Congratulations! So you want to get married in the Colorado mountains…you and your love standing together with a picturesque view of majestic peaks in the background, while guests of friends, family and associates are engulfed in the quiet space and the sound of your voices expressing your vows. Well, let’s talk logistics of a mountain wedding. Sure, the reception space is reserved, invitations have been sent, the caterer has been procured and is preparing your favorite food, but what about Uncle Pete’s asthma or Aunt Lena’s hypertension? Will two of your favorite people be able to endure a couple of days at 7,000+ altitude? Will your guests be able to enjoy all the wedding activities responsibly? Let us share with you what we’ve learned about creating the wedding of your dreams in the mountain venues of Colorado.
Plan Ahead
The higher the Peak, the shorter the peak season
Getting married in the mountains is a great choice for anyone who loves the beauty of Colorado. Majestic, snow-covered peaks, fields of lush wildflowers, or quaking, gold and orange Aspen trees; each season offers its own, unique beauty. As you climb higher in elevation, the seasons get shorter, so if your ideal time is spring, summer, autumn or winter, reserve your dates early, because other couples will be doing the same.
Altitude
Acclimate, Acclimate, Acclimate – Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
At higher elevations, “the pressure of the air around you (barometric pressure) decreases so there is less oxygen in surrounding air.”1 The main cause of altitude sickness is ascending to a great height too rapidly. If your guests are coming in from anywhere below 4,000’, whenever possible, we encourage you to ask them to arrive in Denver or a lower elevation a couple days prior to the wedding date, to adjust. When they arrive, they should plan to drink a great deal of water (coconut water and electrolyte drinks are also helpful alternatives). These tips will help your guests slowly acclimate to a higher altitude. And remember, the bride and groom should absolutely be drinking plenty of H2O in the days leading up to your nuptials. Hydrate!
- Signs of Altitude sickness: https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/altitude-sickness-a-to-z
Weather
Have a Plan B and Remember Layers!
We all know the Colorado saying: “If you don’t like the weather, wait ten minutes.” Yes, Mother Nature provides us with these amazing, scenic places to say “I do” in Colorado, and she also provides a myriad of potential weather disruptions. As all Coloradoans can attest, we’ve used the heater in the mornings and the air conditioner a few hours later. We’ve driven through sun, rain, hail and snow in a matter of miles. If your heart is set on an outdoor wedding in Colorado high country, the key is layers. Plan for a wrap to go over that sleeveless gown. Camisoles and slips help keep you warm in inclement weather (T-shirts for men) and will anyone even notice you are wearing long underwear under your dress? If your wedding coordinator has spent any time in Colorado, he or she will recommend you have alternative, indoor plans if the weather turns. Don’t forget to tell your guests to bring layers: wraps, light jackets, parkas😊. And remember sunscreen! We burn quicker at higher altitudes. But, no matter the weather, plan for the best day ever!
Imbibing
Celebrate responsibly
When I’m home in Colorado, I can have a glass of wine and be buzzed. This phenomenon is because of the altitude, oxygen and blood science. Be aware, your guests may get very tipsy, very easily. Add hot springs, wacky weed, or any other prescription medication, and things can go from fun to scary, quickly. Consider including a cautionary note in your schedule of events. If you have an open bar, you will definitely want to hire professional bartenders and servers who are trained to watch for signs of excessive intake or just standard, altitude related reactions.
Accommodations
The Mountain Variety
Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa offers a variety of accommodations (including tipis!) that allow your guests to choose their preferred comfort level. Grandma and grandpa will appreciate a comfortable lodge room, while your work friends might enjoy a fun yurt or scenic campsite. http://joyfuljourneyhotsprings.com/lodging/
Transportation
Keep it simple
A mountain wedding can be one of the most beautiful memories you will ever create and it can also be a logistical challenge getting everyone to the right location. Transporting people from the airport to the mountain town can be coordinated through airport arrivals and utilizing rental vans. It is an easy way for your guests to enjoy the majestic views as they travel to your mountain location. A Facebook page or carpooling app is a great option that allows people from both sides of the isle to get to know each other better.
Hire Local
Friendly, helpful, knowledgeable
Accessing local talent such as professional florists, makeup artists, and photographers will not only simplify the coordination of your day (are they here yet?) and decrease costs (you don’t have to pay for mileage or an overnight stay!), it also supports the local economy and small business owners. An even better reason to hire local is their fountain of useful tidbits about the area including wedding location, weather familiarity, lighting, and favorite local fare. The Heart of the Rockies Wedding Association https://heartoftherockieswedding.com/ offers numerous local, talented, passionate experts, who can guide you through it all with ease. With these professionals supporting you through your wedding event, you will have fewer things to concern yourself with on your special day. We want you to focus on more important matters, like how to get that garter over your long underwear!
Planning a mountain wedding? Our goal at Joyful Journey is to provide you with an amazing memory of your ceremony and reception location. Give “Groups” a call at 719-256-4328. Have additional recommendations or tips? Post below to share your experience.
Original blog can be read here: Blog | Heart of the Rockies Wedding Association
Thanks to our participants and contributors:
Venue and lodging: @joyfuljournyhotspringsspa
Hair and Makeup: @avowtoartistry
Furniture and Settings: @settingseventrental
Flowers: @phytologyflowers
Dresses: @soiree.bridal.boutique
Planning: @knotjustanotherwedding
Heart of the Rockies Wedding Association: @heartoftherockiesweddings
Yoga: @emily_marquis_celebrates
Officiant: @lumniousceremonies
Photography: @amandapodestaphotography @paperposeyphotography @catherineeichelphotography
Model Instagram Tags: Rachel & Brad (tall gal in purple dress) – @rachelfarson @brad.farson
Madison & Will (blonde gal)- @madison_spialek @chilllium
Jessica & Joe (dark haired gal w/ braid)- @deermountainwellness
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