Feeling Amazing at Altitude: Your Colorado Wedding Day Game Plan

Bride and groom holding hands jumping off a rock at at Rocky Mountain — Colorado altitude

A quick sip of coffee and a deep breath—if you’re planning a ceremony between 7,500 and 12,000 feet, you’re in the right place. I’m here to help you feel great, look great, and fully enjoy your Colorado mountain “I do.” This is your cozy, no-stress guide to an altitude wedding in Colorado—with simple steps that actually work.


 
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Hydration

Water is your best friend up here. Start two days before you fly or drive in. Keep sipping the morning of the wedding.
Aim for: clear-to-pale straw colored pee. Not glamorous, but helpful.

Add electrolytes once a day. Powder packets are easy.
Skip heavy alcohol the night before. On the day, celebrate—just pace it.

Pack this:

  • Reusable bottle (one per person)

  • Electrolyte packets

  • Ginger chews if your tummy gets fussy

Biggie: Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. By then, you’re already behind.


Acclimation

Give yourselves time to adjust. If possible, arrive 24–48 hours early. Even one night helps.
Take it easy that first day. Short walk. Good food. Early bed.

If you’re coming straight from sea level, consider staying your first night at a mid-elevation town before heading higher.
Slow and steady wins at altitude.

Smart moves:

  • Light movement, not a HIIT workout

  • Small, frequent meals

  • Avoid trying on suits or gowns for the first time that day—do your final checks the day prior


Hair

Wind is part of the charm. Plan for it.
Secure styles (low buns, polished ponytails, half-ups with strong pins) handle breeze and hugs.

Your mini hair kit:

  • Travel hairspray + extra bobby pins

  • Tiny brush/comb

  • Clear elastics

  • Lightweight hair oil for flyaways

Veil lovers, add discreet veil weights or ask your stylist for a wind-safe attachment.
Florals? Choose sturdier blooms or silk accents that won’t wilt in dry air.


Makeup

Mountain air is dry. Makeup should be hydrated but long-wearing.
Prep with: a gentle exfoliant 2–3 days before and a hydrating primer on the day.

What works well:

  • Cream products that you set lightly with powder

  • Waterproof mascara and liner

  • A hydrating setting spray (bring a travel size)

Skip: heavy mattes that crack, SPF flashback formulas if you’ll be photographed with flash at night.


Sleep

Altitude and excitement can tag-team your sleep. Protect the night before.
Eat a balanced dinner, hydrate, and do a tech wind-down.

Sleep helpers:

  • Dim the room an hour early

  • Magnesium glycinate (if it already agrees with you)

  • White noise app for hotel hallways

  • Humidifier or a wet towel hung near a vent for extra moisture

Morning of, eat breakfast with protein, carbs, and salt. Your body needs fuel up here.


Oxygen bars

Feeling lightheaded? Oxygen bars or portable oxygen rentals can be a nice boost.
They’re popular in mountain towns and can help with that “whoa, I stood up too fast” feeling.

Use them as a comfort tool, not a cure. If you have chest pain, severe headache, or nausea, tell me and your photographer—we’ll pause and pivot. Your health comes first.
Pro tip: ask nearby hotels if they have oxygen options or know a local provider.


Quick day-of checklist

  • Water bottle + electrolytes

  • Snacks (salty + simple)

  • SPF on face, neck, shoulders, ears

  • Lip balm with SPF

  • Sunglasses for bright alpine sun

  • Layers (base layer or wrap—even in summer)

  • Comfy shoes for walking between photo spots


Tiny timeline tweaks

Build in buffer time. Walking at altitude can take longer.
Plan breaks for sips, shade, and breathers. I’ll keep us on track, promise.
If we’re doing a sunset ceremony, bring a warm layer—temps drop fast after golden hour.


FAQs

What is the best way to prevent altitude sickness for a wedding day?

Arrive 24–48 hours early, hydrate with electrolytes, eat regular meals, avoid intense workouts, and limit alcohol the night before. For most couples, those basics are enough for a smooth Colorado altitude wedding day.

Can I wear a long veil or train at high elevation?

Yes—just secure it well. Ask for veil weights or a comb + pin combo. Bring a bustle option for your train so you’re not wrestling fabric in the wind between locations.

Are oxygen bars safe to use before the ceremony?

For most healthy adults, yes, as a short-term comfort option. They can ease mild lightheadedness. If symptoms escalate (severe headache, nausea, chest pain), stop, hydrate, rest, and let your team know so we can adjust the plan.


 
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Michal Ufniak

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