How to Plan the perfect Mountain Wedding

Planning Your Wedding

It can feel overwhelming to plan the perfect mountain wedding, or any wedding at all. There’s the venue, the decorations, the guest list, and so many little details to consider as the date approaches. 

Some couples hire a wedding planner to help them navigate their way to the big day; others choose to do it all themselves. Regardless of who is planning, here’s a general breakdown of the wedding planning process. 

Set a budget: Knowing how much you can spend is the first step in planning your wedding. This will help you prioritize various elements of your wedding. For example, A mountain wedding may require you and your guests to travel, so prioritize your budget to accommodate transportation and lodging. Once you know what your budget is, you can start sketching out your game plan. 

Choose your venue: One of the biggest costs of any wedding is the venue. Your venue will set the mood of the entire affair, so you want to make sure you love the place you choose. Every venue offers different amenities. As you are planning, ask about the amenities available so you can make the best choice for your priorities and budget. Don’t hesitate to ask questions! The coordinators are there to help you. You can speak with our coordinator to learn about our venue HERE.

Set a date: You may already have an ideal season in mind for your wedding, but a venue’s availability may determine the exact date of your wedding. Remember that certain times of the year are busier than others, especially in areas with scenic mountain ranges. Planning a few months, or even a year in advance is recommended to lock in your date, especially if you are planning a big event. 

Send your invitations: Once your date is confirmed, it’s time to send out the announcements. It’s important to give your guests plenty of time to request days off work, get a babysitter, arrange travel plans, etc. Remember, a mountain wedding is also a destination wedding for many people, so make sure to send out the invitations as soon as you can.

Start planning: Now that you’ve formalized the budget and venue of your wedding, it’s time to start on the fun stuff. If you haven’t already picked a wedding theme and color- now’s the time to do it. This will help you decide on other details like flowers, party favors, and other decor. 

Every wedding is unique to the preferences and needs of the happy couple, so the wedding planning process may look different for you. Still, here are some tips to help you plan your perfect day.

Extra Tips for Wedding Planning

• Enlist an expert: A professional wedding planner or an experienced friend can help you with all the details, big and small. They can help you prioritize tasks and help you realize your wedding dreams. If you don’t have someone you can turn to, there are plenty of apps and websites dedicated to this service.

• Utilize your venue: Your venue coordinator is your friend! Not only will they know everything about the venue’s amenities and services, but they may also have some tips on local caterers, DJs/wedding bands, and more! This can be especially helpful if you are planning a destination wedding, or are getting married in a rural area. 

• Don’t sweat the small stuff: When you are stressed even small setbacks can feel insurmountable. It’s normal to want everything to be perfect on your wedding day, but the small details like the cake and decorations won’t be what you remember. When you find yourself getting overwhelmed, take a step back and remember what the day is all about.

Special Considerations

Whether you are getting married at home or abroad, indoors or outdoors, in a church or at the courthouse, there are unique factors you should consider. The location of your wedding is one of the most important variables in your wedding plans. 

Here are some of the special considerations you should keep in mind when planning a wedding in the mountains.

• Altitude Sickness: Altitude sickness can be a serious concern for anyone coming from low-lying areas. Symptoms range from headaches and insomnia to vomiting and shortness of breath. Provide plenty of water and some non-alcoholic beverages to help keep your guests hydrated. Also, encourage those who are arriving earlier than the day of, to adjust to the new altitude. 

• Weather: Weather in the mountains is notoriously unpredictable. Instead of trying to fight the weather, plan for it! Research the typical weather conditions for your location around and work it into the wedding. If you can expect hot days, provide hand-fans as a party favor. Cold nights? See about portable heaters or blankets. Expecting rain? See about moving things inside. You can’t control the weather, but you can keep it from running your day.

• Transportation: Getting to the top of a mountain can be difficult for many guests, especially those from out of town. Providing a list of transportation services available in advance can save you and your guests a lot of stress on the big day.

• Accommodations: Making sure that you and your guests have somewhere to stay before and after the main event is an important part of planning that is often overlooked. This can be especially challenging if your wedding is in a remote location (like a mountain). Some venues, like ours, do have onsite lodging you can book. Be sure to ask your venue coordinator about these options.

Mountain Weddings By Season

Now that all framework is set, it’s time to start on the fun stuff: planning your wedding theme! A mountain wedding offers limitless potential for your event. Whether you like things rustic and simple, or elaborate and elegant, the gorgeous mountain landscapes will complement any theme. Here are some ideas by season to get you started!

• Summer: If you want an outdoor wedding, this is the time to do it. The landscape is so beautiful, that you can let nature do your decorating for you. The rustic theme of the great outdoors is perfect for a summer day, but if want an evening affair, consider “Summer skies” theme. Some of the most beautiful constellations are visible in the summer months, and the mountains are the ideal place to view them. After all, what’s more romantic than dancing under the stars?

• Autumn: The vibrant colors of the changing leaves are the picture-perfect backdrop for this momentous occasion! Lean into the magic of the season with an “enchanted forest” aesthetic featuring dramatic autumn colors against dark wood. Are you more into the “sweater weather” vibe? Opt for a cozier approach with warm beverages, and delicious fall treats.

• Winter: A winter wedding in the mountains can almost guarantee snow, so lean into the “winter wonderland” theme! The warm glow of firelight, cozy blankets, and glittering snow, will create the perfect environment to celebrate your love. Want something a little more niche? Consider an “evergreen” theme instead, and deck the halls with pinecones and pine springs instead. Either way, the result is sure to be gorgeous.

• Spring: Spring symbolizes new beginnings, which is perfect for a wedding. Think of how beautiful your wedding will look decorated with early-season flowers after a long winter full of snow. Or imagine a “love bird” wedding full of motifs of birds in their nests. Spring comes to the mountains a little later than it does in the valleys, but when it does arrive, it’s glorious.

Book Your Wedding at Freestone Inn

If you are dreaming of the perfect mountain wedding, book your special day with us at Freestone Inn. Our beautiful Inn is located in the North Cascades, surrounded by serene nature in Washington State. 

Contact us to start planning your dream wedding today!