Oh hey! It’s me, Katie - your fave Colorado wedding photographer!! And boy do I have some good information for you in this one. I’ve been photographing weddings in Colorado for over 6 years, and regardless of if you’re local or planning your destination wedding or elopement, you’re gonna have some questions about getting married here in the mountains. Lucky for you I’ve put together 5 of my MOST frequently asked questions when it comes to planning your Colorado wedding!!

1. What is the Best Season to Get Married in Colorado?

The first step in planning your wedding, even before booking your photographer, is going to be picking your date. And of course you want to choose the best season for your best day ever. Well this is really going to depend on your goals and vision as a couple. You’ll have to talk through what you want your day to look like prior to choosing, so here's a quick glimpse as to what each season is like here in Colorado!

SUMMER

Peak Season: June and July
Pros: It’s beautiful with tons of recreational activities to do and the temperatures are very consistent. Wildflowers are in full bloom in the mid summer months, so backdrops are to die for!
Cons: This is one of the more popular wedding seasons, which raises costs. You’ll also have to book vendors earlier. Plus, it can get pretty hot outside and it’s common for an afternoon thunderstorm to roll through during these months!

FALL

Peak Season: September and October
Pros: So gorgeous thanks to the leaves changing colors and the temps getting cooler.
Cons: Since temps are cooler, there can be some more frigid temps from time to time. It’s also an EXTREMELY popular wedding season, so vendors need to be contacted far in advance.
This is my personal favorite season to photograph weddings!

WINTER

Peak Season: mid December to March
Pros: Such breathtaking snowy views. It’s one of the least busy seasons for weddings, so vendor costs will be down.
Cons: Cold temps aren’t ideal for outdoor venues, and snowfall may make some roads inaccessible. Ski resort traffic is high these months, so travelling may take longer. There’s also limited greenery to use for backdrops.

SPRING

Peak Season: Late April to May
Pros: Greenery and flowers begin to bloom! Lower overall costs due to less weddings these months.
Cons: Weather is EXTREMELY inconsistent. Snow, rain, or summer days are possibilities on any given day.

2. Have You Shot at Our Venue Before?

If I have shot at your venue, that’s great! I’ve got some experience on the best location for portraits, lighting, etc. But if I haven’t, that’s ok too!! That just means I can bring a fresh perspective to a new venue and get creative as we go through the day. A huge part of being a wedding photographer here in Colorado is being able to quickly think on your feet, and that's a challenge I truly enjoy!

3. How do we Prepare for the Weather?

It’s no secret that Colorado weather can drastically change with no warning. As a local who's been photographing weddings as long as I have, I make sure to discuss backup plans and indoor location options with my couples. And honestly, even with all the planning, some days you end up just having to roll with it. Luckily I’ve gone through so many scenarios, I can pivot quickly and find what works best for your day!

One of the best things you can do here is choose a venue that offers both indoor and outdoor options. A venue like Spruce Mountain Ranch as an example gives you the ability to celebrate your wedding in a stunning space regardless of the weather, which is a peace of mind you really can't beat in the lead up to your wedding day!!

4. What is the Best Place for Our Engagement Session?

This depends on your preferred vibe. Do we like mountains or downtown? Small towns or lake views? My home base of Denver is always a wonderful spot for an engagement session, but there are unsurprisingly plenty of amazing locations throughout Colorado. If you need more inspo for your session, check out all my engagement sessions on the blog!!

5. How Can We Prepare Ourselves and Our Guests for the Altitude?

I want to make sure you and your guests have the best experience possible for your Colorado wedding, and the altitude change always presents a bit of a challenge. Here are some quick tips to not let the change in elevation get the best of you:

Acclimate: Arrive a couple days before the wedding to rest and relax and get used to the elevation change.
Limit Alcohol: Higher elevations mean you will feel the effects of alcohol faster. Take it slow and pace yourselves!
Hydrate: You’ll need more water than you think, and you may even want added electrolyte packs to help boost hydration and battle altitude sickness.
Extra O2: Cans of O2 can be found at gas stations and can really help in a pinch if you’re feeling like you need a little more oxygen.

As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen it all and I want to help make your wedding here in Colorado the absolute best day!! From choosing your date to prepping your guests, I’ve got you.

Wanna know even more?? Check out what it’s like to work with me and be sure to reach out and tell me about your day - I can’t wait to hear more about you!!