If you and your fiancé are outdoor lovers, consider one of these special spots off the beaten path to seal the deal.
Most people pick a centuries-old church, rustic barn, or seaside sand to tie the knot.
But if you and the spouse to be would rather spend your day outdoors than in a stuffy ceremony, these wilderness locales should top your list for the ultimate wedding destinations.
Mackay Bar Ranch - Idaho
Only accessible by boat, plane, or seasonal ATV road, the Mackey Bar Ranch is truly a wilderness wedding destination. Guests are transported through the Frank Church "River of No Return" Wilderness, surrounded by wildlife, mountains, and sandy white beaches. You can opt for an outdoor ceremony on the beach, in the yard, or on the boat for a breathtaking backdrop to your I dos.
In addition to offering a secluded wilderness venue, the Mackey Bar Ranch is also a full-service outfitter with stellar accommodations, home-cooked meals, and knowledgeable guides.
One-of-a-kind lodging is available for up to 34 guests, so you can keep your special day intimate and special with your closest loved ones. The wedding party and guests can take advantage of amenities and activities such as jet boats, hiking trails, volleyball and basketball courts. Seasonal wedding packages are available from June through early September.
Time your wedding right, and you can extend your stay for a honeymoon of elk hunting, steelhead fishing, or touring the Salmon River via jet boat. What better way to kick off your lifetime of adventure together?
Sawyer Family Farmstead - North Carolina
If you're a Christmas nut who wants your wedding to feel like a Hallmark holiday movie, consider tying the knot on top of a hill surrounded by Frasier firs on this family Christmas tree farm nestled near the Blue Ridge Mountains. With a panoramic view of the peaks and Lake Glenville, your outdoor ceremony can include up to 250 guests (and the venue has two backup options in case of inclement weather). A beautiful reception barn, overlook porch, cocktail area, and fire pit provide a rustic, cozy feel for post ceremony celebrations.
With a wide range of packages for every budget to choose from, you'll have access to the 80-acre farm for the full day and the help of an on-site wedding coordinator. For couples who'd rather wed with a small, private ceremony, affordable elopement packages are available for up to 12 guests between $1,000 and $1,500.
Deer Creek Valley Ranch - Colorado
For a beautiful boho-chic mountain wedding, head to Bailey, Colorado. The Deer Creek Valley Ranch offers several different outdoor ceremony sites to choose from, each with incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The ranch can comfortably accommodate up to 180 guests for the event plus provide overnight lodging for up to 20 guests at the Homestead House.
The stunning venue features outdoor fireplaces, lawn games, and the "Ultimate Man Cave" for all to enjoy throughout cocktail hour. Impressive attention to detail, market lighting, and the surrounding scenery make for some of the most beautiful wedding photos to treasure for years to come.
Deer Creek Valley Ranch has several different wedding packages with optional add ons available year round, all of which include decor, seating rentals, flowers, a dedicated planner, and DJ.
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area - California
If skiing, snowboarding, or just spending days surrounded by fresh powder is one of your favorite pastimes, you might want to get married at the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. Between Mammoth Mountain and June Mountain, you can choose from 11 different ceremony sites and 10 different reception locations for a day that's all your own.
Take a gondola ride up to the 11,053 foot summit for a mountaintop moment or choose the Forest Chapel overlooking Twin Lakes for a lower-elevation outdoor celebration. Eleven53 offers an indoor reception option on top of the mountain, while Camp High Sierra features a charming rustic feel.
All weddings in the ski area are surrounded by crystal lakes, granite cliffs, and breathtaking views. While the wintertime weddings are a wonderland, you can also schedule your ceremony for the summer months for a lush green backdrop.
If this sweet spot sounds like a match and you're planning to propose soon, check out their customizable engagement packages, which include discreet staff assistance and a bottle of sparkling wine to celebrate.
The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge - Washington
For an elegant wedding surrounded by quintessential Pacific Northwest nature, The Club Snoqualmie Ridge is your go-to destination. With picturesque views of the Cascade Mountains and the surrounding Snoqualmie Valley, this exquisite venue boasts unmatched beauty for the big day. Stay outside for an outdoor ceremony and move indoors for a ballroom reception with panoramic views of the mountains. A variety of packages are available for up to 300 guests, complete with everything you need for a well-planned wedding.
The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge features a Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf course, plenty of nearby accommodations, and some of the best on-site chefs in the region.
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