Things Change Fast in the Mountains
Roll With It, or Get Rolled
If you’ve spent any time in the mountains, you already know how unpredictable they can be. One moment you’re basking in warm sunshine, and the next, clouds roll in, the temperature drops twenty degrees, and you’re wondering why you didn’t bring an extra layer. That’s part of the charm of Idaho’s wild places, but it’s also a big reason why couples planning a mountain wedding should always have a backup plan.
I like to think of it this way: in the outdoors, you can either roll with it, or get rolled. And trust me, rolling with it makes for much better memories.
Weather Has a Mind of Its Own
The Sawtooths, the Pioneer Mountains, and even the Boise Foothills all have one thing in common—weather that changes fast. Afternoon thunderstorms can appear out of nowhere, snow has been known to fall in June, and wind sometimes sweeps through without warning. I’ve seen weddings start in bright sunlight and end with everyone wrapped in blankets around a fire. The couples who embraced those shifts walked away with incredible stories and photos to match. The couples who didn’t have a backup plan? Let’s just say things got a little more stressful.
Guest Comfort Matters
Your guests may love the outdoors, but they may not be as prepared for it as you are. Having a plan in place ensures they can enjoy the celebration no matter what the weather decides to do. Think about shade for hot days, blankets for chilly nights, and sheltered spaces if a storm rolls through. Little touches like these go a long way toward making your family and friends feel cared for. And happy guests always make for better energy on the dance floor.
Logistics You Don’t Want to Forget
Backup plans aren’t just about the weather. Sometimes the unexpected looks like road closures, trail restrictions, or a wildfire changing the air quality. Idaho’s wilderness is stunning, but it also comes with variables outside of your control. Having a second ceremony site or an alternate reception space in your back pocket gives you options, which means less stress when things shift. I always tell couples: hope for the best, but prepare for the unexpected. You’ll thank yourself later.
Why Backup Plans Make Better Photos
Here’s the fun part: backup plans often lead to some of the best photographs. I’ve captured couples laughing as the wind tangled their hair, families huddling together under umbrellas, and golden light breaking through after a storm. These moments are unplanned, but they’re also unforgettable. By preparing for the unexpected, you give yourself the freedom to be present and enjoy whatever the day brings. And when you’re relaxed, the joy shines through in your images.
Roll With It
There’s a saying I love: attitude is everything. In mountain weddings, this couldn’t be more true. I’ve seen couples dance in the rain, laugh through a gust of wind, and turn what could have been a challenge into something that made their wedding uniquely theirs. Rolling with the mountains instead of resisting them not only keeps stress low, it creates memories you’ll talk about for years.
How I Help Couples Prepare
As an Idaho wedding photographer, I’ve spent years learning how to work with the elements, not against them. Part of my job is scouting locations, watching the weather, and helping you build a timeline that allows for flexibility. I’ll also guide you on small things that make a big difference, like when to pack extra layers, how to prepare for changing light, and how to take advantage of the magical moments that happen when plans shift.
The mountains are unpredictable, but that’s what makes them special. When you have a backup plan, you can relax and trust that your wedding will be beautiful no matter what. And when you trust your photographer, you know those once-in-a-lifetime moments will be captured in a way that tells your story honestly and beautifully.
Embrace the Adventure
At the end of the day, a mountain wedding in Idaho isn’t about perfection. It’s about celebrating your love in a place that feels wild, real, and alive. The weather may change, the wind may blow, but those little twists often become the parts of the story you cherish most. Having a backup plan doesn’t take away from the adventure—it gives you the freedom to embrace it.
So when the mountains remind you who’s boss, roll with it. Trust your preparation, trust your people, and lean into the magic of the moment. That’s when the best memories are made.