The Best Mountain Wedding Destinations for Saying 'I Do' in the United States

Mountain wedding destinations are a great option if you want to take a break from city life or simply prefer to exchange vows nestled within the mountains or against a backdrop of scenic ones. Once you review the best mountain wedding destinations listed below, use The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find a mountain wedding venue that best suits your wedding style and budget. We've also tapped into the expertise of wedding planners who have experience planning mountain weddings to gain insights and advice on best practices for executing a destination wedding in the mountains.

In this article:

• Stunning Mountain Wedding Destinations
• Why Plan a Mountain Destination Wedding?
• Advice for a Mountain Destination Wedding

Stunning Mountain Wedding Destinations

Whether a remote mountain wedding destination or one closer to a city is what you seek, we've rounded up some of the best. We've also shared activities you can participate in with your guests if you want to turn your celebration into a weekend of bonding time.

1. Catskills, New York

Photo: NYS Dept. of Economic Dev. (NYSDED)

At only between 90 and 120 minutes from New York City (by car), the Catskills in upstate New York serve as a special location for tying the knot. The area is home to many outdoor activities, from hiking at Giant Ledge and Sam's Point to fly fishing (the region also houses the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum). There are also plenty of hotels amidst the natural beauty that can serve as a gorgeous mountain wedding venue for your big day, including Hotel Lilien and The Roxbury Barn and Estate.

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Things to do: You and your guests can spend time visiting local attractions—snag tickets for a concert at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts and embark on a Woodstock, New York, rock and roll tour.

2. Park City, Utah

Photo: Hyatt Centric Park City

Park City is one of Utah's most popular mountain locations for a winter destination wedding, and for good reason. "These mountains hold adventure and beauty," says Irene Katzias, owner and planner at Irene + Co Events based in Bethany, Connecticut. "It is a balance of the feeling that you are on the top of the world with your partner, and sharing that with your family and friends at a wedding is so meaningful." While many couples who start the next chapter of their love story in this city enjoy skiing at one of the area's many ski resorts, including Park City Mountain Resort, there are many wedding venues steps (or a ski lift) away from the fun, including the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley and Waldorf Astoria Park City.

Things to do: While skiing is one of the most popular activities in Park City, there are many other things you and your wedding party can do in the area, including mountain biking. Utah Olympic Park is also in the area if you'd like to visit. Since Salt Lake City is also about a 40-minute drive away, you can make some pit stops to visit the Natural History Museum of Utah or catch a show at Eccles Theater.

3. Rapid City, South Dakota

Photo: Visit Rapid City

While Rapid City might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about mountain wedding destinations, you shouldn't rule it out. Located a short drive from the Black Hills, many venues in the area offer sweeping views, including Chapel in the Hills, which you can consider for your ceremony, High Country Guest Ranch, Pine Haven Venue and Lodging and Hotel Alex Johnson (specifically at the Juniper at Vertex Sky Bar). The city also houses many hotels where your guests can stay (if your venue isn't one), including The Rushmore Hotel and Suites.

Things to do: It wouldn't be a visit to Rapid City without taking a look at the nearby Mount Rushmore National Memorial or Badlands National Park. If you're tying the knot in September, invite your guests to watch the Stratobowl Historic Hot Air Balloon Launch.

4. Aspen, Colorado

Photo: CHARD PHOTO

Plan a trip to the Rocky Mountains in Aspen for a destination mountain wedding you won't forget. You can "I do" from a boutique hotel, such as The Little Nell, which Aimee Monihan, creative director and owner of Destination Occasions, based in Denver, recommends. Here, a gondola can be taken to the ceremony before enjoying Michelin-starred food. While there are many opportunities to experience luxury in this city, there are still plenty of ways to immerse oneself in its natural beauty. Despite its mountainous terrain, Aspen also houses an airport, which makes transportation easier for guests.

Things to do: Visit Conundrum Hot Springs for some extra relaxation or spend time looking at the collections at the Aspen Art Museum. Aspen also houses many hiking trails, or you can visit the Maroon Bells.

5. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Photo: The Dollywood Company

Nestled near the Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge is a great place for a destination wedding in the US. You'll be surrounded by lots of greenery (which looks great in those wedding photos) while celebrating the next chapter of your love story. While you might not first think about Dollywood resorts when considering a Pigeon Forge wedding, the two properties, DreamMore Resort and Spa and HeartSong Lodge and Resort, offer romantic wedding packages and mountain views.

Things to do: If you choose to tie the knot at one of the Dollywood resorts, you can plan a group outing to Dollywood or schedule an appointment to do some archery or axe throwing at Ancient Lore Village. While this might seem like an obvious activity, you can visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

6. Reno, Nevada

Photo: Courtesy of Visit Reno Tahoe

If you want to have a destination wedding in Reno, Nevada, look forward to celebrating amongst the Sierra Nevada mountains at wedding venues including the Whitney Peak Hotel and the Tannenbaum Event Center. Not only does this area offer mountain views, but it is far away from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas while still maintaining a fun atmosphere for celebrating.

Things to do: Make a wedding weekend out of your event by setting up camp in a designated area or going on a scenic drive. The area is complete with activities, including the Nevada Museum of Art and the Reno Riverwalk District, filled with shops and restaurants where you can spend even more time together.

Why Plan a Mountain Destination Wedding?

"The mountains have become increasingly popular wedding destinations in recent years, especially for couples from big cities seeking a connection with nature and a setting that celebrates majestic surroundings," Monihan says.

Since you and your guests are often traveling (and usually from far away) for a mountain destination wedding, the experience becomes more like a getaway as opposed to a one-night celebration. "Mountain weddings invite your guests to unplug and actually be present," says Jove Meyer, Brooklyn-based wedding planner and designer. "It's an experience, a weekend getaway filled with laughter around bonfires, cozy cabins, wildflower fields and starry skies."

Additionally, mountain destinations offer a wide range of activities for you and your guests to enjoy before or after your celebration. Depending on the season and mountain destination, some popular activities may include skiing, hiking, golfing and biking. You can plan to spend a day or two exploring the popular attractions in nearby cities to enhance the trip.

Advice for a Mountain Destination Wedding

Read on for expert advice when it comes to planning and executing your mountain destination wedding.

Consider the Weather

If your destination wedding in the mountains will take place at an outdoor venue, take note of the weather and make sure you have a plan B. "Mountain weather can be unpredictable, [so] consider bringing in flooring and tents, have umbrellas and cozy wraps on hand and always have a solid rain plan," Meyer says.

Coordinate Transportation

Since many mountain wedding destinations are in remote areas, Meyer recommends arranging transportation for you and your guests. "Book transport early, as it will be limited in remote areas and factor it into your budget for all events with alcohol," he says. He adds that you should allocate buffers on timelines in case there are any delays with transportation or guests find themselves without cellular service. You can find and book transportation services in or near your mountain wedding destination on The Knot Vendor Marketplace.

Prepare for the Altitude

Even if you and your guests are familiar with high-altitude mountain destinations, you can never be too prepared when it comes to keeping you and your guests healthy with the potential of altitude sickness. Monihan recommends setting up an oxygen lounge on your wedding day in case any of your guests discover that they could benefit from it. She also recommends providing each guest with a kit containing vitamins and water.

Consider the Details

Every detail counts when it comes to planning and executing a destination wedding in the mountains. Katzias notes that you can stay on theme by infusing mountain details into any decor you may have or any other fitting parts of your festivities. While this isn't a requirement, doing so can help create an even more memorable experience for you and your guests.