A Dreamy Fall Mountain Wedding at Empire Canyon Lodge | Park City Wedding Photographer
Empire Canyon Lodge Wedding in Fall
There’s something magical about early fall in the Utah mountains — the golden light, the crisp air, and the way nature feels like it’s celebrating with you. Crissy and Garrett’s wedding at Empire Canyon Lodge in Deer Valley was the kind of day that makes you fall in love with love all over again. Nestled in a grassy basin surrounded by tall aspens and pine trees, their mountain-top ceremony had views that took your breath away — and emotion that hit you straight in the heart. As a Park City wedding photographer, it’s days like these that remind me how powerful and personal mountain weddings can be.
The Location: Empire Canyon Lodge & Cushings Cabin
Empire Canyon Lodge is a true hidden gem in the Deer Valley area — the kind of spot that feels like it was made for love stories. Surrounded by nature, it offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and alpine beauty. Crissy and Garrett’s guests rode the ski lift up the mountain to Cushings Cabin for the ceremony, where a light breeze danced through the trees and the golden-hour sun bathed everything in a dreamy glow. With early fall just starting to paint the peaks in warm hues, the setting was nothing short of breathtaking. If you're dreaming of a Park City mountain wedding, this venue has all the ingredients for an unforgettable day.
Photographer’s Perspective: Why Mountain Weddings Speak to My Soul
As a photographer, these are the weddings that light me up. There’s something about being surrounded by nature — tall trees, wildflowers, golden light streaming through leaves — that adds a whole other layer of beauty to your day. Every photo, from the ceremony to your couple portraits to candid moments with your guests, is touched by that magic. The mountains become part of your story. The reception glows under the night sky, lit by candlelight and laughter, with cozy lodge vibes that make everything feel intimate and romantic. Whether you’re planning a stunning destination wedding or staying local in Utah, mountain weddings offer the perfect mix of breathtaking scenery and heartfelt connection. And capturing that for couples who truly feel it? That’s everything to me.
Meet the Couple: Crissy & Garrett
Crissy and Garrett were such a joy to capture — the kind of couple who balance each other perfectly. Crissy brought her Type A magic to the planning process, so when the big day came, she was ready to be present and soak in every second. Garrett, meanwhile, was completely smitten — his reaction to seeing Crissy walk down the aisle was pure awe, and he couldn’t take his eyes off her all day. Both of them are high achievers, from training for Ironmans to earning master’s degrees, but on this day, all that focus was turned toward each other. Their vows had us all laughing through tears — heartfelt, funny, and totally them. You could feel how deeply they respect and cherish one another.
The Ceremony: Love at 9,000 Feet
Crissy and Garrett’s ceremony took place at the top of the world — or at least, it felt that way. Guests rode a ski lift up the mountain to Cushings Cabin, where the breeze kept things playful and the early autumn light cast a golden glow across the scene. With the aspens just beginning to turn, the backdrop was like something out of a painting. Their ceremony was full of emotion and authenticity — their vows were raw and real, sparking laughter one moment and tears the next. As a second photographer for Beautifully Dunn Photography, I got to witness and document those honest, fleeting moments that make a mountain wedding so unforgettable.
The Reception: Ambient Light & Mountain Magic
After their mountaintop “I do’s,” the celebration continued back at Empire Canyon Lodge, where the warm lodge atmosphere and stunning mountain views set the tone for an unforgettable evening. The reception space felt like a cozy alpine retreat — rich wood interiors, twinkling string lights, and windows that framed the glowing sunset as if it were part of the décor. Crissy and Garrett’s friends and family filled the space with laughter, heartfelt toasts, and nonstop dancing. There’s something about celebrating in a space where nature and elegance blend so effortlessly — where fresh mountain air drifts through open decks and every moment feels grounded and elevated all at once. If you’ve ever dreamed of a wedding that feels both luxurious and deeply connected to nature, this is it.
Tips for Planning Your Own Mountain Wedding
Mountain weddings are stunning, but they come with their own little quirks — and that’s part of the adventure. Here are a few tips to help your day flow as beautifully as Crissy and Garrett’s:
– Plan ahead, then let go. Crissy’s prep made everything smooth, but the real magic came when she leaned into the moment.
– Dress for the setting. Layers are your best friend — mountain air can shift from warm sun to cool breezes fast. Plan a custom jacket or wrap to wear in the cool air!
– Think about timing. That golden light hits different in the mountains — early evening is chef’s kiss for portraits.
– Use the views. Venues like Silver Fork Lodge or mountaintop cabins make the whole landscape part of your wedding experience.
– Plan little comforts. Have bug spray, small blankets, and other small comforts for guests who may not have planned accurately for a mountain wedding experience.
Most of all, embrace the beauty around you — the trees, the sky, the silence, the stars. It’s all part of the story you’re telling.
Thinking About a Mountain Wedding in Utah? Let’s Chat!
If you’re dreaming of saying your vows surrounded by fresh air, golden light, and the beauty of Utah’s mountains — whether it’s a Deer Valley ski resort wedding or a mountaintop elopement — I’d love to help you capture it all. These kinds of weddings are my absolute favorite to photograph, and I’d be honored to help tell your story in a way that feels true, beautiful, and joy-filled.
👉 [Reach out here] to start planning your perfect mountain day. I can't wait to talk with you!
