Saddleback Mountain Wedding in Rangeley Maine

Brides, lgtbq, queer couple kissing at candlelit intimate dinner for their non-traditional Maine wedding at Saddleback Mountain in Rangeley Maine

If there’s one thing I could tell every couple planning a wedding, it’s this: do it your way. The weddings that feel the most meaningful (and end up being my favorites to photograph) are the ones that truly reflect the heart of a couple’s relationship. Ali and Kinzie’s Saddleback Maine wedding was exactly that. A perfect blend of their personalities and a celebration of one of their favorite places: the mountains of Maine. This blog post will highlight the best parts about getting married at Saddleback Mountain in Rangeley, Maine. And will also feature some amazing photos that show rain shouldn’t slow you down on your best day ever!

Getting Ready in the Cabins

One of the best parts about getting married at Saddleback Mountain is the convenience. Cabins and condos sit just minutes from the base, so the morning felt relaxed and easy. Ali and Kinzie got ready in separate cabins with their wedding parties, and the energy was light from the start. Music played, laughter echoed, and happy nerves filled the rooms. As a film wedding photographer, I love documenting these quieter moments. So I moved between details and candids, capturing hands fastening buttons and friends tearing up. Then, once they were ready, we headed to the base of the mountain for their first look.

wedding crocs funny non-traditional wedding photography maine

First Look at the Base of Saddleback Mountain

After both brides were done getting ready, we organized a simple first look for them at the base of the mountain. The couple shared a sweet moment of adoration for one another, seeing one another for the first time that day. They were excited to see all the details of outfits years in the making, and a vision finally come to life. We had a pocket of clearing from the rain and took the opportunity for a few photos with Ali’s truck at the base of Saddleback. The mountain view behind them was so beautiful, and set the tone and excitement for their ceremony that was to take place in just a few moments. We also were able to warm up by the fireplace and get some photos of Kinzie and Ali in front of the candles that gave a warm glow to the final images.

brides standing back to back before first look
brides first look at saddleback mountain in rangeley maine
brides kissing with ski lift behind them at saddleback mountain in rangeley maine
couple sitting in front of candles with fireplace behind them at saddleback mountain wedding venue
couple snuggled up on ski lift inside at Saddleback Mountain wedding reception venue in Rangeley Maine

A mountain ceremony in the clouds

Soon, guests began arriving for the ceremony at The Nest, perched at the summit of Saddleback Mountain in Rangeley, Maine. Because of the weather, guests could either ride up in an enclosed vehicle or brave the rain on the ski lift. Surprisingly, most chose the ski lift. That choice said so much about this group. Adventurous. Joyful. Fully in it. I truly believe guests reflect the couple, and their people were clearly ready for anything & they were full of so much love for Ali & Kinzie.

The energy carried all the way to the top, where fog rolled through the mountains and made it feel like they were getting married in the clouds. After the ceremony, Ali and Kinzie even rode the ski lift down themselves. Completely unfazed by the weather, sitting in trash bags with holes cut out for their arms and heads. It was the kind of moment that defines a non-traditional wedding. Letting go of expectation and joyously falling headfirst into the unexpected!

wedding guests in poncho's walking to ski-lift for saddleback maine wedding ceremony
wedding guests in poncho's walking to ski-lift for saddleback maine wedding ceremony
The Nest sign at the top of Saddleback Mountain Wedding Venue
coats and jackets piled up for the rain
moody indoor photo through the glass at The Nest at Saddleback Mountain. Black and white rainy foggy photo
film portrait of ceremony for two brides at The Nest at Saddleback Mountain Ski Resort in Rangeley Maine for a wedding ceremony
Photo of brides holding hands at a ceremony at The Nest at Saddleback Mountain Ski Resort in Rangeley, Maine for a wedding ceremony
candid black and white guest reaction photo at Saddleback Mountain Ski Resort during wedding ceremony
Photo of brides at a ceremony at The Nest at Saddleback Mountain Ski Resort in Rangeley, Maine for a wedding ceremony
Photo of brides kissing at their ceremony at The Nest at Saddleback Mountain Ski Resort in Rangeley, Maine
Photo of brides walking out of their ceremony at The Nest at Saddleback Mountain Ski Resort in Rangeley, Maine

Saddleback Mountain Ski Lift Shinanegans

A moment for all the adventurous souls who braved the rain to ride the ski-lift down the mountain. And two brides who wore trashbags on their wedding day & made them look hella good!

Wedding guests riding ski lift at Saddleback Mountain Maine Wedding
Wedding guests cheering for bride as they walk in the rain at Saddleback Mountain Wedding
Wedding guests cheering at the camera in ponchos as they walk in the rain at Saddleback Mountain Wedding
Brides, LGBTQ couple smiling at the camera with wedding banner that reads "you + me together forever" while sitting on a ski lift at Saddle Back Mountain in Rangeley Maine
Brides in trash bags in a silly pose at The Nest before heading out to the ski lift at their wedding at Saddleback Mountain in Rangeley Maine

A Candlelit Evening

Rain did not slow this day down. Instead, it brought a sense of adventure and closeness. A Saddleback Maine wedding in the rain feels cinematic, intimate, and genuine AF. Ali and Kinzie’s day is proof that the weather does not define your wedding. Your energy does! If you’re planning a non-traditional wedding in the mountains, lean into it. Embrace the fog. Ride the ski lift. Wear the trash bags if you have to.

As a Maine wedding photographer and film wedding photographer, I’m always ready to roll with whatever the day brings. If you’re searching for a wedding photographer who will hype you up and document it honestly, I would love to hear what you’re dreaming up!


Saddleback Maine Wedding Vendor Team

Planning your own Saddleback Maine wedding? Here is the incredible vendor team who made Ali and Kinzie’s mountain celebration come to life.

Venue: Saddleback Ski Resort

Saddleback Ski Resort
Saddleback Mountain is one of the most unique mountain wedding venues in Maine, offering summit ceremonies at The Nest and cozy on-site lodging.
Instagram: @saddlebackmaine | @saddlebackmaineweddings

Planner & Wedding Design: SRS Events

SRS Events
Expert planning and design for adventurous Maine weddings.
Instagram: @srsevents_maine

Photography: Emily Leonard Photography

Emily Leonard Photography
A Maine wedding photographer specializing in candid, film-inspired, and non-traditional wedding days. Documenting adventurous celebrations across Rangeley, the Maine mountains, and beyond.
Instagram: @emilyleonardphotography

Desserts: Two Fat Cats Bakery

Two Fat Cats Bakery
A beloved Maine bakery known for handcrafted pies and desserts.
Instagram: @twofatcatsbakery

Wedding Cake: Big Fish Cake Studio

Big Fish Cake Studio
Custom wedding cakes designed with artistry and personality.
Instagram: @bigfish_cakestudio

Wedding Bands: Summerwind Jewelers

Summerwind Jewelers
Fine jewelry and custom wedding bands.
Instagram: @summerwindjewelers

Large-Scale Floral Installations: Plant Office

Plant Office
Statement floral arrangements and creative installations.
Instagram: @plant.office

DJ & Entertainment: Maine Made Weddings

Maine Made Weddings
High-energy DJ services for Maine weddings.
DJ: Ryan Gavin


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