With a little extra planning and some thoughtful touches, you can create a day that feels effortless, intimate, and completely you. Whether you're dreaming of a meadow ceremony under golden light or a cozy mountain-top celebration, these tips will help you make your wedding day both stunning and stress-free.

If you ever need help choosing a Utah mountain location — or want a photographer who knows how to work with that gorgeous mountain light — I’m your girl. 💛📸