I am probably different than other wedding photographers you have seen. I will most likely be wearing hiking attire even for more formal ceremonies, just in case I need to stand halfway in a river for a photo (it happens). I also don’t expect you to make eye contact with the camera at any point outside of formal family photos. I want you to be present in the experience, so feel free to mostly ignore me and focus on the couple instead.
Most roads getting out to these remote locations are windy and sometimes narrow. But they're also always so beautiful! My tip is to plan for extra time to get there since you'll want to be driving slower to be safe, and pulling over every now and again to take in the views! Be sure to fill up your gas tank before getting into more remote areas. Gas stations are not always easily available.
I also recommend bringing snacks like protein bars, sandwiches, water, coffee, and other items. It might be a 30-minute drive to a cafe or gas station when you start to get hungry or thirsty!
If you get nauseous on windy roads or when traveling in the mountains, ginger chews or dramamine are super helpful for avoiding that nauseous feeling. Drinking electrolytes like Liquid IV can also help at high elevations. Most gas stations/grocery stores carry a drink called "Body Armour" near the Gatorade section. It's by far my favorite electrolyte drink to get if I'm not feeling my best at high elevation. Take things slow, avoid alcohol, and drink lots of water! :)
We get lots of sunshine in the Rockies, but the weather can change in the mountains quickly. I always recommend having a rain jacket (or cheap emergency poncho), a warm jacket in case it gets cool, and lots of water.
Make sure you wear shoes with traction. Even if we're not walking far, we will almost certainly go a bit off the beaten path to get some privacy and that might require shoes with traction. If you are planning to wear heels of any height: DON'T. I'm serious about this one! Even on the easiest of terrain, we will always have to do some kind of walking on dirt paths that have rocks and/or tree roots that cause the ground to be uneven. I really really don't want anyone to sprain an ankle out there! If you want cute shoes, just pack them along to change into once we get to the ceremony spot :)
While we’re out there, let’s all do our part to protect the land and minimize our impact. Here are a few quick principles to remember: Make sure not to leave any waste or trash behind. Do not dump out any liquids on the grass/dirt. Stay on the trail and be careful not to step on fragile vegetation. Some plants and wildflowers can take decades to regrow if trampled. Be mindful of other tourists/hikers who are enjoying the space too.
Let’s have a blast no matter what! - Okay, this one is pretty obvious, but had to throw it in there! This is an outdoor destination wedding in the mountains and there might be some hiccups along the way. If there are some hiccups, like iffy weather to deal with, just remember that this is a Rocky Mountain Wedding and we should all be ready to roll with it. No matter what happens, these two lovely humans are getting married in a beautiful place surrounded by the people they love the most. It will be an incredible, epic adventure!