Colorado is one of the most stunning places to say “I do.” With its mountain views, golden sunsets, and mountain air, it’s no wonder so many couples dream of tying the knot outdoors. But planning an outdoor wedding here comes with its own unique considerations. As a Colorado wedding photographer, I’ve seen it all, from perfect blue-sky days to surprise afternoon storms and I’m here to help you plan with confidence! Here’s what you need to know before saying yes to an outdoor wedding in Colorado…

1. Always Have a Weather Backup Plan

Colorado is famous for its unpredictable weather. It’s not unusual to experience sunshine, rain, and wind all in the same afternoon, sometimes even snow depending on the season and elevation!

• Consider a tent or covered area. Even if you don’t end up needing it, having a covered space for guests is a smart move.
• Talk to your venue about backup options. Many venues have indoor spaces available in case of sudden weather changes.
• Keep an eye on the forecast, but stay flexible. Colorado weather moves quickly, and storms often pass in under 30 minutes.

2. Think About Guest Comfort

Outdoor weddings can be magical, but making sure your guests are comfortable will keep everyone happy and focused on celebrating with you.

• Seasonal tips: Offer blankets for cooler evenings, and have cold drinks or shade available during hot summer ceremonies.
• Footwear: If you’ll be in grass, dirt, or gravel, give guests a heads-up so they can wear appropriate shoes.
• Accessibility: Make sure the ceremony location is easy to get to for older guests or anyone with mobility concerns.

3. Plan for the Light!

Light is everything when it comes to your wedding photos, and Colorado has some of the DREAMIEST natural light you could ask for.

• Golden hour portraits: Plan time for couples portraits about an hour before sunset, this is when the light is warm, soft, and glowy.
• Shade is your friend: If your ceremony is in the middle of the day, choose a spot with even lighting to avoid harsh shadows on faces (I’ll help ya out with this one!)
• Talk to your photographer about timing: We can help you build a timeline that maximizes the best light of the day.

4. Prepare for the Altitude

If you or your guests aren’t from Colorado, altitude can be a surprise factor.

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Encourage everyone to drink plenty of water in the days leading up to the wedding!
• Take it slow: If your venue is at a higher elevation, plan extra time for setup and portraits so no one feels rushed.
• Pack sunscreen: Even on cloudy days, the sun hits harder at higher altitudes.

5. Embrace the Outdoors

One of the best parts of an outdoor wedding in Colorado is that nature is your decor.

• Choose florals and decor that complement the landscape. Let the views shine rather than compete with them!
• Be okay with a little adventure. Wind-blown hair, a touch of dirt on your dress, or a spontaneous wildlife cameo all add to the story of your day!!!
• Trust your vendor team. Local vendors know the area and can anticipate challenges before they happen.

An outdoor wedding in Colorado is nothing short of breathtaking and with the right planning, it can be stress-free, too. The key is to prepare for the elements, lean into the beauty of the natural surroundings, and stay flexible if the weather throws you a curveball.

If you’re dreaming about a Colorado outdoor wedding and want your day captured in a way that feels natural, timeless, and true to you, I’d love to be there to document it all. Your love story deserves to be told in the most beautiful way possible, mountain views and all! Tap here to contact me!