When you think of Vermont, it’s quite possible one of the first images that comes to mind is racing down snowy slopes at a ski resort, or hiking up a ridge to catch a stunning sunset. Exploring the mountains is a favorite pastime in Vermont, and one that many couples choose to incorporate into their wedding. We’re sharing our favorite ideas for a Vermont mountain wedding so you can include this passion into your celebration!
Choose a Mountain Wedding Venue
If you want a mountain wedding, it’s only natural to choose a venue in the mountains! There are many beautiful venues in Vermont that sit on top of mountains or take advantage of the views. However, mountain weather is unpredictable, so finding a venue that offers both indoor and outdoor spaces is paramount. This allows you to take advantage of the gorgeous mountain views, and provides you a safe space to gather if the weather takes a turn.
One venue that checks all the boxes is Sugarbush Resort, a four-season luxury mountain Vermont wedding destination. Located in Vermont’s picturesque Mad River Valley, the resort specializes in offering guests a full mountain wedding weekend experience.
The most popular ceremony location at Sugarbush is perfect for a true mountain wedding experience: their Mountain Meadow ceremony site. It provides an expansive backdrop of the Green Mountains accessible by private use of the chairlift. “I like to remind couples how unique it is to incorporate the chairlift into their ceremony!” says Abigail Harkins, Wedding Sales Manager at Sugarbush Resort. “Not only is it an interactive part of the day, but it’s also an incredibly memorable experience for guests. There have been several times when we’ve had bears and other wildlife hanging out on trails under the lift which is such a cool way for guests to experience Vermont and the mountains.”
In case you have concerns about accessibility with guests getting in and out of a chairlift, Abigail assures couples that “it is surprisingly easy for guests to load and unload the chairlift without snow and we make sure to stop the lift if a guest is clearly nervous. This gives that guest the chance to get situated and us the opportunity to help them feel more comfortable. If there is a guest with limited mobility, we send their walker or wheelchair up the lift prior to loading that guest, so that it is waiting for them at the top!”
Embrace a Cozy Color Palette for your Mountain Wedding
A ski mountain-themed wedding is all about warmth and coziness, so embrace a color palette that reflects that! Think: earthy tones like brown, beige, and green, as well as rich, warm colors like burgundy, gold, and navy. These colors will compliment the mountain vistas no matter the season. Let them inspire your flowers, bridesmaid dresses, and décor.
Serve Mountain-Inspired Food and Drinks
When it comes to food and drinks, consider serving options that are inspired by the mountain environment. For example, serve up late night nachos or waffles (like you’d get at lodge cafeteria) or set up a hot chocolate bar! Too hot for hot cocoa? What about a signature chocolate martini inspired by frozen hot chocolate or a s’mores bar? These foods and drinks give the feel of a mountain retreat, no matter the season.
Include Ski-Inspired Details
To really drive home the mountain theme, include ski-inspired, or mountain-inspired details in your wedding décor. Here are a few of our favorite ideas:
Your Guest Book
“We’ve seen couples turn old pairs of skis into a guest book that they could later hang on their wall,” says Abigail. “I’ve also seen customized skis with the date and location of the wedding, also used as a guest book.”
Your Seating Chart
Use trail maps as a seating chart or name your tables after your favorite trails!
Family Photo Display
“We’ve also had couples collect old season passes from family members and turn that into some type of display at the wedding,” says Abigail. If your family has taken a lot of mountain family vacations, you could include photos from those vacations as well.
The Cake
Ask your baker about incorporating mountain or ski details on your wedding cake. Think: a mountain scenery painted with icing on the sides of the cake, or a chair lift cake topper!
With a little creativity and attention to detail, you can create a wedding that truly captures the spirit of the mountains!
Thank you to Sugarbush Resort for contributing to this story. You can learn more about Sugarbush Resort in the vendor guide.
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