Your wedding venue is one of the most important parts of your big day. That's why we're making finding The One that much easier, with this series of the "Top Spots" in each location and for each type of venue. From our favorite Mexico destination weddings to the best ballroom bashes, we've rounded up the perfect places to get married—and everything else you need to know about planning a wedding there.
Want to shout your love from the mountaintops? If so, we highly recommend taking your love to new heights with a mountain wedding. The way we see it, there are only good reasons to get married on a mountain, with the best of nature surrounding you.
In the United States, there are three major mountain ranges and a scattering of smaller ones, each with its own unique style and breathtaking views. The major ranges include the Appalachian Mountains in the east, the Rocky Mountains to the west, and the Sierra Nevadas throughout California and Nevada. But the smaller ranges, like the Smoky Mountains and the Catskills, are equally as captivating. And whether it’s the middle of a snowy winter or the peak of lush summer, mountains make for the best wedding destinations because they offer dramatically gorgeous backdrops year-round.
To help engaged couples navigate the many paths available to them while planning a mountain wedding, we hand-picked a variety of destinations where they can say “I do.” From the pros of hosting mountain weddings to where exactly you’ll exchange your vows and dance the night away, there is a lot to consider. So, whether you’re dreaming of mountain wedding venues in Virginia or envisioning a West Coast event, you’re sure to find the ultimate spot for you.
There are countless reasons why couples decide to host their outdoor wedding in a natural environment. Plus, there are indoor spaces that can accommodate you and your guests, and offer a super-cozy feel—a superb option for couples planning a winter fête. And speaking of, here are some of the pros ot hosting a mountain wedding:
Mountains are a great place to enjoy the beauty of nature in a serene setting, no matter which season it is. And, hello, can you say picture-perfect backdrops? Unlike destinations that match specific temperatures or seasons, mountain views are picturesque at any time of year, so it’s really up to you and your partner to decide whether you want a summer wedding in the mountains, or perhaps an après-ski-style wedding during peak winter months. Spring and fall also offer their own photo-worthy foliage and milder temperatures in most places, particularly at well-known Colorado mountain wedding venues. When considering budget, take note that fall and winter are often in higher demand around or near mountains, when the ski bunnies flock to the slopes.
There are so many ways to transform a space for your mountain wedding. Colorado mountain wedding venues will welcome anything from a boho-inspired ceremony in the woods to an elevated ballroom bash. Meanwhile, a Smoky Mountain wedding could feature a Southern-style celebration or a more rustic and remote elopement. These are just a few examples of the flexibility and versatility of these all-natural spaces.
The mountains welcome a variety of activities that you and your guests can enjoy. If there’s any downtime in your wedding itinerary, guests can hit the slopes, take a hike, or go jump in the lake (literally, of course!). No matter your hobby, you can easily incorporate it into your mountain wedding weekend.
The great thing about choosing to have a mountain wedding is that it does not limit you to one specific kind of venue. You can pick from the kind of environment that works for you, and even if you want to be outdoors or indoors (or a combo of both), it’s important to understand that there are mountain wedding venues in the desert, alpine regions, near the beach, and even close to big cities.
The property types for mountain wedding are varied too. If you’re staying near a popular ski or hiking destination like North Carolina, you may find a resort, golf course, or hotel that is a perfect option. But if you’re not the resort type, you can still find plenty of farms, ranches, and vineyards to choose from. The other venue you might run into is private estates that can be rented out for events. All-in-one hotels with an onsite team, an intimate outdoor ceremony, and everything in between are all on the table here.
We’ve already established that mountain wedding venues are a great and incredibly popular option when choosing the right place for your big day. But what are some of the most popular venues? Explore our list of the 44 best places for a mountain wedding to get inspiration for your celebration. From there, you can think through whether New York or Colorado mountain wedding venues suit your style best. The most crucial (and fun) part? Once you’ve selected your venue, you can really start envisioning and planning the mountain wedding of your dreams.
Mother Nature is on full display in our country’s Northwest region, which is home to the tallest peaks in the United States. Keep in mind that winter weddings can be tough in these areas, where the weather is harsh and the days short and dark. However, the summer, spring, and fall are generally spectacular.
Have your big day among the dramatic landscape of the last frontier. This lodge in the Resurrection River Valley is surrounded by sky-high majestic mountains and has guest rooms with touches of rustic Alaska styling.
