When your love story spans coastlines and your life is planted firmly in the Southwest, where do you gather friends and family for the biggest weekend of your lives? If you’re Allie and Zack, you head straight for the mountains—and not just any mountains, but the stunning, adventure-packed slopes of Mt. Hood, Oregon.

The Search for Mountain Vibes

Nature has always been a central part of Allie and Zack’s relationship, so choosing a mountain destination was a no-brainer. They cast a wide net searching for scenic venues across the U.S., but the moment they stumbled upon Mt. Hood Skibowl through Zola, they were sold.

“It checked all the boxes for us: breathtaking scenery, the perfect atmosphere, and a sense of adventure,” says Allie. “Plus, it was in a part of the country we had never been to but had always wanted to explore.”

Bonus points? The venue’s alpine slide gave guests a thrill ride right alongside heartfelt vows. And when Allie and Zack visited the quaint mountain town in person, it sealed the deal.

“The charming ski town surrounding the venue really won us over. Our guests could all stay nearby, which made the whole weekend feel so intimate.”

A Ceremony with Heart (and Group Vows!)

Allie and Zack’s ceremony was deeply personal and full of warmth. Their college best friend Erick officiated, having had a front-row seat to their relationship since day one. Allie’s mom gave a meaningful reading. And in a beautiful twist, the couple invited their guests to take part in a group vow.

“It was our way of including them in the ceremony, acknowledging the love and support they’ve given us throughout our journey,” Allie explains.

Personalized Details & Playful Touches

These two didn’t just get married in the mountains—they brought their personalities with them.

From a wine bottle seating chart (cheers to that) to a guest book made of playing cards (they’re serious about their game nights), the details were undeniably “Allie and Zack.” Even their dog Louie made a cameo—in cocktail form.

“We named our specialty drink the ‘Huckle-Louie Mule’ after him!” Allie laughs. “Little touches like that made it feel even more special.”

Destination Wedding, Elevated

Planning from afar didn’t mean sacrificing their vision. A few in-person visits helped, but it was the support of their dream team—including planner Kaitlyn of Reigel Wedding Services and photographer Kelcee of Escape and Adventure—that kept things on track.

“Kelcee went above and beyond by coordinating with all our vendors before the wedding,” Allie says. “The support from our vendors made all the difference.”

They also kept communication flowing with guests by using TextMyWedding.com, a tool Allie swears by.

“Guests could reply with photos of their own adventures, so we got to see what everyone was up to as they explored Oregon. It was such a fun way to stay connected!”

Allie’s Advice for Future Destination Couples

Looking back, Allie and Zack wouldn’t change a thing. A local wedding may have been simpler logistically, but the Oregon mountain adventure gave them—and their guests—so much more.

“A wedding closer to home would have likely meant a more traditional, single-day event. With a destination wedding, we were able to create an entire weekend experience,” Allie reflects.

Her top tip? Plan events outside the wedding day to really make the most of your time together. From welcome dinners to farewell breakfasts, Allie and Zack’s weekend was one long celebration.

“Most importantly, the best part of planning a destination wedding was making it uniquely us. We tuned out outside opinions and focused on what truly reflected our relationship and vision for the day. Because of that, we ended our wedding weekend with no regrets, just incredible memories shared with our closest family and friends.”

Vendors: Photographer: Escape and Adventure; Assistant Photographer: Overland Elopements; Planner: Reigel Wedding Services; Venue: Mt. Hood Skibowl; Florist: TableTops; Hair & Makeup: Wild Emerald; Bride’s Dress Shop: Brilliant Bridal; Groom’s Suit: Generation Tux; DJ: Noteworthy DJs