Nestled in the foothills of Mount Rainier is this nine-acre outdoor wedding and event venue near Seattle and Tacoma. Your wedding photos will be more than picturesque with a background featuring open fields, historic barns, and spectacular mountain views.
Let your guests loose to explore 200 acres of park-like property at this secluded farm. Located just off the Mt. Hood Scenic Highway, this farm’s grounds and gardens are renowned for their beauty. The farm-to-table dinners prepared on site are served in the Apple House, a unique indoor-outdoor space with incredible views of Mt. Hood.
With epic California scenery and a rich history dating back to the Roaring Twenties, this destination is perfect for couples who want to celebrate surrounded by nature. Exchange sacred vows in a cathedral of redwoods in a setting shared with deer, turkeys, bobcats, and golden eagles.
This mid-mountain, family-friendly resort is a stunning destination for year-round weddings. Couples can choose from multiple outdoor wedding venues with views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountain range, or indoor ballrooms with dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows.
Embrace your cowboy spirit at this property, which was the first guest ranch that earned the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide’s Five-Star Award. Originally homesteaded in the early 1900s, The Ranch was opened to guests in 2010. Between events, guests can take advantage of the on-site Blue Ribbon designated fishery, scenic walking paths, and a relaxing spa. Plus, this is where actress Kate Bosworth said, “I do,” back in 2014.
This beautiful mountain wedding venue is located a whopping 2,135 meters above sea level, giving visitors magnificent views of the Grand Tetons and Snake River Valley. You can plan a magnificent event any time of year here, but lucky winter wedding attendees can get a few runs in on the world-class slopes.
There’s nothing more romantic than horse-drawn wagons, which is how guests at Snake River Ranch reach the outdoor dinner site. With the unforgettable view of the Grand Tetons, we guarantee it’ll be one of those moments they’ll never forget.
The reality is, this list could be almost entirely Rocky Mountain wedding venues! Mountain wedding venues in Colorado, and in the Southwest region in general, are great for the outdoorsy types who want easy access to plenty of activities. If that sounds like you and your fiancé, one of these spots might be for you. This region of the United States is known for those world-famous peaks, and California, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado mountain wedding venues are truly one-of-a-kind.
There’s so much charm to Utah or Colorado mountain wedding venues, but Hawaii offers something special (warmth!). Located in one of the dreamiest places in the world, the brand-new 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay will bring a flagship sustainable sanctuary and resort to Kauai’s North Shore. The resort sits on a hillside overlooking the breathtaking Hanalei Bay and the verdant cliffs of the Nā Pali Coast, surrounded by the lush tropical flora of Hawaii's Garden Island.
This tropical ranch offers all the best that the state has to offer: a white sandy beach, a lush tropical garden, an ancient Hawaiian fishpond, a historic ranch house, and an authentic Hawaiian village, all of which you can use as your indoor and outdoor venues.
Your mind might first jump to the beach when you think of Malibu, but this 30-acre estate with expansive views of the majestic Santa Monica Mountains prove that there’s more to this iconic coastal city. Even more, the Tuscan-inspired estate is great for larger parties and can accommodate up to 200 guests.
Wine and love go hand-in-hand, so why not have your big day on a vineyard? Not only are the views fantastic, but the vino isn’t bad either – it’s one of the most recognized and awarded vineyards in the region.
Pro tip: Tell your photographer to make sure to take some portraits in those distant (and yes, jaw-dropping) mountains at the property.
Visitors at this romantic ranch are encouraged to forge meaningful connections with the land and animals who call it home—which is the perfect vibe for a day all about love and unity. While you’re in the area, make sure to stop by High West Distillery, which crafts some of Utah’s best small batch whiskey.
Named after Olympic gold medalist Stein Eriksen, this mountainside chalet has been one of the top mountain wedding venues in Utah since it opened its doors in 1982. Your guests can enjoy both the quiet resort, where they can take in the mountainous scenery, and head downtown to get a taste of the lively Park City scene.
Looking at mountain wedding venues in Utah? Prepare to meet your match: Located about 30 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, Snowpine Lodge arguably has the most pristine mountain backdrops in the state.
This mountain wedding venue is perfect for a cool couple: Located near Bryce Canyon National Park, this unique property is rooted in the spirit and time-honored tradition of the American road trip. You can check out the vintage cars throughout the property and even catch a movie at the on-site drive-in theater.
At this venue set in the red rocks of Sedona, you can choose from an array of breathtaking backdrops—be it a hilltop canopy with sweeping red rock views or with flowing Oak Creek as both scenery and soundtrack. L’Auberge is also proudly an inclusive venue and is thrilled to work with couples of all kinds.
This special spot, named for its insane sky-high views, is the best of both worlds: Although you may feel you are secluded, it’s really just a few minutes from the heart of Sedona.
As far as Rocky Mountain wedding venues go, this one’s pretty perfect: Set amid towering pines, here you can take in the breathtaking mid-mountain setting throughout the year. Relax before (or after) your big day in the spa, which features nature-inspired treatments and a stone-lined grotto.
When it comes to dreamy mountain wedding venues in Colorado, the Sonnenalp is at the top of the list. Take in picturesque views of the mountains and Gore Creek from your choice of spaces. And with four on-site restaurants and a ballroom, there are many options to choose from.
Family owned and operated for a whopping five generations, this Colorado ranch is the ultimate getaway for you and your guests. They limit their events to one per month (maximum), and no more than three are held per year. If you can seal the deal, prepare for private access to this incredible 20-acre field at the base of the mountains.
There’s something magical about a ski-in, ski-out hotel, and this is the area’s only one. Even if you’re not planning on hitting the slopes during your wedding weekend, the whole resort feels connected to the towering mountain landscape.
The St. Regis is another of the top Colorado mountain wedding venues. Upstairs, you’ll find The Fountain Courtyard and take in all the views of Aspen Mountain, and downstairs is home to the Grand Astor Ballroom, with a whopping 9,146 square feet of space to party.
This historic Aspen building is the perfect location for celebrating downtown without sacrificing views of Aspen Mountain. Hotel Jerome also houses Aspen's only above-ground ballroom, making it the perfect place for an effortlessly elegant wedding.
Huge family? There’s nothing this historic resort can’t handle—they have space to host up to 1,000 guests! Plus, the historic Pauline Memorial Chapel immediately adjacent to The Broadmoor is also available for ceremony services.
Even though the Northeast is home to many urban wedding destinations—think New York City and Boston—the region is also known for a number of smaller, yet just as noteworthy, mountain wedding venues.
Much of Stowe's charm comes from the views of the Green Mountains, and Topnotch is nestled in the foothills of Mount Mansfield. Promising plenty of sports and activities (the property is also home to a renowned tennis academy), this is the perfect spot for adventurers. But don't worry, the on-site spa will be ready for anyone needing some much-deserved R&R.
This charming property is nestled between a number of popular ski towns in the Green Mountains. The surrounding town is totally adorable—think Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls, with more maple syrup—and is perfect for your guests to explore between wedding events.
Take in the charming beauty of the mountains of western Massachusetts at this classic venue. The focal point of the site is the transitional inside-outside space, which allows you flexibility to create a truly special wedding day.
Fit up to 250 of your closest friends and family on this full property for a full weekend, with 17 cozy cabins to house all your guests. With the Berkshire Mountains to the east and the Catskill Mountains to the west, you can see the can’t-miss views from almost every inch of the 4,000-square-foot pavilion.
Rent out this 125-person estate and enjoy a unique mountain wedding designed in complete collaboration between you and the venue. Although all catering is done on-site, each menu at Foxfire is completely individualized to your tastes and style.
Nestled in the Hudson Valley, this private estate once played host to famous names including Thoreau, Emerson, and renowned naturalist John Burroughs. Today it makes a cozy mountain wedding venue, with a magically lush property.
Located only a two-hour drive from New York City, this Victorian castle resort feels like its own world. The property is surrounded by 40,000 acres of pristine forest, and has clear views of the Catskills and plenty of outdoor activities for you and your guests to enjoy.
Turn your wedding weekend into the getaway if your dreams: This former summer camp offers both indoor and outdoor event venues nestled among tree-lined lakes, rolling green hills, and stunning mountains. The property is also famous for their culinary and mixology programs practicing farm-to-table values and employing highly decorated Hudson Valley chefs.
Make the most of the sprawling Appalachian mountain range and Blue Ridge mountain wedding venues in states like Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. In this corner of the country, you’ll find bucolic settings with all the Southern charm.
Get the rustic wedding of your dreams at one of the top Blue Ridge Mountain wedding venues in Virginia. With a 200-year-old barn, 305 acres of sweeping landscapes and a gorgeous event hall, it’ll be hard not to love a single detail about your big day here.
This winery and vineyard was created with entertaining and farm-to-table dining in mind. Owned by industry legends Lynn Easton and Dean Porter Andrews, Pippin Hill’s on-site team develops a unique menu that embraces Virginia’s roots, your preferences as a couple, and the abundance of local food artisans, from winemakers to local farm producers. The hydrangea pathway and epic backdrop makes it one of the best Blue Ridge Mountain wedding venues out there.
Embrace the glitz and glam of this estate, one of the best-known Smoky Mountain wedding venues. The renowned property is the closest you can get to Cinderella’s castle while still choosing from mountain wedding venues NC couples love.
Celebrate your wedding surrounded by local beauty and serenity at one of the incredible Blue Ridge Mountain wedding venues NC is known for. Menus made of farm-to-table cuisine from the on-site culinary team highlight seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients, while also accommodating your theme and vision as a couple.
Grab a rocking chair, sit back, and relax on the large porch of this family farm that’s surrounded by magnificent mountains. Locals will also be happy to know this is one of the mountain wedding venues NC has with convenient access to Atlanta, Asheville, and Charlotte.
If you want a Smoky Mountain wedding that prioritizes quality time with your family, Sugar Hollow Retreat is the place. When you book, you get the entire mountain all to yourself for the week or weekend, so you and your guests can max out on relaxation, hiking, patio games, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and more.
This world-class Smoky Mountain wedding destination is renowned for its dining program. Every dish served throughout your big weekend will be lovingly crafted with the ripest seasonal bounty, right from the farm.
There’s no reason you have to stay stateside for an amazing mountain wedding: If you and your partner are discussing a destination wedding, consider picking an international mountain town. From Italy to South Africa, there are plenty of international venues that offer similarly amazing views and benefits.
We’d be foolish to overlook our northern neighbors on this list when they can claim some of the highest peaks on the continent. This modern Canadian wedding venue is a perfect place to take in the incredible views and breathe in the fresh alpine air as you celebrate your big day.
Okay, so we admit this isn’t technically a mountain, but we think the dramatic cliffside has a similar appeal. In any case, it’s easy to visualize an incredible wedding at this lush jungle oasis. Start the day sunbathing at the infinity-edge pool beneath wild parrots, and cap the night stargazing on the terrace; whenever and wherever, there’s simply no shortage of views here.
This wedding venue on the French Riviera is centered around a romantic and luxurious château, and the property offers commanding views over the Valley of Grasse and the Bay of Cannes. It also has in-house accommodation for up to 40 people to take the pressure off of finding hotels for your nearest and dearest.
Bask in the romance and luxury of this one-of-a-kind artistic villa. The space features 18th-century frescoes, heavy Venetian crystal chandeliers, and other invaluable art pieces throughout. It’s the closest you can come to getting married in the Uffizi!
What better way to celebrate your big day than under the Tuscan sun? La Foce is an estate in southern Tuscany near the popular wine towns of Montalcino and Montepulciano—head to the vineyards to get the honeymoon started early!
Don’t overlook the beauty of South Africa’s many mountains when picking your venue. At the Holden Manz Wine Estate, enjoy beautiful mountain views while surrounded by the babbling river (Franschhoekrivvier) and Stony Brook Vineyards.
Now that we’ve shared our tips and made you an expert on the best mountain wedding venues, we bet you’re ready to pick one that fits your budget, style, and traditions and start planning. If you still need inspiration to spark your imagination, we recommend turning on an amazing wedding movie and exploring our directory of real-life weddings that can inspire your own unique mountain wedding. Or you can go the aspirational route and find mountain weddings content from a celebrity-approved wedding location, like the site where Lily Collins got married or a star-studded venue in Colorado.
No matter which style you want or where you live, we’re certain that there is a mountain wedding venue that’s right for you and your circumstances. Remember that while wedding planning can be complicated sometimes, the whole day should really just be about celebrating your new marriage and lasting love. And of course, taking in views from your amazing mountain wedding!
